** UPDATED FOR 2024!**
It's pumpkin season again! Picking our own pumpkin has become a much loved annual tradition for my family. It's the perfect way to welcome Autumn and begin getting excited for Halloween. The children love to choose their perfect pumpkin (or not so perfect, as they always seem to feel sorry for the wonky ones that need a good home!) and with the other activities on offer too, it's a brilliant family day out. There are such a huge variety of pumpkin and gourdes on offer, it's astounding! As well as our big pumpkins to carve, I am always sure to pick a few tiny pumpkins to use in my Autumn newborn and cake smash photography sessions.
There is a good choice of pumpkin picking patches with several local farms near Salisbury offering pumpkin pick your own along with refreshments, mazes, games and lots of family-friendly craft activities. Don't forget to take your camera/ phone along too - there lots of brilliant photo opportunities!
Here are our top 5 places for pumpkin picking around Salisbury this year. Some of these are ticket only again this year, so it's worth booking early to avoid disappointment. Let the pumpkin picking commence!*
Parson's Pumpkin Patch
A small, friendly, family run pumpkin patch at Upper Farm, Milston (near Durrington). It's open selected weekends from Saturday 5th October 2024 and Tuesday 29th October (half-term). They offer a huge range of different sizes, colours and variety of pumpkins plus an amazing atmosphere to make your visit truly memorable. Offering a traditional Halloween atmosphere, the pick-your-own area is decorated with straw bales, scarecrows, spiders and more. There are even mini wheelbarrows available for little pumpkin pickers! Refreshments are also available.
Entrance is by pre-booked ticket only. Tickets are £6.99 PER FAMILY/CAR (inc. booking fee), a £5 voucher will be issued to use towards a pumpkin of your choice. Booking is via their Eventbrite website.
Ansty Farm Shop
Ansty Farm Shop and PYO will be open for pick your own pumpkin from 5th October, with an enormous variety of pumpkins, gourds and squash to choose from - even some amazing blue pumpkins! They also have their amazing Pumpkin Picking and Pumpkin Games events running again on selected days this year 12th October and during half term including pumpkin trails for the kids.
Access to just the pumpkin picking field is free. £5:50 includes Pumpkin games, Pumpkin Trail and winning cookie (family of 4 £20).
Find all the details on their Facebook page.
Pumpkin Pastures
Pumpkin Pastures, Fordingbridge is open Saturday 12th/ Sunday 13th October and daily from Saturday 19th to Thursday 31st October for PYO pumpkins with no need to book. There are lots of family friendly activities on offer as well as refreshments.
Entry is free. Pumpkins from £1 and crafts from £3. There is also a barrel train, giant games and much more!
Tickets can be purchased online for their 'Firework Frenzy' on Friday 1st November which includes live music, food & drinks and an amazing firework display.
Visit their website for all the details.
Picking Patch
Picking Patch in Fordingbridge is open 5th/6th, 12th/13th, 19th/20th and 25th-31st October 2024 . Visit the Museum of Pumpkinology for more information on pumpkins, Halloween, what to do with pumpkins and more.
You do NOT need to book for just pumpkin picking, simply turn up and pay for what you pick! Pumpkins start at £1.50 and are priced by size.
Additional activities that require booking include Twilight Maze, Escape Room, Barrel Train and arts and crafts.
Entry and parking are free and pre-booking is not required for the PYO. All the details can be found on their website.
Pumpkin Time
Pumpkin Time is at Sunnyfields Farm, Totton. Pumpkin picking is available from Saturday 5th October to Thursday 31st October. The farm will be covered in displays of thousands of pumpkins from all over the world and there will be lots of WOW photo opportunities. Refreshments are also available.
Tickets are £5.50 each (over the age of 2 yrs) and they promise no extra charges once you're in. This year's highlights include:
Largest Pumpkin Mural in the World
100m Blackout UV Maze
Largest Pumpkin on Planet Earth - maybe?
Family Photo Sets
10’s of Thousands of Pumpkins and Squash
Advance tickets are required and are available via their website.
*Details are correct at time of print. Please check individual websites for up to date details and opening times.
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