Best places to pick blackberries

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

If you're out walking in early autumn, look for ripe blackberries growing in the 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 stained purple.

Responsible foraging

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

The Argory, County Armagh: 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
Castle Ward, County Down: Follow the Shore Trail to find the best spots for collecting blackberries at Castle Ward. There are hedgerows brimming with berries along the banks 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. Forage for the juiciest berries along your walk, and make sure you sample a few along the way.Pick blackberries at Crom

A lady reaches up to pick blackberries from a bush while facing the camera — Foraging for blackberries in autumn | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Croome, Worcestershire: During autumn, the blackberry bushes near the Chinese Bridge at Croome are dripping with shiny black fruit. Walk around the park to work up an appetite for eating them straight from the bush, or collect a few to make a comforting autumnal pudding at home.Pick blackberries at Croome
Flatford, Suffolk : On the warmish days of early autumn, 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 a hedgerow often filled with them just outside the door.Pick blackberries at Flatford 
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 laden blackberry bushes dotted around the forest in autumn.Pick blackberries in Hatfield Forest

a sparrow on a blackberry bush — A sparrow eyes ripe blackberries in autumn | © National Trust Images/Hilary Daniel

Killerton, Devon: The waymarked cycle route to Killerton is lined with hedges filled with blackberries in autumn. Bring a bowl or basket and take some home with you to try out in a warming 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 search 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  : You'll find plenty of autumn fruits in Sizergh's woodlands. The hedgerows and surrounding woods, such as Brigsteer and Low Park, are great places for wild raspberry and blackberry picking. Damsons and apples are also ripening in the orchard in Holeslack Wood.Pick blackberries at Sizergh