Autumn is upon us once more and I have to admit, after that long spell of rain we had – I’m pretty in the mood for it. There’s nowt quite like it, after all. Hot chocolates, toffee apples, cosy nights in front of the tele, and, of course, pumpkin picking – something we actually do pretty well here in Yorkshire given we have some of the best pumpkin patches around.
Whether it’s a day out with the kids, a cute date day, or just an excuse to get out of the house and get into the spirit, there’s a little something for everyone this season – but most importantly, there are fields galore just waiting to be picked from.
Whether you’re a classic big orange fan or like the little nobbly green ones and dainty white ones, we’ve rounded up the very best pumpkin patches in Yorkshire for you to try this Autumn. Will you go for the classic scary face, or maybe even a cheeky grin?
1. Spilman Pumpkin Fest 2023
Spilmans is a pretty HUGE and very popular pumpkin patch in North Yorkshire near Thirsk. And this year’s experience promises a 25-acre pumpkin patch with around 125,000 pumpkins waiting to be picked.
The family-run farm makes sure that your day out is as fun as it can be with special photo opportunities dotted all over the farm. This year’s event kicks off on September 30th, especially for you wonderful people who just can’t wait to go and collect yours ready to carve for Halloween season!
The pumpkins are just the start of the fun at Spilmans Farm this year, with a brand new show called Fright Delight taking place, a live show that the whole family can enjoy promising plenty of spooky mischief.
Other activities taking place throughout the day include Bale Mountain, live walk-around entertainment from Madame Potiron, pipe rolling, a barrel train, blasting corn from their corn cannon, a pumpkin slingshot(!), tractor rides, fairground rides, and more. Basically, you won’t want to leave!
They’ll be open every weekend in October, and will also be hosting twilight picking nights with live music, food, and more.
Make sure you book online via the link and for more information visit their website here. Church Farm, Thirsk YO7 3NB.
2. Piglet’s Adventure Farm, York
Found in North Yorkshire, Piglet’s Adventure Farm will be allowing your little ones to pick their own pumpkins this Autumn, however, details of the annual event currently remain under wraps.
Last year, as well as PYO pumpkins, guests could enjoy pumpkin carving, Magic Hatter shows, a ‘Mysterious Maze’ and more spooky fun, so it’s likely we can expect a similar level of fun this year.
Their cute little farm makes for a great day out with the kids or the other half. Find out more information here. Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Ln, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST.
3. Birchfield Farm, Harrogate
Birchfield Family Dairies is back this Autumn with their Pumpkin Festival on the farm, which is set to kick off from 24th September until 31st October.
Just like in previous years, guests will be invited to grab a wheelbarrow before heading to the patch, where they’ll find hundreds of pumpkins to choose from.
As well as pumpkin picking, they’ll also have a spooky maze, outdoor animals and woodland den making – so make sure the little ones have their wellies with them as it may get a little muddy! For more information visit their website here. Birchfield Farm, Oakmount House, Birchfield Farm, Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4JS.
4. Farmer Copleys, Pontefract
Farmer Copleys in Pontefract is a pioneering farm of the ‘pumpkin festival’, and promises around 250,000 pumpkins this year to choose from.
They have a huge variety of pumpkins available to choose from – including red, green, white, blue, black, yellow, mixed, warty, and, of course, orange. With this many to choose from, we know you won’t leave empty-handed!
Additionally, guests can enjoy tractor rides, live shows, archery, vintage rides, fancy dress, prizes and more, as well as plenty of photo opps throughout the festival.
Farmer Copley’s is also home to a farm shop that will be serving up tons of pumpkin-inspired dishes, as well as a lovely cafe where you can fill up afterward. Find out more. Farmer Copleys, Ravensknowle Farm, Pontefract Road, Pontefract, WF7 5AF.
4. Balloon Tree Farm Shop, Stamford Bridge
Balloon Tree Farm Shop’s pumpkins are almost ready to be picked and the team at the farm is already excited for us all to get down and pick our favourite pumpkins to carve this Halloween.
There are hundreds to choose from in the field, so we probably won’t be stopping at just one! For more information click here. Stamford Bridge Rd, Gate Helmsley, York YO41 1NB.
6. Horsforth Pick Your Own, Leeds
Opening especially for PYO pumpkins, Horsforth’s PYO, which began in 1984, has this year planted thousands of pumpkins for visitors to choose from.
You’ll be spoilt for choice as well, as they have up to 18 different varieties – from mini munchkins to jumbo-sized and warty, white, striped, and, of course, classic orange ones.
At the farm, guests can enjoy carving facilities, tractor and trailer rides, plenty of photo opps and a takeaway cafe if you get peckish. West End Lane, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5ES.
7. Bert’s Barrow, Selby
Opening up on the 1st October, Bert’s Barrow is almost ready for your little ones to come and select their pumpkins for Halloween.
The farm grows around 70,000 pumpkins a year, so you can guarantee you’ll find the perfect pumpkin after visiting. Dogs are allowed to join their families on lead, and visitors can expect a mini fairground and food and drink when visiting. Austfield Ln, Hillam, Leeds, LS25 5NQ.
8. Stockeld Park Pick Your Own Pumpkin
Stockeld Park’s Halloween Adventure returns this October 28th, promising a spooktacular day out for all.
The fantastic Enchanted Forest will become home to lurking witches, while elsewhere, guests will be able to pick their own pumpkin from the patch, before blowing off some steam in the incredible Playhive – a huge indoor playground with its own pizzeria.
For the adventurous among us, there’s also a huge maze, too, which is sure to keep the kids entertained for a good hour (at least!). Find out more. Stockeld Park, Wetherby Rd, Wetherby, LS22 4AN.
9. Yorkshire Pumpkins, Lodge Farm, Cundall
This year Yorkshire Pumpkins promises more pumpkins than ever before, with tons of varieties grown at the patch.
Classic pumpkin picking will be accompanied by fun activities such as a huge bale mountain and rope maize, as well as tons of photo opps and even a pizza van.
Yorkshire Pumpkins will open each weekend in October, and you can find out more. Yorkshire Pumpkins, Lodge Farm, Church Ln, Cundall, York, YO61 2RN.
[Featured image: Unsplash]
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