With Halloween just around the corner, seasonal activities are aplenty and one of the fun things to do at this time of year is to carve a pumpkin.
You can pick a scary or comedic design, draw it on, carve it and then admire your handy work, but first you have to pick it. A good way to get into the spooky spirit is to enjoy a trip to the pumpkin patch where you can choose your own pumpkin.
Here in Liverpool, there are plenty of local places to enjoy pumpkin picking that make for a fun family day out. Whether you're looking for a huge Cinderella pumpkin or one just big enough to turn into a Jack O'Lantern, then you will be spoiled for choice with a host of places offering pumpkin patches.
READ MORE: Halloween events in Liverpool 2022
So pull on those wellies, wrap up warm and pick your prized pumpkin straight from the patch with the kids. We’ve rounded up a few places you can go to pick your own and have a great family day out.
Kenyon Hall Farm
Kenyon Hall Farm planted their first pumpkins more than 30 years ago and have since become one the most popular pumpkin picking destinations in the North West. The farm will be open for pumpkin picking every day during October.
This year, families are invited to pick their own down on the farm from the outdoor patch, with more than 15,000 pumpkins grown this year or a huge indoor display of ready-picked pumpkins in all shapes, sizes and colours. Along with marvelling at displays of pumpkins and squashes of all sizes, visitors can also create memories with the farm's unique photo backgrounds.
New for 2022, Kenyon Hall Farm has teamed up with two professional photographers to capture special family photo shoots in the patch during certain dates during October. These photo shoots can be booked on the Kenyon Hall Farm website.
Any visitors to the pumpkin area - inside or outside - must book entry tickets in advance. Tickets went on sale in August and have been selling fast.
When: Friday 1 October to October 31, although most weekend days and the half term week are now fully booked.
Price: Tickets are £2.50 for adults and children which does not include a pumpkin. Pumpkin prices start from £2 and depend on size. Infants under 18 months go free.
Address: Winwick Lane, Croft, Warrington, WA3 7ED.
Church View Farm
Church View Farm is a small family run farm and shop that grows and sells fresh fruit and vegetables. The farm also has an annual pumpkin picking field, with free entry and no booking required.
Dogs are welcome at the event, however they must remain on a lead and owners must clean up after them. There will also be a fair round and ice cream stall at the farm, along with a hot food van providing a variety of food and drinks.
When: Saturday, October 1 to October 31, or until the farm sells out. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9-5pm and Sunday 10-5pm.
Price: No ticket is required and no entry fee is charged, you just pay for the pumpkins that you pick.
Address: Southport Road, Lydiate, L31 4HJ.
The Pumpkin Patch Hightown
The Pumpkin Patch in Hightown is known for its variety of pumpkins, squashes and gourds and the farm is looking forward to opening to pumpkin pickers on October 1. The farm also has a free five acre maize maze to explore whilst you pick your pumpkins.
You can also pick and purchase your own sweetcorn at the farm. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a short lead at all times and you must ensure you clean up after them. Toilets are available on site along with safe off-road parking. What's more, a selection of refreshments are available, along with a picnic area.
When: Open from October 1 to October 31.
Price: No need to book and no entrance fee. Pumpkins are priced depending on size.
Address: Orrell Hill Lane, Hightown, L38 5DA (Near the Pheasant Pub and just off the Formby Bypass, the A565).
Church Farm
Family-friendly Church Farm in Wirral is bringing back its Family Fright Festival for 2022. The spooky event includes pumpkin picking, scarecrow trail and tractor rides.
The farm grows over 3,000 pumpkins, with visitors welcome to choose one to purchase on their visit. Access to the pumpkin patch is for customers with Family Fright Festival tickets only. Due to the location of the pumpkin patch, it is only possible to get to it on one of the timed tractor rides.
When: From October 1.
Price: Pumpkins are not included in the admission price to the Festival event but are priced at between £2 and £5. You must book tickets to the festival in advance and you can choose from a full day or part day ticket. A family ticket starts from £22. Under twos go free.
Address: Church Lane, Thurstaston, Wirral, CH61 0HW.
Windmill Animal Farm
With thousands of pumpkins to choose from you can make a day of it at Windmill Animal Farm. You must book a ticket but this gives you full access to Windmill Animal Farm, the Runaway Farm Train, and The Famous Pumpkin Picking Adventure.
Each ticket purchased includes a pumpkin of your choice, and you can buy more pumpkins on the day. Wheelbarrows will be provided and it is advised to wrap up warm and wear wellies.
When: October 9 to 31.
Price: Sessions are priced at £16.95 for adults, £18.95 for children.
Address: Fish Lane, Burscough, L40 1UQ.
The Hayloft
This rustic barn is holding a series of pick your own pumpkins sessions in September and October. There will also be a spooky maze and the coffee shop will be open serving breakfasts, lunches, drinks, cakes and ice cream.
When: From September 24 until October 31 from 10am until 5pm.
Price: No need to book, pay for what you pick.
Address: Sandy Lane, Bold, Widnes, WA8 3XP.
Malpas Pick Your Own Pumpkin
No booking is necessary for the Malpas Pick Your Own Pumpkin Farm which includes a spooky maize maze and a secret pumpkin patch. New for this year are tractor rides, which cost £3 per person.
Families can also enjoy a bouncy castle and toy mini diggers, both priced at £1.50 per person. There is also a Halloween shop and the chance to visit the farm's adorable miniature baby goats, Flossie and Mabel.
Refreshments are available, along with indoor seating and an on-site picnic area. Wheelbarrows can be hired for a refundable £5 cash deposit.
When: October 1 to 31, 10am to 4pm. Last entry is at 3.30pm.
Price: Maze entry is £2 per person. Pumpkins start from £2 depending on size.
Address: Agden, Malpas, Cheshire, SY13 4RB.
The Pumpkin Patch at Bungalow Farm
Bungalow Farm specialises in growing Halloween pumpkins of all shapes and sizes from small to Atlantic giants and even white pumpkins. There will be mini pumpkins just for kids, with pedal tractors and miniature wheelbarrows available. Light refreshments are also available and a sweet stall.
This year, the farm also has pumpkin carving kits, stencils and stickers for those who wish to decorate their pumpkin rather than carve it. Guests can also get create with sand art, kite making and build a bear activities at the weekends. New for this year, the fair will be at the farm at the weekend at during the half term week with waltzers, teacups and a giant inflatable obstacle course.
When: From October 1.
Price: No entrance fee or need to book, you pay for what you pick.
Address: Heatons Bridge Road, Scarisbrick, Ormskirk L40 8JQ.
Pumpkin Alley
Pumpkin Alley Pick Your Own is well recognised by its famous sign. This year, the farm will have a bouncy castle, face painting, cake shack, spooky walk and photo set up.
There will also be chainsaw carving demonstrations taking place most weekends, with some beautiful carvings for sale. Dogs are welcome but must remain on the lead.
When: Open from October 1, 10am to 5pm on Monday - Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.
Price: Pumpkins cost £5 each.
Address: Downholland, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 7JJ.
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