Van Reeuwijk Fruit & Flowers in Abbenes is a pick-your-own farm where you can harvest strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants, red and white currants, gooseberries, plums and cherries. The season runs from late May to early October, with the exact availability depending on the weather and ripening times. The farm also grows vegetables such as green beans, broad beans, runner beans, beetroot, courgettes, tomatoes and cucumbers, as well as butternut squash in late summer.
Strawberries grow at standing height in covered rows, making picking easier. You collect a basket with small containers from the shop, then pick what is ready in the fields. Each type of fruit or vegetable goes into a separate container for weighing. You pay by the kilo for what you pick—nothing can be returned once harvested. The farm does not require reservations, and you can pick in light rain, though wellies may be useful after heavy rain.
The farm is open Monday to Saturday from 8.00 to 17.00, with the picking fields closing at 16.00. It is closed on Sundays and on public holidays. Parking is free.
Alongside the picking fields, there is a farm shop selling seasonal flowers, potted plants, homemade jams, fruit syrups, honey and gift boxes. The on-site café serves coffee, tea, fresh apple juice and homemade cakes, including strawberry tart. A small play area with a sandpit is available for children, and the café and toilets are wheelchair-accessible.
What visitors say
Visitors come to pick strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, gooseberries, tomatoes, peppers and flowers, depending on the season. The fruit is large, sweet and fresh, and many say it tastes better than supermarket produce. The farm is especially popular with families: children enjoy picking and there is a playground and a sandpit. Most find the staff friendly and helpful, though a few have had a less pleasant experience.
The picking is straightforward and well organised, with clear signs and weighing at the checkout. Some rows can be crowded on busy days, and a few visitors complain that others take too much, leaving little for latecomers. The price is fair for the quality, though not cheap. After picking, you can have coffee, cake or homemade ice cream on the terrace or in the covered seating area. Parking is free and plentiful.