Few things say autumn and Halloween more than a spot of creative pumpkin carving, or the sight of thousands of the fruits – and yes, they are classed as fruits – in all colours, shapes and sizes.
In the run-up to Halloween, a host of pumpkin-themed attractions, along with pick your own patches, offer a fun family day out.
So, for some top pumpkin picking spots, here are a few suggestions from our destinations.
Many events require pre-booking, and it’s always best to check details, before travelling.
Fancy a game of Pumpkin Skittles Alley?
Experience the magic of a fully immersive pumpkin event at this Hampshire family-run pumpkin farm and magical pumpkin-themed outdoors event. As well as the pumpkin patch – with 25 different varieties of pumpkin, gourd and squash for visitors to pick – the Rogate Pumpkin Patch (14-30 October), in the South Downs National Park, also boasts Merlin’s Wood, Dracula’s Estate and the Spooky Sunflower Trail. Or how about trying your hand at a seasonal game of Pumpkin Skittles Alley, Pumpkin Slingshot and the Pumpkin Shy? Tickets: £5 per person.
Have a blast with Britain’s Biggest Pumpkin Cannon
Head to Bell’s Pumpkin Patch, near Boston, Lincolnshire, and discover not only one of the UK’s biggest pumpkin patches, but also the largest Pumpkin Cannon in the country. The Pumpkin Master Blaster, or Harold as he’s known, can fire a pumpkin over a quarter of a mile, and has raised over £10,000 for charity since being built. Each year Bell’s grow over a million pumpkins – including every shade of white, green, blue and of course, orange – and has become famous for its stunning displays. This year there is a new food and crafts Makers Market, while other attractions include a Maize Maze, lawn games and pedal tractors (15-16 & 22-30 October). Tickets: £6 per person.
Pumpkin Pursuits… and ice cream chills
Bluebell Dairy’s Pumpkin Festival, near Derby, is back for 2022, with a host of pumpkins, from traditional Jack-O-Lantern to a white Cinderella. Plus, as Bluebell Dairy has made a name for itself thanks to its award-winning artisan ice cream, there are some Halloween ice cream creations too, including Deathly Mallows Ice ‘scream’ and some ghoulish Sundaes. Along with the pumpkin picking patch, there are Halloween trails, fancy dress competitions, animal activities and Pansy Pickle’s Pumpkin Pursuit (22-30 October 2022). Tickets: £11.95 adults, £13.50 children (includes free pumpkin)
Tackle a Pumpkin Mountain
Get into the autumn spirit at East Yorkshire’s Pumpkin Patch with thousands of pumpkins, squashes and gourds in all shapes, sizes and colours. The Pumpkin Patch Produce, near, Driffield, offers a fun family day out or the opportunity to pick up the perfect squash for that warming autumn dish. Grab the perfect pumpkin photo with huge displays, including the bigger than ever ‘Pumpkin Mountain’, or get creative and book a Pumpkin Carving Experience at this family-run pumpkin farm (8, 9, 15, 16, and 22-30 October 2022). Pumpkin Carving Experience tickets cost £6.50m, must be pre-booked.
Enjoy a new enchanted Pumpkin Patch
New for 2022 at the Trentham Estate, on the edge of Stoke-on-Trent, is the Pumpkin Patch, nestled in the heart of the Italian Gardens. The mischievous fairies have cast their enchantments to make pumpkins appear, and visitors can take their pick, from small to large, orange to white. The experience, which includes a free pumpkin, also features magical wand & broomstick making, and a pumpkin colouring and design studio (14 – 31 October 2022). Tickets, including day ticket & Pumpkin Patch entry: £18.50 adults, and from £6 for children
Catch the Pumpkin Wagon
Staffordshire’s National Forest Adventure Farm’s Halloween Spook-tacular returns this October, with all the fun of the farm, plus a day packed with hair-raising Halloween activities. Take the Pumpkin Wagon tractor ride to the Pumpkin Patch where children can pick their own pumpkin to take home (15, 16, and 22 – 30 October). Tickets: £15.99, includes pumpkin picking (1 per child), Magical Maze Quest, Marvellous Magic Shows, Circus Skill Workshops, Face Paint
Pick a pumpkin under the stars
Every October, Hampshire’s Sunnyfields Farm, near Southampton, sprouts thousands of pumpkins for visitors to pick – and for a magical night-time experience, the farm will also be open until late on selected dates. As well as pick your own, there are also displays of pumpkins in all shapes, sizes and colours. Open throughout October 2022. Tickets cost £4.50, must be booked in advance online
Giant white Polar Bear or knobbly Goosebump?
The Beverley Pumpkin Patch at Butt Farm, East Yorkshire, has thousands of pumpkins to choose from, including giant white Polar Bears, knobbly Goosebumps, and Queensland Blue. Lovingly grown and planted by the White family, the PYO Pumpkin Patch is part of the farm, which is set in 180 acres and home to cattle, sheep and chickens, as well as a caravan, camping and glamping site
