Pack the car with friends or family and take a drive in the warmer months (Jan – May; weekends only) to Field Berry Farm, a raspberry farm in the south of Joburg.

About 30 minutes from the City Centre, just past the Grasmere toll plaza on the N1 to Bloemfontein, lies Field Berry Farm, a charming property with fields of raspberry bushes, ripe for the picking. Pick those berries, and then pay by the weight. After you've toiled, there's a covered seating area with plenty of space to hang out and a good selection of food vendors offering everything from prawns and chips to tasty burgers. It's a lovely day out. The kids will enjoy the jungle gym and obstacle course, and there are also bicycle tracks, so bring bikes and helmets along.

There's also a café with indoor seating, good coffee, and delicious cakes (including a vegan berry crumble). The shelves here are understandably lined with berry products, from raspberry jam and cordials to raspberry beer. We stocked up on these and also tried the raspberry tea, but we think those leaves are better left on the plant (just saying!). You'll find lovely fresh produce for sale too, and even plants. 

There's something incredibly satisfying about loading up a bucket full of sweet raspberries from the farmlands, picked by your own hands. After our visit, we spent the week eating raspberry muffins (here's a great recipe). Reserve your place online before going, and you'll pay at the door (or is that farm gate?). It's a cashless transaction, so make sure to bring your card.