Our Guide to Picking Autumnal Fruit in Somerset
There are few activities that capture the spirit of autumn quite like gathering fruit straight from the hedgerows or orchards. From juicy blackberries to crisp apples and pears, the season is full of opportunities to explore the countryside, enjoy a little gentle exercise, and take home delicious ingredients for seasonal recipes. For residents at Nynehead Court and their families, Somerset offers plenty of choice within easy reach, with September and October the perfect months to enjoy this simple pleasure.
One of the most popular fruits to forage is the blackberry. These small, dark berries appear in abundance along the lanes and hedgerows in late summer and throughout September. The waymarked cycle route to Killerton, just a short drive from Nynehead Court, is lined with hedges heavy with fruit during this time of year. All you need is a bowl or basket and a little patience. Blackberry picking is a rewarding way to spend a sunny afternoon and the berries make excellent pies, crumbles, jams, and even cordials. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy a taste of autumn later in the year.
If you prefer a more structured outing, there are organised “pick your own” farms across Somerset. These offer safe, accessible sites where you can gather fruit without worrying about roadside pollution or treated land. The National Trust also provides guides to some of the best places to pick blackberries and other hedgerow fruit across the region, encouraging people to reconnect with nature and try their hand at traditional foraging.
When picking blackberries in the wild, it is always important to follow a few safety tips. Avoid berries growing on busy roadsides or too close to the ground where animals may have passed. Only pick ripe fruit and wash it carefully before eating. A little care ensures that foraging remains both safe and enjoyable.
As September moves into October, attention turns to apples and pears. Somerset is famed for its orchards, and apple picking is as much a local tradition as it is a seasonal pastime. Apple varieties ripen at different times, with some ready in late summer and others not until late October or even November. Classic dessert apples are wonderful eaten straight from the tree, while cookers and heritage varieties lend themselves to pies, chutneys, or even cider-making.
A highly recommended outing is North Perrott Fruit Farm, which invites visitors to pick their own apples and pears from mid-July through to October. Whether you prefer to eat them fresh, bake them into tarts, or press them for juice, the experience of choosing fruit directly from the orchard is a delight. For many, it also brings back happy memories of childhood trips and harvest traditions.
Pears too have their moment in September and October. Sweet and soft when fully ripe, they pair beautifully with autumn spices like cinnamon and ginger. They are equally good roasted with savoury dishes, making them a versatile addition to your basket.
Pumpkin picking, although a little later in the season, is worth noting as well. By October, many farms across Somerset open their fields to visitors eager to choose their own pumpkin for cooking or decoration. While September is a little early for pumpkins, it is worth planning a trip for later in the autumn to enjoy this colourful tradition.
Together, blackberry and apple picking make a wonderful pairing. A simple apple and blackberry crumble is one of the best-known seasonal recipes and a perfect way to make use of your harvest. Served with custard or cream, it is warming, comforting, and a true taste of autumn.
Somerset’s farming community plays a key role in maintaining these traditions, with orchards, farms, and hedgerows offering spaces for everyone to enjoy. By taking part in fruit picking, you are supporting local producers, appreciating the natural world, and enjoying the health benefits of fresh air and gentle activity.
For our residents and their families, these outings are a chance to combine leisure with connection. Walking the hedgerows, visiting local orchards, and tasting fruit picked by hand create experiences that are as nourishing for the soul as they are for the table.
As the evenings draw in and the colours of autumn spread across the countryside, make time to enjoy the harvest on your doorstep. Pick a few blackberries, fill a basket with apples, or plan a pumpkin trip for October. It is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to enjoy Somerset at this time of year. Please get in touch to find out more about respite stays in this wonderful part of England.