Apple picking is a classic autumn activity, running from September through October. It marks the start of the harvest season, giving you the chance to enjoy the outdoors, see the changing colours, and take home apples for pies and crumbles.
It’s popular for different reasons, families love it as an affordable day out, while couples treat it as a seasonal date idea. With orchards across the UK opening their gates, it’s the perfect time to plan a visit. Before you set off, check your route and make sure your car is road-ready, as many orchards sit down rural lanes where autumn leaves and rain can make driving tricky.
In this blog, we highlight the UK’s most popular apple-picking spots and share practical driving tips to make your orchard road trip safe and stress-free.
This year, apple picking has emerged as one of the hottest autumnal activities, thanks to a recent TikTok that went viral. Gaining over 1.1 million views in 24 hours, users were flooding the comments sharing their excitement, one stating: "Apple picking is a must in September" and “My dream date” on kaitlinaraya post.
The hashtag #applepicking now has over 55,900 videos on TikTok, and interest shows no sign of slowing. In fact, UK Google searches for “apple picking” have risen by 110% in the past month. To find out where people are heading, we analysed search data to highlight the most popular orchards across the country and share some useful driving tips for getting there.
Our research looked at yearly Google search volumes for 30 orchards and farms across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. From that, we identified the ten most popular apple-picking destinations.
All of the orchards in the list below have on-site parking and run pick-your-own sessions, making them ideal for families, couples, and food lovers. The table shows the relative search interest, giving an idea of where demand is highest.
Rank | Orchard | Location | On-site parking | Yearly Search Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Garsons Farm Orchard | Esher, Surrey | Yes | 18,100 |
2 | Trevaskis Farm | Connor Downs, Hayle | Yes | 12,100 |
3 | Lathcoats Farm | Galleywood, Essex | Yes | 9,900 |
4 | Clive’s Fruit Farm | Upton Upon Severn, Worcester | Yes | 7,750 |
5 | Galley Hill Farm | Alford, Lincolnshire | Yes | 7,050 |
6 | Craigies Farm | South Queensferry, Edinburgh | Yes | 6,600 |
7 | Meopham Farm | Meopham, Kent | Yes | 5,710 |
8 | Drove Orchard | Hunstanton, Norfolk | Yes | 4,930 |
9 | Felderland Farm | Deal, Kent | Yes | 4,750 |
10 | Chegworth Farm | West Farleigh, Kent | Yes | 3,550 |
These numbers give a sense of which orchards attract the most online interest. Keep in mind that search volume doesn’t tell the whole story. Many smaller farms offer fantastic experiences without attracting high search traffic. Always check opening times and availability before you travel.
Garsons Farm Orchard is revealed as the most popular apple-picking spot in the UK
Taking the hotspot as the UK’s best apple orchard is Garsons Farm Orchard. Located in Esher, Surrey, around a 50-minute drive from central London, it’s a family-run farm first established in 1871.
Once the supplier of fresh crops to Borough Market, Garsons Farm is now an award-winning destination, complete with a garden centre, farm shop and restaurant.
Garsons Farm Orchard prides itself on offering one of the UK’s largest Pick-Your-Own experiences. From apples to pumpkins, visitors can harvest more than 30 varieties of fruits and vegetables throughout the growing season.
During September, the orchard bursts with ripe apples, ready for picking, making it a must-visit destination for families, couples, and food lovers seeking a true taste of autumn.
Trevaskis Farm takes second place
Nestled in the heart of the Cornish countryside, Trevaskis Farm secures the second spot as one of the UK’s most popular apple orchards. It's located in the small village of Connor Downs near Hayle, and it’s about a 3-hour 30 minute drive from Bristol, making it a doable day out or a weekend stop if you’re exploring Cornwall.
Trevaskis Farm spans 28 acres of farmland, offering visitors an immersive Pick-Your-Own experience from a wide selection of seasonal fruits.
From September, Trevaskis Farm’s Orchard comes to life, as rows of apples are ripe for the picking.
Lathcoats Farm completes the top three
Situated in Galleywood, Essex, it’s roughly a 1-hour 15 minute drive from London, making it an easy day trip from the capital.
With over 40 different apple varieties grown on-site, Lathcoats Farm is known for its wide variety of heritage and traditional apples.
Throughout September, Lathcoats Farm invites visitors to explore and pick their own apples from one of the widest selections in the UK.
Below we have listed five top tips for visiting an apple orchard this autumn.Following a few simple steps will make your trip safer and more enjoyable.
- Research the route - Apple orchards and farms can often be in rural locations, so it’s essential to research the route ahead of time. Ensure that any directions are downloaded to your vehicle or navigation device, just in case you lose reception whilst driving.
- Check your car’s condition - Before heading to an apple orchard this autumn, it is essential to ensure your vehicle is ready for a road trip. Always test out your vehicle’s battery, brakes, headlights and windshield wipers before embarking on a long journey. Likewise, always check your vehicle’s tyre pressure, fluid levels and fuel to ensure your vehicle is in good condition.
- Prepare for seasonal hazards - As we enter autumn, seasonal hazards such as falling leaves, sun glare and even early frost can cause challenges to drivers. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful when driving, especially on rural country roads.
- Don’t forget your raincoat - Autumn weather can be unpredictable, therefore it’s crucial to dress appropriately when apple picking this autumn. Many apple orchards and farms are located on farmland and fields, so having a raincoat and Wellington boots will be essential for staying warm and dry this autumn.
- Pack a basket or bucket for your apples - Always keep a basket or bucket in your vehicle for taking your apples home.
“Autumn road trips to rural orchards are a great idea at this time of year, but they require a bit of planning. Check your tyres, battery and lights before you leave, and be ready for narrow lanes and fallen leaves. Drive at a steady pace, stay alert for wildlife, and keep essential breakdown items in the car.”
A visit to a pick‑your‑own orchard is a great way to celebrate the season. With proper preparation and the right vehicle, you can relax and focus on making memories. Here at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts we have a wide range of leasing deals to suit families and couples. We have been providing our customers with an unrivalled choice of cars and vans since 2002. We offer an unrivalled choice of cars and vans with competitive leasing quotations available at the touch of a button.
Whether you need a spacious SUV & 4X4 for muddy boots or a compact hatchback for country lanes, there’s a deal for you. A reliable vehicle will make the most of your autumn adventures. Use our simple car leasing comparison tool to compare models, prices and contract lengths. For more information, browse our in-depth car leasing guides or speak to one of our specialists at 0345 811 9595.
Originally posted: 22nd September 2025
