Nestled in the countryside near Rijsbergen, in the heart of Europe’s largest strawberry-growing region, Het Aardbeienterras is a family-run strawberry farm and recreation center. Since the 1950s, the Bastiaansen family has been cultivating strawberries with passion and care, and since 1997, they have welcomed visitors to enjoy the farm, its produce, and a wide range of activities. The farm focuses on sustainable, environmentally-friendly growing practices, using green energy and biological pest control. Entry and parking are always free for all visitors.
The main self-pick activity is strawberries. Visitors can pick their own strawberries from approximately mid-May through the end of October. The strawberries are grown in pots on elevated trellises, allowing children (ages 3–12) to ride a cart underneath while cutting the fruit. Picking costs €4.00 per box and includes an official “strawberry cutting diploma.” In addition to picking, visitors can also plant their own strawberry plant to take home (available until early August), which will bear fruit in 6 to 8 weeks.
Het Aardbeienterras is open every day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The season runs from April through November, with indoor activities and covered spaces available during cooler or rainy weather. The farm offers a variety of other activities, including guided tours, a strawberry treasure hunt, a smuggling treasure hunt, a farm quiz, old Dutch games, and the “Schop de Kwar” ball game. There is also a large playground, an indoor play tunnel, a jeu de boules court, and bike rental available for groups. Guests can enjoy food and drink options like the “High Strawberry” afternoon tea, Brabantse koffietafel, picnics, barbecues, and the famous sorbet “Agnes.” The farm is wheelchair accessible, with accessible parking and toilets. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor terrace but not inside, in the playground, or in the greenhouses. Special group events and children’s parties are popular, and visitors are advised to bring cash, as digital payment can sometimes be unreliable in the rural area.
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.