Autumn has returned and with it comes pumpkin patches – of which Cumbria has plenty.
From family friendly days out to trips suitable for adults and groups of friends, there’s a place to pick pumpkins suitable for everyone across the county.
Popularised in America, new pumpkin patches are popping up all over Cumbria every year, so we’ve put together an updated list of places to go for an October day out.
Walby Farm Park, Carlisle
Based just outside of Carlisle, the park’s four acre pumpkin patch is family friendly and every paying child gets a pumpkin for free upon visiting.
Pumpkins can be carved on site and tickets must be booked in advance through the Walby Farm Park website.
The patch is open every day until October 31 and throughout the half term and additional pumpkins can be bought on site.
From 6.30pm to 9pm, attendees can explore the illuminated Pumpkin Patch in a mini pumpkin festival tailored for grown-ups – with extra fun in the Adventure Play Barn, Milecastle and Animal Barn thrown in.
Visitors can can bring friends, partners, or visit in groups as they make their way to the pumpkin patch, complemented by live music and spooky themed food and drinks.
Page Bank Farm, Barrow
Page Bank Farm at Rampside in Barrow open their pumpkin patch to visitors every weekend throughout October.
Alongside pumpkin picking, the farm also host Halloween activities, including a pumpkin slingshot as well as providing backdrops for plenty of Instagram photo opportunities.
Entry is free, but admission time must be booked in advance for each visitor.
The patch is open every weekend and throughout the week from Saturday 21 to Sunday 29. Time slots can be found on the farm’s Eventbrite page.
Fellside Pumpkin Patch, Appleby
Taking place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 at Bankwood farm in Appleby, the fellside pumpkin patch is family run and family friendly.
Tickets and time slots must be booked in advance on Eventbrite and each booked session includes access to the patch, parking and a pumpkin taxi – or wheelbarrow.
On site refreshments will be available alongside face painting, a charity woodland stall and sweets. Farm produce will also be available to purchase. The event is cash only.
Lakeland Maze Pumpkin Patch, Kendal
The Lakeland Maze pumpkin patch will be open daily until October 31 for visitors to pick pumpkins throughout the month.
Those wishing to access the pumpkin patch must buy a farm park ticket. Tickets are available to be booked online.
There is an additional charge for any pumpkins picked and price depends on pumpkin size.
Troutbeck Pumpkin Festival, Troutbeck
Taking place over the October half term, the Troutbeck Pumpkin Festival lasts for two weeks and is family friendly.
The festival starts on Saturday October 16 and runs until Sunday October 31.
Alongside pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving will also take place on site. A BBQ, hog roast and drinks with other refreshments will also be available.
Red’s Pumpkin Patch, Langwathyby
Owned by well-known farmer Hannah Jackson – better known as the Red Shepherdess – Red’s Pumpkin Patch is open on October 14 and 15 and from October 21 onwards taking place between 10am to 3pm.
Visitors are encouraged to check Hannah’s Instagram to keep up with patch updates and no booking is required. Entry is also free and attendees only need to pay for their pumpkins.
The events will be cash only, and drinks, sweets and snacks will be available alongside face painting and Halloween themed fake tattoos for youngsters.
Photographers will also be on hand for photoshoots and the events are dog friendly as long as pets are kept on a lead at all times.
Money raised at the patch will go towards the Great North Air Ambulance.
Stephney Farm Pumpkin Patch, Seascale
This family farm run pumpkin patch has newly launched this year and is taking place every weekend in October as well as across the whole autumn half term week.
Alongside pumpkin picking, food and drink including pizza and locally made cakes will be on offer and local vendors will be selling Halloween décor and toys.
Time slots for visiting the patch must be booked online by visiting the farm’s Facebook page.
Listershire Pumpkin Patch, Oughterside Mill Farm, near Aspatria
Another brand new pumpkin patch for the 2023 season, Listershire is run by Rob and Jill Lister who own a family farm near Aspatria.
Groups of family and friends are welcome and the patch will be open from Saturday October 21 to Friday October 27.
Alongside pumpkins of all shapes and sizes the patch will have fake tattoos, transfers and face painting for youngsters, different crafts, a carving and decorating table, picture opportunities, a scavenger hunt and refreshments.
Booking is essential as some days are now sold out and car space is limited. Tickets can be found via the patch’s Facebook group, Listershire.
Are you going to a pumpkin patch this year that we haven’t mentioned? Let us know at [email protected]
