SUMMER is a perfect time to get out and about across the county.

This week, we asked readers of the News & Star to share their best places to buy and pick fresh fruit in Cumbria and the surrounding areas.

From strawberries to raspberries, there is lots of choice for fruit-lovers.

Here, in no particular order, are our readers’ choice.

1: HOUGHTON HALL GARDEN CENTRE, CARLISLE

The garden centre, based just off the A689 in Carlisle was recommended to us by several of our readers.

The huge outlet offers garden goods, craft shop, model car and plane ranges, and a miniatures museum, in addition to its offer of fresh fruit.

Sharon Joy Reynolds said: “Houghton Hall, with their vegetables shop outside.

“They have loads and loads of soft fruits, delicious.”

Andrew Mandy Brown also praised the outside shop as a good place to buy fresh fruit.

2: ROWLEYS RASPBERRY FARM, PENRITH

The family-run raspberry farm offers the chance for people to pick their own, along with ready picked produce.

The farm also offers a selection of chutneys and jams.

It is located in the centre of the Eden Valley, near the ancient stone circle between Little Salkeld and Glassonby

Olivia Weston said: “Rowleys Raspberry farm.”

Anneli Dix added: “Rowleys up at Long Meg for pick your own raspberries.”

3: BENSONS MARKET STALL, CARLISLE

For something a little different, Lesley Hilton recommended a fruit stall which sells fresh produce in Carlisle.

She said: “Bensons in Carlisle Market.

“It’s a fruit and veg stall, but you don’t have to pick it yourself they get it for you.”

Lesley added: “Always the best fresh choice.”

4: BROCKBUSHES farm, NORTHUMBERLAND

While it may be just outside the area, several readers were quick to recommend Brockbushes Farm, located just off the A69 in Corbridge.

The long-established farm shop sells fresh and baked produce, as well as plus pick-your-own options, plus a cafe.

Nyree H Doyle said: “It’s not in Cumbria, but on the road to Newcastle, about five miles past Hexham is Brocksbushes farm shop.”

Claire Oliver added: “Over the border in Northumberland there is Brockbushes on the A69.”

5: KIRKLINTON HALL, CARLISLE

The hall sits on a 14 acre site by the River Lyne just outside of Carlisle.

They offer the chance to pick your own strawberries without paying admission, unless attendees wish to explore the hall and grounds.

A spokesman said: “You can ‘pick your own’ fruits or vegetables, dependent what is in season, or purchase some of the plants we have grown, for you to take back to your own garden.”

It also has a children’s garden complete with a sandpit and play house.

6: FEARONS FLOWERS, WORKINGTON

This family business, based on Harrington Road in Workington, sells fruit baskets.

Debra A Knight said: “Fearons have a pick your own.”