What does autumn mean to you? Sure, you could just order another pumpkin spice latte. But imagine this…wandering among gnarled trees under big Norfolk skies, breathing in the clean, green scent of apples and ripe orchard fruits gleaming crimson, amethyst and bronze in glorious autumn sunshine. These golden days are made for being outside in perfumed air, senses intoxicated, using dormant muscles, gathering the harvest to sustain body and soul in the coming winter. At Drove Orchards you can pick your own apples, plums, pears and gages straight from the trees. You’re free to try varieties first or chat to staff, always delighted to suggest new flavours. There are 40 acres of orchards around the Farm Shop, including 160 different apple and pear varieties. Some are familiar, most are rare, grown in East Anglian heritage orchards, a lovingly curated collection of over 120 types native to the region. Delicious and unusual, they preserve a little slice of our history.

While apples are the core of Drove Orchards, the Farm Shop is packed with produce from Norfolk and beyond; find fruit, vegetables, bread, wine, local beer, artisan gifts and much more. Plus fabulous butchery and deli counters! Of course there’s plenty of home grown cider and pressed apple juice.Yet are few things as pleasurable as biting into a crisp freshly picked apple. In a busy digital age we yearn be part of nature’s feel good seasonal rituals, so how about making apple picking a family tradition?