The harvest season is in full swing here at Apteds Orchards, and there’s no better time to visit than now! From February to May, we’re harvesting some of the most delicious and sought-after fruits of the year, and we’re inviting you to be part of the experience. Whether you're looking to pick your own fruit at the weekend or plan a fun-filled tour with your group, we have something for everyone this season.
Come Pick Your Own Fruit
There’s nothing quite like picking fruit fresh from the tree, and at Apteds Orchards, we offer a range of varieties that will satisfy any fruit enthusiast. On weekends, we welcome visitors to come and pick their own fruit, creating lasting memories with family and friends. Take a stroll through the orchard, enjoy the beauty of nature, and pick some of the juiciest, ripest fruit straight from the tree!
Here’s a peek at some of the fruit varieties you'll find ripe for the picking this season:
Gala Apples
The sweet, crisp bite of a Gala apple is an experience you won’t want to miss! Known for their vibrant red and yellow skin, these apples are perfect for snacking, baking, or even making fresh applesauce. With their juicy, crisp texture and balanced sweetness, Gala apples are a favourite for both children and adults alike.
Honeycrisp Apples
If you’re looking for an apple that’s perfectly sweet and refreshingly tart, look no further than Honeycrisp apples. These apples are incredibly crisp, with a burst of juiciness that’s perfect for munching on during your orchard adventure. Their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness makes them ideal for eating raw, baking into pies, or adding to salads.
Golden Delicious Apples
For those who prefer a milder, sweeter apple, our Golden Delicious apples are a must-try. With their smooth, yellow skin and tender, honey-like flavour, these apples are perfect for making delicious homemade apple pies, fruit salads, or simply enjoying as a light, satisfying snack. Their sweetness is just right, and they’re also fantastic for juicing!
Williams Pears
The Williams pear, also known as Bartlett, is a juicy, fragrant pear variety that’s incredibly popular during the harvest season. With its smooth, green skin that ripens to a golden hue, Williams pears are perfect for enjoying fresh or baking into a decadent pear tart. Their soft texture and sweet flavour are a treat for anyone with a love for fruit.
Packham Pears
Another favourite in the orchard is the Packham pear. This variety is slightly firmer than the Williams pear, making it perfect for both eating fresh and cooking with. With a sweet, mellow flavour and a firm texture, Packham pears are fantastic for poaching, making pear preserves, or simply enjoying with cheese and crackers.
Tour Groups: A Weekday Delight
In addition to our weekend pick-your-own experiences, we’re thrilled to welcome tour groups during the week by appointment. Whether you’re a school group, a corporate outing, or a gathering of friends and family, our tours offer a hands-on, educational experience that takes you through the orchard to learn about sustainable farming practices and the fruit harvest process.
Our experienced guides will walk you through the orchard, sharing fun facts about the different varieties of apples and pears we grow, how we care for our trees, and what makes our fruit so special. After the tour, guests can enjoy sampling some of the fresh fruit, take a leisurely stroll around the farm, or even try their hand at picking their own fruit!
Why Visit Now?
There’s no better time to visit Apteds Orchards than during harvest season! Not only will you be able to experience the joy of picking your own fruit, but you’ll also get to enjoy the beauty of the orchard as the trees are heavy with ripe, juicy fruit. And with our range of delicious apple and pear varieties, you’ll find something for every taste.
Plan Your Visit
- Pick Your Own: Saturdays and Sundays (9 AM - 4 PM)
- Group Tours: Weekdays by appointment
Whether you’re looking for a fun weekend outing or an educational group experience, there’s something special happening at Apteds Orchards right now. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit us during our harvest season—fresh fruit, scenic views, and family fun await!
See you at the orchard soon!
