Kid-friendly cafés & restaurants
Apple picking & farm cafés: September family days out
September is the best month for pick-your-own apples, and farm shops with family-friendly cafés turn it into an easy, low-cost day out. After the back-to-school rush, a weekend in the orchard is a gentle way to get everyone outside. Children fill baskets, run between the trees and then tuck into soup, scones or apple cake in a café that's happy to see them.
Why kid-friendly farm cafés matter
A good family café makes the difference between a relaxed day out and a rushed sandwich in the car. After an hour of picking, small children are hungry, muddy and tired. A café with high chairs, a play area and simple food lets parents sit down for a hot drink while the kids refuel.
Farm cafés usually cook with what's grown on site, so it's also a good chance to show children where their food comes from.
What makes family-friendly cafés stand out
The best family-friendly cafés have a play corner, a kids' menu, high chairs and baby change, plus space for pushchairs.
- Play corner or garden: toys, books or an outdoor play area within sight of the tables.
- Kids' menu: small portions, simple choices and a healthy option or two.
- High chairs and booster seats: enough for busy weekends.
- Baby change: in a clean, accessible toilet.
- Space: wide aisles and room to park a pushchair without blocking the way.
10 pick-your-own farms and farm cafés by region
Surrey, Kent and the Midlands have the most pick-your-own farms, but there are great options from Essex to Fife. Check opening hours, what's ready to pick and prices on the official website before you go.
| Place | Area | Pick your own | Play area | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garsons | Esher, Surrey | yes | no | ££ |
| Crockford Bridge Farm | Weybridge, Surrey | yes | yes | ££ |
| Brogdale Collections | Faversham, Kent | orchard tours | no | ££ |
| Tiptree Tea Rooms | Tiptree, Essex | no | no | ££ |
| Daylesford | Cotswolds | no | no | £££ |
| Lower Drayton Farm | Staffordshire | yes | yes | ££ |
| Kenyon Hall Farm | Warrington | yes | yes | ££ |
| The Balloon Tree | near York | yes | yes | ££ |
| Craigie's Farm | Edinburgh | yes | yes | ££ |
| Cairnie Fruit Farm | Fife | yes | yes | ££ |
Price for a family lunch: £ = under about £20, ££ = about £20–£45, £££ = over £45. Rough guide only, prices change.
Find family-friendly cafés near London on the Kid.ooo map
South East. Garsons in Esher is one of the biggest pick-your-own farms near London, with a large restaurant. Crockford Bridge Farm near Weybridge adds a play area and seasonal events. In Kent, Brogdale Collections is home to the National Fruit Collection, with orchard tours that amaze curious kids.
East and the Cotswolds. Tiptree Tea Rooms in Essex sit on the jam makers' own estate, perfect for scones. Daylesford in the Cotswolds is a smart organic farm shop café for a treat lunch.
Midlands and North. Lower Drayton Farm in Staffordshire and Kenyon Hall Farm near Warrington combine picking with play areas. Near York, The Balloon Tree has a farm shop, café and outdoor play.
Scotland. Craigie's Farm on the edge of Edinburgh has views over the Forth, and Cairnie Fruit Farm in Fife is famous for its maze and play barn.
Find farm cafés near Edinburgh on the Kid.ooo map
Seasonal treats this month
September is all about apples, blackberries, plums and the first pumpkins, and farm cafés make the most of them. Look out for apple crumble, blackberry muffins, plum cake and warming soups. Many farm shops also sell fresh apple juice that children love.
Back home, use your haul for apple flapjacks or a simple crumble. Picking blackberries along public footpaths is free, just avoid low branches near busy roads.
Tips for a calm meal out with kids
Eat early, sit near the play area and bring a small bag of activities, and most meals out will go smoothly.
- Arrive before the lunchtime rush, ideally before noon.
- Order the children's food first, or ask for it to come out straight away.
- Pack crayons, a small book or stickers.
- Take turns: one adult orders while the other heads outside with the kids.
- Leave on a high, before everyone gets tired.
If the weather turns, our list of the best soft play centres in the UK includes farm parks with indoor play. For more farm days out, our Easter egg hunt trails guide covers farm parks such as Cotswold Farm Park and Odds Farm Park.
For honest parenting and Scottish days out ideas, take a look at @everyday_withleo on Instagram.
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Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents add and rate kid-friendly cafés, farm shops and playgrounds. Use it to find kid-friendly cafés near me, and leave a quick rating after your visit so other parents know what to expect.
Find and rate kid-friendly cafés on the Kid.ooo map
Missing your favourite farm café? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other families find a great lunch stop this autumn.
Frequently asked questions
When is apple picking season in the UK?
Early apple varieties ripen from late August, and most pick-your-own farms have apples through September and into October. Each farm posts what's ready to pick on its website or social media.
What makes a café family-friendly?
Look for high chairs, a short kids' menu, baby change, space for pushchairs and ideally a play corner or garden. Friendly staff who don't mind a bit of mess make all the difference.
Can toddlers go pick-your-own?
Yes, apples on low branches and fruit on the ground are easy for small hands, and toddlers love filling a basket. Bring a pushchair or carrier for the walk back and wellies for muddy rows.
Where do kids eat free in the UK?
Several family pub chains and supermarket cafés run kids eat free deals, usually with an adult meal and often in school holidays. Check the terms locally, as offers change often.
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