Oest Farm & Stay in Ritthem is a pick-your-own farm set in a six-hectare food forest and permaculture garden. Visitors can harvest seasonal vegetables, fruits, herbs, flowers and edible plants directly from the land between April and September. The farm grows a wide variety of produce, including leafy greens, root vegetables, berries, apples, pears and nuts, as well as edible flowers and wild herbs. A separate vegetable garden managed by a local grower supplies additional seasonal crops like tomatoes, potatoes and courgettes.
You pick what is ready and pay by weight or per item, depending on the crop. The farm encourages sustainable practices: you can bring your own containers, and organic waste is composted on-site. There is no fixed picking fee, but a small charge applies for camping or accommodation if you stay overnight.
The farm operates on a self-service basis, with clear guidelines to protect the plants and soil. You are welcome to sample while picking, but harvesting is for personal use only. The food forest is designed for low-maintenance, chemical-free growing, with plants arranged in natural layers to mimic a wild ecosystem.
Oest Farm & Stay is open daily during the season, though exact hours vary. The farm also offers camping and glamping in tents and a caravan, as well as a holiday home available year-round. Facilities include compost toilets, outdoor showers, a shared kitchen and a small shop selling home-baked sourdough bread, fresh eggs and bulk dry goods. Yoga classes, workshops on natural dyes and bread-making, and guided tours of the permaculture garden are held regularly. Parking is available at the edge of the forest.
What visitors say
Visitors describe this farm as a peaceful, nature-focused spot where you can camp or stay in simple accommodations surrounded by greenery. The owners are consistently called friendly, helpful, and passionate about sustainability—many mention the warm welcome and personal attention. Breakfast with fresh, home-baked bread or croissants is a highlight, often praised for its quality and reasonable price. The farm grows its own vegetables, and guests appreciate the zero-waste approach, though picking specifics aren’t detailed in recent reviews.
The setting is quiet and secluded, with plenty of privacy, making it popular for those wanting an offline or relaxing getaway. Some visitors join workshops, like sourdough baking, or enjoy yoga sessions. A few note the facilities are basic but well-organised, fitting the natural vibe. Most say they’d return, though one review simply called it a “beautiful nature campsite with its own produce.”