Strawberry picking season is under way and we're blessed with some of the very best in the world in our corner of Hampshire. Wet conditions have meant a slow start for families wanting their strawberry fix at Southampton favourite Pickwell Farm, in Grange Road, where growers say it will be a start/stop affair until the main crop get into full swing from mid June. But eager pickers have been busy picking juicy fruit from the polytunnels at Goodall's in Lymington since the start of May.

READ MORE: Historic former mill with prime chalk stream fly fishing up for sale for £5 million In the late 19th century, strawberry growing in the world famous Hamble Valley was a booming industry. During the picking season, the stations of Bursledon and Swanwick were thronged with growers loading their fruit onto special trains which then took the produce all over the country. The combination of a mild, frost-free, climate and suitable soils meant that Titchfield strawberries were not only considered to be the best but were also the first to market.

These days, New Forest grown strawberries, which are particularly juicy, bright and delicious, are highly regarded and used by some of the major supermarkets. No summer afternoon, or trip to Wimbledon, is complete without a bowl of juicy red strawberries and fresh cream. Pick your own is a great day out for all the family and supports local businesses.

Here's some of the best places to go to pick strawberries. Pickwell Farm Find Zeeberry, the famou.