Het Aardbeienterras is a family-run strawberry farm and recreational destination situated in Rijsbergen, Brabant, within the largest strawberry cultivation area in Europe. The farm, which has been growing strawberries since the 1950s, focuses on environmentally conscious and sustainable farming practices and is GLOBALG.A.P. certified.
Visitors can engage in the enjoyable activity of self-picking strawberries, typically available from late May. The strawberries are grown at an accessible height in pots within greenhouses, allowing both children and individuals using wheelchairs to comfortably harvest their own fruit from a trolley. After picking, participants can earn an official “strawberry picking diploma.” Additionally, guests have the opportunity to plant their own strawberry plant to take home, with the expectation of harvesting their own strawberries in 6 to 8 weeks.
The farm offers a variety of activities and attractions for all ages. It features cozy indoor and outdoor terraces, a large playground, and an indoor play tunnel. Activities include a free strawberry treasure hunt, a “Smuggling Treasure” route, and guided tours by the grower providing insights into strawberry cultivation. Workshops are also available, where participants can learn about planting, picking, and tasting strawberries. The premises include a games meadow with various outdoor games, a jeu de boules court, and unique experiences like Klootgolf and horse-drawn wagon rides. For those wishing to explore the surrounding area, bike rentals are available, providing access to the beautiful ‘De Pannenhoef’ nature reserve, which offers scenic walking and cycling routes, including the ‘Woody’s Adventure Path’ play forest and a Van Gogh walking route.
Het Aardbeienterras is also a venue for diverse events and gatherings, such as family celebrations, corporate outings, school trips, and children’s birthday parties, with flexible, customizable options. The food and drink offerings are extensive, ranging from strawberry-themed high teas (‘High Strawberry’) and picnic baskets to traditional Brabantse coffee tables, barbecues, and a mobile chip van. Seasonal events like the popular Easter Egg Festival, featuring egg hunts among strawberry plants in private greenhouses, and special autumn and Mother’s Day events, are regularly organized.
The farm generally operates from late March/April until November. Entry is free, and ample complimentary parking is available for both cars and buses. The facilities, including indoor and outdoor terraces and toilets, are wheelchair accessible. A farm shop on site sells fresh strawberries, strawberry plants, and various strawberry-themed gifts.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm consistently earns accolades as a delightful and engaging destination, particularly for families with young children. Visitors frequently commend the hands-on experience of picking fresh, delicious strawberries directly from the greenhouses, an activity that often culminates in children proudly receiving a “strawberry diploma.”
Beyond the picking, the farm boasts a range of child-friendly attractions. A large, often spacious and well-fenced outdoor playground is a significant draw, featuring various equipment, including bouncy castles, swings, and even small pools or water play areas during warm weather. An indoor play space is also available for inclement days. Complementing these are additional activities like scavenger hunts and special seasonal events during holidays such as Easter and Halloween, which are particularly popular. Many appreciate the educational opportunities to learn about strawberry cultivation. The free entry to the play areas and ample, often free, parking are consistently highlighted as considerable benefits.
The culinary experience naturally revolves around its star produce: strawberries. Guests relish a variety of strawberry-themed treats, from fresh berries with cream to milkshakes, smoothies, waffles, and poffertjes. While the fresh strawberries themselves receive universal acclaim for their taste and quality, the other food items sometimes elicit mixed reviews, occasionally described as dry, pre-packaged, or not always offering the best value. Specific mentions of coffee and chocolate sauce quality also appear.
The staff generally receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and enthusiastic demeanor, contributing significantly to the welcoming atmosphere. Reviewers often describe the overall ambiance as cozy, charming, and well-maintained. However, some minor criticisms include a desire for updated playground equipment, occasional slow service during peak times, and unclear information on the website regarding daily strawberry picking availability. The presence of wasps is also noted during certain seasons, although the farm reportedly takes measures to address this.
In essence, the farm is celebrated as a fantastic, hospitable, and generally affordable spot that effectively blends agricultural education with family entertainment, making it a highly recommended outing for several hours of enjoyment and delicious, fresh produce.