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Looking for pumpkin picking? The good news is that pumpkin patches can be found all over the UK. Many farms transform into full autumn attractions during October, with maize mazes, tractor rides, carving stations and food stalls alongside their pumpkin fields.

When searching for the best pumpkin patch near you, look for local farms within easy reach of your October half-term holiday destination, whether that’s a week staying with us or a week at home. Many farms offer online booking, family activities and food and drink, so you can make it a full day out rather than a quick visit.

To make choosing easier, we’ve rounded up the best pumpkin patches in the UK.


Best pumpkin patches in the UK

A father and daughter carving a pumpkin at a farm

1. Humble Bee Farm’s Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Trail, Scarborough


The Humble Bee’s Pumpkin Festival and Trail is open on selected dates in October, with hourly time slots available to book online. Here you can pick out your perfect pumpkin and even carve it on-site in their barn. Once you've created your spooky masterpiece, head out on their Halloween Spooky Trail, with frights and delights for all ages.

If you're feeling too frightened, their resident donkeys, alpacas and guinea pigs are sure to put a smile on your face, while the Hive Cafe Bar has plenty of food and drink on offer if you've worked up an appetite.

Pumpkins in a muddy field

2. Laverock Hall Farm, Northumberland


Laverock Hall Farm is open to the public for pumpkin picking fun during October. With several varieties of pumpkin on offer and prices starting from as little as £1, it's a brilliant value day out. Plus, you'll find Halloween goodies and produce on sale in their farm shop.

The team at Laverock Hall Farm are pumpkin patch experts, having grown them annually for many years. It's the place to go if you're looking for a prized pumpkin in the North East this October.

Children pushing pumpkins they've picked in a wheelbarrow

3. Cammas Hall Farm, Essex


If you’re looking for pumpkin picking near Essex, Cammas Hall Farm on the Hertfordshire/Essex border is hard to beat. There are plenty of pumpkins to choose from, but it’s worth the day trip for the Tea Barn alone, where they serve everything from breakfast butties to Grandma Pam’s delicious homemade cakes.

You’ll need to book online if you’re planning a visit. If you’re heading to one of our holiday parks in Essex this half term, it’s the perfect place to stop off.

A girl holding up a pumpkin in a field

4. Wester Hardmuir, Scotland


This pick-your-own fruit farm is well worth a visit in the summer and autumn, with an array of delicious seasonal fruit on offer. However, in October, the farm transforms into northern Scotland’s top pumpkin patch.

Keep an eye on Wester Hardmuir’s Facebook page and Instagram for details of the start of this year's Cryptic Catacomb Trail and Pumpkin Patch, with their pumpkin patch due to open 7 days a week through most of October.

A field full of pumpkins ready to be picked

5. Forage Farm, Wales


If you’re heading to South Wales this October, make sure you stop by Forage Farm to get your Halloween fix. With loads of pumpkins to pick, it’s the perfect place to take the family for a fun day out. There’s even a well-stocked farm shop and restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious local produce for dinner.

Choose between daylight and twilight pumpkin picking, with tractor-trailer rides, a maize maze and hay bale climbing included in your ticket for the ideal spooky day out.

A display of colourful pumpkins on a farm

6. Hill Farm, Norfolk


Our top pick for Norfolk is Hill Farm - nestled amongst endless green fields, it's famed for its annual pumpkin patch! Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture those perfect seasonal snaps. You’ll also find a farm shop on-site, with plenty of tasty produce on offer to take back home.

If you’re staying at one of our holiday parks near Great Yarmouth this October, make sure you check Hill Farm’s Facebook page for details. It’s just a 30-minute drive from Great Yarmouth, so add it to the list of places to take the kids during your holiday.

Orange pumpkins in a field of hay and grass

7. East Grange Farm, Durham


East Grange Farm has been growing pumpkins since the springtime and they’re excited to welcome visitors back to their pumpkin patch for spooky season. Little ones will have loads of fun roaming the fields with a wheelbarrow and picking out the perfect squash!

The farm is also open in the summer, when you can explore spectacular fields of sunflowers. In winter, you can pick out an extra special Christmas tree. Check their website and Facebook page for dates and details of when you can book your tickets to go pumpkin picking.

Pumpkin picking near our holiday parks

If you’re planning an autumn getaway, pumpkin picking can easily become part of your family holiday. With 65 parks up and down the UK, you’re never far away from farms and pumpkin patches the kids will love.

After a day spent exploring pumpkin fields, there’s nothing better than returning to your holiday accommodation. Whether you’re staying in one of our spacious caravans or enjoying extra comfort in a lodge, there’s plenty of room to show off your pumpkin haul.

When is the best time to pick pumpkins?

Many UK farms offer pumpkin picking throughout the spooky season, starting in early October. The peak time to go pumpkin picking is during the October half term, just in time for Halloween. If you want the best of the crop, we recommend going earlier in the holidays and arriving in the morning.

At some farms, you can book online to secure your slot. We recommend checking your local farm's website or social media pages before you set off to confirm their opening hours and whether you need to book tickets in advance.

Tips for picking the perfect pumpkin

If you're picking a pumpkin to carve, think about the size. While it's tempting to go for the biggest one you can get your hands on, it can be hard work hollowing out and carving a giant pumpkin with thick sides, especially for younger kids. You'll spend more time scooping than carving if you're too ambitious!

A person cutting a pumpkin from the vine

Here’s what to look for when you’re picking a pumpkin:

  • A firm body with no soft areas
  • A flat bottom for easy carving and display
  • A deep orange colour
  • A sturdy green stem
  • A heavy weight

Family-friendly autumn days out

Pumpkin picking is just the beginning when it comes to autumn adventures. Across the UK, families can enjoy woodland walks, Halloween trails, farm visits, festivals and seasonal markets throughout October. It’s the season for muddy boots, rosy cheeks and endless days out.

You’ll find a huge range of spooky entertainment and activities on offer at our parks across late October, from zombie raves to ghost walks – and, of course, pumpkin carving. Hurry, our Halloween breaks are always popular! Explore our deals and book your October half-term break online today.

Please note, all images used in this article are illustrative only. To see what each pumpkin patch looks like, we recommend visiting each farm's website or social media pages.


FAQs

When does pumpkin picking season start in the UK?

Pumpkin picking season in the UK usually starts in late September and ends around Halloween, at the end of October.

Where can I go pumpkin picking near me?

You can go pumpkin picking at farms up and down the UK. Many farms open their doors to the public during spooky season, so look for local farms that offer a pumpkin patch experience.

Do I need to book pumpkin picking in advance?

Pumpkin picking is a popular activity in autumn, so some farms may ask you to book a slot in advance. Always check the website or social media pages to make sure you’ve followed the correct booking process or paid for your slot.

Can I bring my dog pumpkin picking?

Many farms welcome dogs to the fields so they can join in too. Check in advance to see which pumpkin patches are dog-friendly and follow any rules about keeping dogs on leads and away from the pumpkins.