Why not pay a visit to a very local farm that offers a wide range of Pick Your Own (PYO) fruit and vegetables…
Hilltop Farm is on Vicarage Hill, Benfleet, Essex and is easily reached by bike, bus (with a short walk from Hadleigh) or by rail from Benfleet Station then a rather (steep walk) up hill to the farm…but it is all downhill on the return trip!!
The farm is located in a small secluded valley – and in a very peaceful and beautiful setting. Mr and Mrs Perkins who run the place are very friendly and knowledgeable- they also sell their fruit at the Hadleigh Farmer’s market, but the real fun is to be had picking your own especially the delicious plums, greengages and apples, including both cooking and eating varieties.
The valley also has lots of wildlife including badgers, woodpeckers, foxes and is a lovely spot just to relax in and enjoy after picking fruit etc
To find out what is available before you visit call 01268 752734 and listen to a recorded message telling you what is ready to pick and yet to come. The farm is open Tuesday- Sunday (closed mondays) 10.30am -4.30 pm .
Don’t forget to take some (recycled) pots or baskets for your fruit.
Nice Jam
We make a rather tasty jam using both Victoria Plums and Walnuts- the two
seem to go together really well.. if anyone wants the recipe let me know and I am happy to share – it comes (slightly adapted) from one of my favourite cookery books “A Glut of Plums” by Ann Carr , published by Merehurst Press in 1988.
pics and story supplied by Simon
Are you going to visit them now? What was your experience?
Southend-on-Sea in Transition 
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