Households and associates usually go to pumpkin patches to decide on pumpkins for carving into Jack-o’-lanterns, a observe that originates from Irish folklore. This exercise permits contributors to benefit from the outside and fosters a way of group and seasonal celebration.
Sometimes held from late September by way of October, pumpkin picking is commonly accompanied by different festive actions, similar to hayrides, corn mazes, and harvest festivals. Many pumpkin patches additionally supply further sights, making it a pleasant outing for folks of all ages.
Happily, the UK has many pumpkin patches to discover this October.
To seek out your excellent pumpkin, try our 10 suggestions beneath…
Surrey: Secretts of Milford
A 50-minute practice trip from London Waterloo, get off at Milford Station and stroll the 17 minutes to Secretts. With an entry price of simply £5, you may head to the PYO (choose your personal) pumpkin area earlier than having fun with sizzling canine or one thing from the pumpkin-themed menu — suppose pumpkin soup, curry, or cake.
The official Pumpkin Week takes place between October 19 and October 30, with the outcomes of the pumpkin carving competitors introduced on November 1.
The Cotswolds: Cotswold Farm Park
With a pumpkin path, UV mild show, and spooky face paint design, there are numerous household actions for a enjoyable day at Cotswold Farm Park in Cheltenham
The pumpkin area can be open for timeslots it’s essential to ebook between October 18 and 31.
Tickets begin from £11.95 for toddlers and are £13.95 for adults.
Surrey: Priory Farm Property
Set amongst greater than 100 acres of woodland and pasture, Halloween is a spook-tastic affair at Priory Farm Property, Redhill, Surrey. Youngsters can get pleasure from a Halloween treasure path and tractor rides — and choose plentiful pumpkins.
Reserving upfront secures you a spot for £8.50, in contrast with £9 on the day.
In case you don’t fancy getting your palms soiled, head to the Pumpkin Palace for a pre-picked choice.
You’ll be able to embrace the Halloween spirit with Garsons Farm’s Pumpkin Parade, with passes costing £4 out there to ebook now.
Guests to the Esher venue can choose little and huge pumpkins — and take pictures of assorted seasonal photograph alternatives.
You’ll be able to get pleasure from a variety of pumpkins of various sizes and colors and a few seasonal actions. Tickets begin from £2.50 for the youngest guests.
There’s a scarecrow hunt, pedal tractors, tea and muffins, and face portray to get caught into, all included within the entry.
The Hounslow venue is open from 10am until 6pm every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday until October 20 — and then every day until November 3.
You can also try the Pumpkin Nights for those wanting to make their visit even spookier.
Tickets start from £6.50, plus the value of your pumpkin.
You can visit the Lathcoats pumpkin patch for outdoor games, plenty of photo opportunities and — of course — pumpkins.
Visitors can also buy a carving kit or participate in the Halloween Hunt, where intrepid participants can follow the haunted trail and stamp the Lathcoats Passport as they visit spooky locations. Completing the activity booklet will earn you a tasty prize.
Hertfordshire: Cammas Hall Farm
Cammas Hall Farm in Hatfield Broad Oak near Bishop’s Stortford offers the chance to pick more than 50 squash and pumpkin varieties.
There are seasonal snacks to keep you going and spooky tunnels and Halloween characters to entertain visitors of all ages.
Between October 16 and 29, you can visit Stanhill Farm in Dartford for pumpkin picking.
A £5 ticket will earn one vehicle of up to seven people entry to the patch. It also includes wheelbarrow entry and plenty of photo opportunities.
Surrey: Crockford Bridge Farm
Every day between now and October 20 (apart from Mondays), you can book to visit Crockford Bridge Farm in Addlestone and pick your pumpkins.
The PYO days end on October 20 but you can still visit the farm’s pumpkin festival and see some of the finest crops of the year.