Beth Doherty
Autumn is officially in full swing and with only 16 days until the event of the season, here’s where you can go pumpkin picking ahead of Halloween this year.
Fordingbridge Picking Patch
The Fordingbridge Picking Patch has over 10 acres of pumpkins to pick from so you can find your perfect pumpkin for carving.
If you are looking for an extra Halloween experience there is also a spooky maize maze. Get lost in the old maize where someone is always watching you…
There are two types of Halloween Maze experiences. The daytime is child friendly and not too spooky, but as night falls the maze is dark, creepy and full of surprises.
The patch is open from the 16th and 17th October and from the 22nd-31st October. Parking is free but the patch is fundraising for Great Ormond Street Hospital so any spare change donations are appreciated.
Fordingbridge Farm Shop Family Day
Once you have picked your pumpkin at the Picking Patch and carved your masterpiece head on over to Fordingbridge Farm Shop for a day of Halloween family fun.
On Saturday 30th October there will be a raffle in aid of Salisbury Hospital’s charity the Stars Appeal. Participants can win prizes including lunch for two at the Bat and Ball, a £50 voucher for Fordingbridge Farm Shop, cream tea for two at the Potting Shed, a wine hamper, and much more.
For the children, take part in the pumpkin carving competition judged by chef James from The Pig Hotel. All children will receive a packet of pumpkin seeds to take home and grow for next year.
Tina Sidaway from the Fordingbridge Farm Shop said, “We would like to teach children about harvest and show them that being outside and growing your own fruit and veg is a fun activity. We hope by gifting the children some pumpkin seeds they can return with homegrown pumpkins next year!”
Ansty Farm Shop
This year Ansty Farm in Salisbury have all kinds of pumpkin-related activities to get you in the spooky spirit. Take a wander down the pumpkin trail, or compete in the pumpkin games!
The homegrown pumpkins and squash come in all shapes and sizes, perfect for carving, cooking for decorating your home for autumn.
Tickets are £6 per person and include the pumpkin trail, games and £1 credit towards your pick your own pumpkin.
The farm is open on the weekends of the 16th-17th, 23rd-24th and also from Tuesday 26th – Sunday 31st October. Call 01747 829072 to book your timeslot or click here to find out more.
Parsons’ Pumpkin Picking Patch
Grab a wheelbarrow and explore this small, friendly pumpkin patch on the weekends of 16th and 17th October, and 23rd 24th October 2021.
The family farm in Milston, near Bulford and Durrington, has an abundance of pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colours so you can pick your perfect match.
One Family Ticket per car is required (permits up to 5), and once on the pumpkin patch, you can purchase as many as you like. The ticket price includes parking, a £5 voucher to redeem against a pumpkin of your choice and a small booking fee.
This is a ticketed event, click here to book your time slot and tickets.
Andy Munns
