As picking one’s own pumpkin grows in popularity we’ve found the farms where you can harvest your own winter squash in time for Halloween and all within range of Watford.
As well as pumpkin picking, some of the farms also offer Halloween activities for children which makes for a great family day out.
Pick Your Own (PYO) farms are normally associated with strawberry fields but it turns out that summer is not the only time when people can enjoy this wholesome activity thanks to more and more farms cropping up offering pumpkin harvests.
Some tips for pumpkin picking include wearing wellies as the fields can get muddy and taking a strong bag to carry the pumpkin back to the car.
Aldenham Country Park near Elstree is hosting Spook Fest. As well as the pumpkin patch people can play pumpkin bingo and take a Halloween hay ride.
When: 16th to 31st October 2021. Tickets: £7.50 per person. More info: https://www.aldenhamcountrypark.co.uk/spook-fest
The Pop Farm is just off Junction 9 of the M1 close to St Albans. There are plenty of varieties of pumpkins and squashes to choose from here as well as a bale maze for children to play on.
Plenty of parking available and wheelbarrows for collecting your pumpkin.
When: 16th to 31st October. Tickets: £2.95 per person (under two free) + £0.25 booking fee.
More info: https://www.thepopupfarm.co.uk/
Hitchin Lavender is known for its lavender fields in the summer months but Hitchin Lavender Farm also offers pumpkin picking in autumn.
Tickets: £2.50 per person (plus £0.19 booking fee), Under two free.
More info: https://www.hitchinlavender.com/
Rumbler’s Farm Shop is a small farm shop in Hemel Hempstead with a pumpkin patch where pumpkins can be picked.
When: 14th to 31st October.
Tickets: Free – no tickets required. More info: https://www.facebook.com/Rumblers-Farm-Shop-149442061814426/
Foxholes Farm Shop is located in Hertford and aside the farm shop, there is also a park with animals and play areas.
When: October half term. Tickets: Adults – £4.50 / Child – £7.95. More info: https://www.foxholesfarm.com/
Willows Activity Farm is in London Colney and has lots of themed activities in addition to pumpkin picking. Every child also gets a free pumpkin to take home.
When: 16th October – 31st October.
Tickets: £20.95 per person (Under two free but there is a £0.50 booking fee)
More info: https://www.willowsactivityfarm.com/pumpkin-festival/
The Patch offers pumpkin picking on a working farm and there is a maize maze for children to enjoy.
When: October half term
Entry and parking is free. More info: https://www.thepatchweston.com/
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