You might think of pumpkins when it comes to autumn, and we have those in buckets, but the humble apple also comes into its own during this season. A staple in any household, it may feel a little mundane to shout about apples, but they’re a hidden gem of British nature and deserve a bit of attention when they come into season. We’ve plenty of apple picking opportunities and gorgeous orchards in and around Manchester, so here’s just a few.
1. Mersey Vale Nature Park Community Orchard, Stockport
Mersey Vale Nature Park in Manchester is a wonderful destination any day of the week, with two ponds with dipping platforms, a wildflower meadow and one of the city’s traditional community-run orchards, with apple picking in abundance. Although fruit picking isn’t a structured activity at the Manchester orchard, the public is welcome to wander through the trees, taking in what nature has to offer, and pick the tasty apples for themselves, free of charge.
Visitors are encouraged to help protect the natural environment by following the countryside code, which includes following signs and instructions, but the aim of the local nature reserve and Site of Biological Importance is to educate and support locals in eating healthily and understanding the importance of local produce. This is more of an informal fruit picking experience, but the traditional apples are well worth searching for this autumn.
đźš— 30 min drive from Manchester city centre.
đź“Ť Mersey Vale Nature Park, Battersea Rd, Stockport, SK4 2BN.
2. Woore Fruit Farm, Crewe
Boasting lots of fruit throughout the year, Woore Fruit Farm is bursting at the seams with apples in the autumn time. Opening times vary depending on the ripeness and availability of the crops, so keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates if you fancy filling your boots with a Golden Delicious or two. Woore Fruit Farm suggests that you give them a call before travelling to check the latest opening times and availability, on 01630 647042.
đźš— 1hr 30 min drive from Manchester city centre.
đź“Ť Woore Fruit Farm, Newcastle Rd, Woore, Crewe, CW3 9RE.
3. Apple Day at Tatton Park Orchards, Knutsford
Tatton Park hosts a scrumptious weekend at the Farm and in the Gardens to celebrate the wonderful apple. Join in games and children’s activities and taste delicious varieties from Tatton’s historic orchards, with apple goods on sale in the shops and restaurants. Apple Day takes place this year on October 6, 10am-4pm.
All year round, the walled orchard contains varieties of fruit which are known to have been grown in Cheshire during the Edwardian period. Apples, pears, plums, gages and cherries are all present in various forms, including the apple varieties ‘Charles Ross’, ‘Rival’ and ‘Renown’ and a large variety of northern and Cheshire cultivars. The orchard is there to be admired by the public, and events throughout the year offer produce in one way or another, so keep an eye on the website.
đźš— 45 min drive from Manchester city centre.
đź“ŤTatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6SG.
4. The Dunham Apple Festival
Introducing a new autumn tradition — the Dunham Apple Festival! Hosted by the team behind Dunham Pumpkins and The Apple Barn, this festival is designed to offer a delightful and immersive experience for all ages. Set against the backdrop of the scenic 20-acre orchard at Boundary Farm, the festival begins with an interactive apple-picking adventure. With assistance from the friendly Dunham Apple Festival staff, you’ll handpick apples directly from the orchard.
The fun doesn’t stop there—once you’ve gathered your apples, you’ll be guided to a pressing and tasting session. Dunham Apple Festival takes place every weekend between Saturday 21 September and Sunday 20 October, and all week from Monday 28 October – Friday 1 November. Festival sessions run at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm – one ticket is required per person, and you can find them here.
đźš— 50 min drive from Manchester city centre.
đź“ŤBoundary Farm, Sawpit St, Dunham Massey, Cheshire WA14 5SJ.
5. Salford Community Orchards
Greater Manchester initiative City of Trees has ensured local communities have orchards to be proud of, in several areas, but most notably Salford. These are as follows: Parkway, Little Hulton; Parr Fold Park, Walkden; Walkden High School; Lightbourne Green, Swinton; Lightoaks Park, Claremont; Riverbank Park, Kersal; Albert Park, Broughton; Green Grosvenor Park, Broughton; Ordsall Allotments, Ordsall; Monmouth Park, Ordsall and Fairhills Road, Irlam.
These orchards are for the communities to enjoy, the fruits of which are free to pick and scoff. You can find your nearest orchard, and news on local tree planting, here and get picking.
đźš— 10 – 40 min drive from Manchester city centre.
You’ll notice an abundance of community orchards in Greater Manchester – to find out how you can get involved, or find your nearest initiative, visit the Groundwork website.