Plukkerij Framblij is a family-run self-picking farm located at Zwartendijk 11 in Monster, offering visitors an interactive experience with fresh, unsprayed, and organically grown produce.
The self-picking season generally extends from June 1st to late October, though raspberries may be available for picking until December for special arrangements. During the season, guests can pick from a selection of over 15 types of fruit and some vegetables. The produce available for self-picking includes raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, blackberries, redcurrants, peaches, plums, grapes, apples, pears, tayberries, Japanese wineberries, and gooseberries, alongside various other seasonal fruits and vegetables. Reservations are mandatory for self-picking, with an entrance fee of €4.00 per person (children under 2 are free), and picked produce is priced at approximately €1.50 per 100 grams. Picking sessions are typically one hour long, allowing for an additional hour for relaxation and other activities.
Adjacent to the fields, a daily-open farm shop, “Het Stalletje,” operates from mid-May to November. Here, visitors can purchase freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, such as bottle gourds, peppers, aubergines, and cresses, as well as a range of homemade products including jam, syrup, honey, and fruit ice cream. The shop also offers locally produced goods and frozen fruit for making jam.
Plukkerij Framblij features a variety of facilities and activities designed for all ages. It includes a Tea Garden (“Theeschenkerij”) where visitors can enjoy coffee, tea, and homemade muffins. For children, there are extensive indoor and outdoor play areas, including a sandpit, climbing frame, toy corner, and a cross track, along with opportunities to interact with farm animals like rabbits, chickens, and a pony. The farm also hosts guided tours and workshops in the “Cultuurschuur” (Culture Barn), which can be booked for meetings, events, children’s parties, and birthday celebrations. Additionally, the site boasts small museums displaying historical items related to its past as a grape-eating establishment, and a “Win-winkel” offering vintage and second-hand goods.
While Plukkerij Framblij adheres to biological growing practices, it does not hold a formal SKAL certification due to the diverse range of products and associated administrative costs. The farm is also actively involved in the community, collaborating with day activity institutions and welcoming volunteers. It is accessible by car via Monster, even during local roadworks on Zwartendijk.
What visitors say
This self-picking farm is widely acclaimed as a delightful and educational destination, particularly cherished by families with children of all ages. Visitors consistently praise the enjoyable experience of picking a diverse array of delicious, fresh, and organically grown fruits and vegetables, frequently noting their superior taste compared to supermarket alternatives. The farm’s inviting ambiance, complete with charming decor, dedicated play areas (including sandboxes, bike tracks, and sometimes ball pits both indoors and out), and encounters with friendly animals like ponies, chickens, and rabbits, significantly contribute to its appeal. Many appreciate the well-organized environment, clear instructions, and generally helpful and relaxed staff, making it a memorable outing that encourages repeat visits.
However, a significant number of reviewers express strong reservations regarding the pricing structure, which is often described as excessively high and overly commercial. The mandatory entrance fee, typically ranging from €2.50 to €4 per person (and often applied to infants), is a frequent point of contention, especially given that visitors also pay for the produce they pick (usually €1 to €1.50 per 100 grams). This combined cost often results in unexpectedly high bills at checkout, leading to surprise and reluctance among some to return. Further criticisms include a strict “no tasting” policy for fruit prior to purchase, even for children, and a perceived lack of transparency in the weighing process, with some noting the use of analog scales that prevent customer verification and suggest rounding up of costs.
While many interactions with staff are positively reviewed, some visitors reported unfriendly encounters, particularly when addressing pricing concerns or instances of children tasting fruit. Other areas for improvement include potential overcrowding during peak times, limited availability of ripe fruit later in the season or day, and occasional issues with stroller accessibility in narrow paths or the condition of play equipment. Despite these drawbacks, the fundamental appeal of a hands-on, educational experience with fresh, organic produce remains a strong draw for many.