Have you started to put in the work to prepare for Halloween festivities? However you decide to decorate, the classic carved pumpkin is a symbol that will always represent this time of year.

If you’re having trouble with finding the perfect pumpkin in your local supermarket, a popular tradition every year has been visiting local farms that open their grounds to visitors who wish to pick their spookiest pumpkin for carving.

From grand estates to smaller community farms, there is something for everyone. And of course, no trip is official without the classic Instagram shot to go on social media for all your friends and family to see.

Here are eight different pumpkin patches open to visit this autumn.

  1. Wasing PYO Pumpkins and Woodland Trail

This event will take place in Wasing Estate Aldermaston between 18 – 31 Oct

This is a perfect day out for families across half term. Not only is there a basic pumpkin patch, there is also a magical trail through the woodland which leads to pumpkin carriage perfect for those family photos and unforgettable memories.

After find your way through the maize maze, a host of tasty seasonal treats, sweet treats and hot drinks will be available overlooking the stunning countryside.  

Tickets are £6 for adults & children aged 2+. Under 2s are free. Free in-field parking. Tickets are for timed entry slots which can be selected upon booking. Pumpkins & refreshments are charged separately upon exit. 

Pumpkin Picking, Wild Woodland Trail and Halloween Pumpkin Carving

The event will take place at Hallcourt Farm between 12 – 29 October.

Hallcourt Farm pumpkin patch is back for 2024  for lots of family fun.  Located in Midgham, West Berkshire, it’s within easy reach of Woolhampton, Thatcham and Reading.

This is the second year that the farm will be opening for pumpkins picking and Halloween events.

A woodland trail will also take place where families will be able to explore the wildlife and autumn foliage.

For a fun family day out, pumpkin carving sets will also be available including hot and cold food and beverages.

Tickets are £5.30.

Newbury Pumpkin Patch, Newbury Christmas Tree Farm, Newbury

If you and the family/friends decide to go for an impromptu pumpkin picking, the Pumpkin Patch at the Newbury Christmas tree farm requires no booking and no payment.

Just go along and pick your pumpkins from the huge pumpkin patch, nestled next to the picturesque village of Bagnor in Berkshire - on the outskirts of Newbury.

 Just grab your wheelbarrow and rummage through the thousands of pumpkins for your perfect choice.

The pumpkins patch will be open on 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th October 2024. Click here for details.

The Little Play Lounge pumpkin patch

In the grounds at The Little Play Lounge at The Old Rectory in Padworth Common, families and groups are being invited to the autumn pumpkin picking to play on the hay bales and enjoy a host of pumpkin themed games.

The happy scarecrows and surroundings make a great background for that family photo album.

The aim of this pumpkin patch is to create a space where Halloween is welcoming and enjoyable – rather than scary for the little ones.

Entry into the pumpkin picking is £6. Under 2 years old will have free entry.

 

Berkshire Farm Girl Pick your own Pumpkins and Maize Maze, Thatcham

This pumpkin patch and maize maze hosts a variety of activities, pumpkin picking and weekend events taking place across the month of October.

Highlights during the visit include a complimentary maize maze, carve and paint your own pumpkins, big bale play, horse drawn carriage rides and Meet & Greet Berkshire Farm Girl and her tractors.

Extra weekend events include:

Weekend Events- 
19th - Ploughing Match Next to the Pumpkin Patch (weather permitting this is a fantastic event to see real life farming in the same location) seperate ticket required if you enter the ploughing match before 11.30
19th/20th - Steam Engines to the Pumpkin Patch  
Friday 25th - Blue Beetle Ceramics will also be available for pottery painting at the same event (separate costs direct to Blue Beetle Ceramics)

If you want a full day out in autumn or during the half term, this pumpkin patch has the most wonderful activities to enjoy. The number of photo opportunities throughout the day will be plentiful.