U-pick farm Fruitkwekerij 't Keetje

’t Keetje is a fruit farm and care farm located in Lutjebroek, originally established in 1988. The farm features a small orchard of about 2 hectares, a farm shop, a lunchroom, and a care farm offering daytime activities. The site also includes an experience garden and a glass “living room” for relaxation and activities.

Visitors can self-pick a variety of fruit during the summer and autumn months. The selection includes apples (such as Elstar, Delcorf, Jonagold, Santana, Braeburn, Welland, Alkmene, James Grieve, and Goudreinette), pears (including Conference, Doyenné, Gieser Wildeman, Forelle, and Gravin Gepa), as well as plums, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, and various berries. To pick fruit, guests can get a basket or container from the farm shop, pick what they like, and pay at the shop.

The farm shop and lunchroom are open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The lunchroom is closed on Mondays. The entire farm is closed on Sundays and public holidays. The facility is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking, seating, and toilets. Parking is free and available on-site. The farm is operated by a female entrepreneur and accepts payments by debit card, contactless mobile payment, and credit card.

What visitors say

This self-picking farm and garden consistently garners high praise from visitors, establishing itself as a beloved destination for families. Guests frequently commend its exceptional child-friendly amenities, including expansive playgrounds with go-karts and sandpits, opportunities to observe farm animals, and the popular activity of picking fresh fruit directly from the orchards. The on-site café is a significant highlight, with many reviewers extolling its “unbeatable” homemade apple pie, often enjoyed alongside excellent coffee or cappuccino. The menu also offers delightful lunches, including hearty “farmer’s lunches” and comprehensive high teas, as well as other delectable baked goods like carrot cake.

The accompanying farm shop is a treasure trove of fresh, local, and often organic products, making it an ideal place to find unique gifts or replenish one’s pantry. A notable and highly appreciated aspect is the establishment’s operation as a care farm, providing valuable work opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The staff are consistently described as friendly, helpful, cheerful, and passionate, contributing to the overall cozy and relaxed atmosphere of the venue, which also features a vibrant terrace and a charming new conservatory. It’s often recommended as a perfect stop during cycling or walking tours, further benefiting from ample free parking and well-maintained grounds.

While the overwhelming sentiment is positive, a few minor points were mentioned, such as occasional delays in service for large groups, isolated instances of specific food items not meeting expectations (like a dry toastie or apple pie made with margarine), or the need for more maintenance on playground equipment. Nevertheless, these minor critiques do not overshadow the general consensus of a welcoming environment offering excellent food, engaging activities, and commendable social responsibility.

Facilities in this u-pick farm

Farm shop Farm shop

De Bosmantel

3.3 km — noord-holland

De Bosmantel is a nature-inclusive farm and market garden in Andijk that grows a wide variety of vegetables, fruit, and flowers without the use of pesticides or artificial fertilizers. The farm prioritizes biodiversity, sustainable soil management, and minimal water usage, operating on a small scale with light, hand-operated tools. In addition to a farm shop offering a diverse range of products—including vegetables, fruit, dairy, bread, meat, eggs, honey, pantry staples, and non-food items—the farm runs a vegetable subscription service and a pick-your-own flower garden. The pick-your-own flower garden is open during the summer season. The farm grows various fruits on its own land, such as strawberries, berries, apples, and plums, and is working to expand this selection. The shop and subscription service offer seasonal vegetables, many of which are grown on-site.

Firma van der Aarde

3.4 km — noord-holland

Firma van der Aarde is a family-run fruit farm located at De Hout 13 in Hem, Netherlands, with over a century of agricultural history. The farm has transitioned from conventional methods to fully biological (organic) practices, officially receiving SKAL certification in September 2023. It is open every day of the week from 08:00 to 18:00, and a farm shop vending machine is available around the clock for self-service purchases. Visitors can self-pick fruit through a unique tree adoption program. By adopting an apple or pear tree for €30 per year, guests are invited to harvest their own fruit, especially during the picking season. Available apple varieties include Summercrisp (ready in August), Santana (ready in September), and Wellant (ready in late September). Pear varieties include Doyenne du Comice (ready in October) and Gieser Wildeman, a cooking pear (ready in October and November). The farm also offers pre-picked fruit and produce for direct sale via its vending machine, including apples, pears, apple-pear juice, and eggs, with prices such as €5 for 2 kg of apples, pears, or stewing pears, and €15 for 5 liters of juice.

Vriend Aardbeien

10.3 km — noord-holland

Vriend Aardbeien is a family-run strawberry farm located in Benningbroek, with over 50 years of experience in strawberry cultivation. The farm grows and sells strawberries, along with regional products available in their on-site farm shop. The strawberry season runs from mid-April to the end of December. Self-picking days are organized in October; registration for these begins on September 1st. Large groups of 25 or more can request a visit at other times.

Marja's Bloemenpluktuin

18.2 km — noord-holland

Marja’s Bloemenpluktuin is a pick-your-own flower garden located in Spierdijk, offering a colorful and fragrant oasis for visitors. In addition to flowers, the farm provides opportunities to pick edible blossoms, herbs for tea and cooking, and soft fruit directly from the trees. A farm stand offers seasonal vegetables, homemade honey, and various teas from the garden. The garden is open for self-picking from mid-June to August, while guided tours are available by appointment from April to mid-September for groups of up to 10 people. The garden is closed during the winter months until spring begins, though tours may still be booked. Payment can be made in cash, via QR code, or through a Tikkie payment link. A self-service bicycle repair station is also available on site for visitors who arrive by bike.