I honestly can't believe it's September. This year has been a funny one. Covid-19, zero school for six months and uncertainty with work for many. It's been a rough ride for everyone and there seems to be no letting up just yet. As we're well and truly into the "new normal", one thing is for certain...after September we have October, and with October comes autumn. And autumn is my most favourite time of the year. As the nights draw in, there's nothing I love more than to batten down the hatches, cosy up and light a candle. And they must be pumpkin spiced candles. Or basically, anything that turns your home smelling like the inside of a cinnamon spice jar. Another thing I love to do in autumn is to decorate my home with pumpkins and all things autumnal. Think pine cones, conkers and acorns.
Once upon a time, it was just fine to chuck a pumpkin in the trolley once they're on offer in the supermarket. Not in 2020 though. Picking your pumpkin has become a "thing". A bit like visiting a lavender farm during the summer months or a Christmas market in December. Pumpkin patches are the new craze when it comes to Insta-worthy photos. If you're looking for somewhere to pick your perfect pumpkin this year, check out these fields and farms across the UK.
South West England
Farrington’s Farm - Farrington Gurney - Bristol
Perfect for getting little ones out this half term. Entry to the fields is free. You simply pay for the pumpkins you pick and want to take home.
Location is BS39 6UB.
https://www.farringtons.co.uk/
Primrose Vale Farm - Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Primrose Vale Farm offers pick your own all year. Give them a ring before to find out when the pumpkin picking is due to start.
Location is GL51 4UA.
Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park - Keynsham, Bristol
Offering over 15,000 pumpkins, you’ll have plenty to choose from at Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park.
Location is BS31 1TP
Over Farm - Highnam, Gloucestershire
Over Farm in Gloucester run pumpkin picking events in October. Check their website for more info.
Location is GL2 8DB.
Trevaskis Farm - Hayle, Cornwall
Trevaskis Farm in Cornwall runs pick-your-own all year depending on the season. Check out the website to see when pumpkin picking starts.
Location is TR27 5JQ.
https://www.trevaskisfarm.co.u...
Neston Farm Shop and Kitchen - Melksham, Wiltshire
This farm near Swindon offer pick your own pumpkins.
Location is Melksham SN12 8HP.
https://www.nestonfarmshop.co....
Fordingbridge Pumpkin Pastures - Fordingbridge, Hampshire
Entry is free at the Fordingbridge pumpkin patch site. Have fun picking your pumpkin to take home and carve.
Location is SP6 2HA.
https://fordingbridgepumpkinpa...
South East England
Crockford Bridge Farm Shop - Addlestone, Surrey
At Crockford Bridge Farm Shop there’s a huge range of pumpkins, big and small, to choose from.
Location is KT15 2BU
https://www.crockfordbridgefar...
Secretts - Milford, Surrey
Secretts Farm in Surrey grows around 30,000 pumpkins in their fields each year. Wow!
Location is GU8 5HU
Beluncle Farm - Medway, Kent
This family-run farm offer pick your own pumpkins in October.
Location is ME3 9LU
Stanhill Farm - Dartford, Kent
You’ll be spoilt for choice for pumpkins at Stanhill Farm.
Location is DA2 7HD
https://www.stanhillfarm.co.uk...
Foxes Farm Produce Pumpkin Patch - Colchester, Essex
Thousands of Pumpkins available to pick yourself here.
Location is CO6 3PR.
https://www.foxesfarmproduce.c...
Christmas Tree Farm & Pumpkin Forest - Wickford, Essex
A lovely family-run petting zoo and farm, filled with things to do including picking your own pumpkins and Christmas trees.
Location is SS11 7QL.
Tulleys Farm - Crawley Down, West Sussex
Learn how to grow your own pumpkins and enjoy other Halloween themed activities here.
Location is RH10 4PE
Relax and prepare for labour from the comfort of home, suitable for all levels. Includes breathing techniques to assist in labour & postures to release tension.
North England
Piglets Adventure Farm - York, Yorkshire
Pumpkins and spooky family fun – as long as COVID doesn’t put a spanner in the works!
Location is YO32 9ST
https://pigletsadventurefarm.c...
Down at the Farm - Houghton le Spring, Durham
Open in October, there’s plenty for the kids to enjoy here.
Location is DH5 8JG
https://www.downatthefarm.co.u...
Brockbushes Farm - Corbridge, Northumberland
Open 7 days a week and huge fields to pick your pumpkins from!
Location is NE43 7UB
https://www.brocksbushes.co.uk...
East Anglia
Undley Pumpkin Patch - Wilde Street, Suffolk
You’ll find pumpkins, squash and gourds on offer here. Grab a wheelbarrow and get picking!
Location is IP28 8BU
https://undleyfarmevents.co.uk...
Algys Farm Shop - Dereham, Norfolk
Starting at 10:30 am most days, you can go and pick your own.
Location is NR20 5PW.
East England
Cammas Hall Farm - Nr Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cammas Hall has lines of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes to choose from, you can take a ride in a tractor too! Check their website for booking info.
Location is CM22 7JT
Willow's Activity Farm - St Albans, Hertfordshire
A fun activity farm for kids doubles as a pumpkin patch in autumn.
Location is AL4 0PF
https://www.willowsactivityfar...
Pumpkin Jim's - Saffron Walden, Cambridgeshire
A fun day out for all the family!
Location is CB10 1TA.
https://www.pumpkinjimspatch.c...
Scotland
Craigies Farm - Queensferry, Edinburgh
There are typically loads of Halloween activities at Craigies Farm.
Location is EH30 9AR
Arnprior Farm - Stirling
Pumpkin picking and eco-friendly glamping campsite, with 800 acres of land, soak in the beauty whilst picking your pumpkins this year.
Location is FK8 3HA.
Midlands
Maxey's Farm Shop - Kirklington Newark, Nottinghamshire
There’s nothing more fun than picking your pumpkin with the kids. With loads to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Location is NG22 8PB
https://www.maxeysfarmshop.co....
The Patch MK, Milton Keynes
Back with double the amount of pumpkins as last year, ready for picking.
Location is MK19 6DG.
Pink Pig Farm, - Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire
Enjoy Halloween this year at Pink Pig Farm, with their pumpkin festival opening in October.
Location is DN16 3RE
https://www.pinkpigfarm.co.uk/
Northwood Pumpkin Patch - Northwood, Shropshire
Pick your pumpkins straight from the patch here!
Location is SY4 5NN
https://www.millsgardeningserv...
Your questions answered live by senior midwife Louise Broadbridge. A workshop covering what to expect in the early days, coping with morning sickness and planning for your first antenatal appointment.
Wales
Pumpkin Picking Patch - St Nicholas, Cardiff
Free entry and free parking make this a great choice if your in South Wales or the surrounding areas. Head on down to pick your perfect pumpkin.
Location is CF5 6SF
https://pickingpatch.com/pumpk...
Bodafon - Llandudno
There are lots of things to do at Boadfon – pick your pumpkin and enjoy a meal or drink in the onsite bar and restaurant.
Location is LL30 1BW
Northern Ireland
Streamvale Open Farm – Belfast
With hundreds of pumpkins to choose, grab your wheelbarrow and get picking.
Location is BT5 7SN
https://streamvale.com/
There are hundreds of pumpkin patches to choose from all over the UK. Be sure to check out the websites or give the farms a call before you go. You will probably have to book a time slot due to social distancing regulations, and each site may have different requirements.
Enjoy and have a wonderful autumn!
