Best places to pick blackberries

Visitor foraging for blackberries at Lytes Cary Manor, Somerset — Foraging for blackberries in autumn | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

If you're out walking in late summer, look out for ripe blackberries growing in hedgerows and try a bit of foraging. Don't forget to arm young ones with bags, bowls or baskets and it won’t be long until everyone’s lips are dyed purple.

Responsible foraging

Blackberries are delicious treats – for people and wildlife. When you go blackberry picking, only pick in areas of abundance and remember to leave some for birds and animals that might also like to eat them.

The Argory: Take the path along the River Blackwater to find blackberries bursting out of hedgerows. Alternatively, walk through the woodland to see what's ripe for the picking there.Pick blackberries at The Argory
Brimham Rocks, North Yorkshire: Most visitors to Brimham Rocks will come for the balancing rock formations, but it’s worth taking a closer look for smaller treasures. If you visit in early September you might catch the tail end of the bilberry season too, and as autumn progresses there'll be plenty of blackberries to gather.Pick blackberries at Brimham Rocks
Buckland Abbey, Devon: Take in the views along the waymarked woodland trails and pick blackberries as you go. On the blue route there are excellent picking spots along the paths in the Great North Wood. For a slightly shorter walk, the start of the red route is also a great spot for berries.Pick blackberries at Buckland Abbey

Children picking blackberries in the gardens at Kingston Lacy, Dorset — Children picking blackberries in late summer | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Castle Ward, County Down: Follow the Shore Trail to find the best spots for collecting blackberries at Castle Ward. Find hedgerows brimming with berries along the shores of Strangford Lough.Pick blackberries at Castle Ward
Crom, County Fermanagh: Escape to the wilds of Fermanagh this Autumn and discover an abundance of blackberries at every turn as you uncover the smaller treasures of Crom. Forage for the juiciest berries along your walk, make sure to sample a few along the way.Pick blackberries at Crom
Croome, Worcestershire: During autumn, the blackberry bushes near the Chinese Bridge at Croome are brimming with shiny black fruit. Walk around the park to help you work up an appetite for eating berries straight from the bush, or collect a few to make a fresh autumnal recipe at home.Pick blackberries at Croome
Flatford, Suffolk : On the warm days of late September, the berries in the hedgerows around Flatford inspire the seasonal produce in the tea-room. The team don’t have to go far to find blackberries – there’s often a hedgerow filled with them just outside the door.Pick blackberries at Flatford

Blackberries growing across stone on the Whitehaven coast, Cumbria — Ripe blackberries in autumn | © National Trust Images/Joe Cornish

Great Coxwell Barn: Come and collect some of nature's bountiful harvest hiding in the hedgerows around the 13th-century stone barn. Snack as you pick, or take them home to create seasonal bakes and cakes.Pick blackberries at Great Coxwell Barn
Hatfield Forest, Essex: Among the oldest hunting woodlands in Europe, Hatfield Forest is home to towering ancient trees and wildlife. You won't need to look far to find the many blackberries dotted around the forest in autumn.Pick blackberries in Hatfield Forest
Killerton, Devon: This waymarked cycle route to Killerton is lined with hedges filled with blackberries in autumn. Bring a bucket or basket and take some home with you to try out in a seasonal recipe.Pick blackberries at Killerton
River Wey, Surrey  : If you need an excuse to spend a day by the river, then why not take a walk to hunt for blackberries? There are plenty of bushes along the riverbank, and it's a great way to get one of your five-a-day.Pick blackberries along the River Wey
Sizergh, Cumbria  : Sizergh's woodlands bear lots of sweet berries. In autumn the hedgerows and surrounding woodlands, like Brigsteer Wood and Low Park Wood, are great places for blackberry and wild raspberry picking. Damsons and apples are also ripening in the orchard in Holeslack Wood.Pick blackberries at Sizergh