A popular West Cumbrian pumpkin patch is opening for a second year running – and it’s set to be even bigger than before.
Kate and Ian Knight, who own Stephney Farm, in Calderbridge, near Seascale, are bringing back their pick-your-own pumpkin patch after it drew in over 6,000 visitors last year.
This year the husband and wife duo have further invested in the patch and are offering more attractions and activities for visitors as well as an increased number of tickets.
The pair first decided to create the patch last year, which also offers autumnal activities, photo opportunities, and food and drink on site, as a new venture to go alongside their usual sheep and beef farming.
Kate, 40, who also teaches full-time at Whitehaven Academy, said: “Last year was our first year running any kind of seasonal event and we were absolutely amazed by the response.
“In October we had about 6,000 visitors and sold out most of the weekends and were able to offer a few more tickets and only had restrictions with parking because at that time of year you don’t want to be parking people in muddy fields.
“The feedback was just so positive and everyone has been so lovely to us saying they were able to enjoy a few hours out with their family which is what we’re all about.
“We’re keen to build on last year’s success and do things bigger and better and just offer a wider variety to people coming along.”
This year, the patch will offer a range of activities alongside pumpkin picking – including Halloween crafts and activities for children for all ages, face painting, a large bouncy castle attraction, and autumn wreath making sessions with Helen’s Herbs.
Some of the family’s farm animals will be on site for people to meet and a special barrel train pulled by a quadbike will be on site to take 10 children at a time on little tours around the farm.
The patch is open to people of all ages and will feature plenty of photo opportunities with both autumnal and Halloween-themed backdrops dotted around the site.
Food will be provided by the Sawmill pizza van, popular local street food vendor Fodder and The Big Apple who will offer crepes and milkshakes as well as cakes and sweet treats from Emma’s Bakes and Candy Cabs.
Autumnal pumpkin-themed hot and cold drinks will be available in the barn along with popcorn and candyfloss provided by Party hire with Laura.
Alongside Kate and Ian’s investment in the business, they have also secured external funding, which has allowed them to expand their activity barn on site.
The pair have been able to add a new mezzanine level to their barn to allow around 30 to 40 extra people to use the space and they are also planning to add a large marquee on their pumpkin patch field to create extra shelter and seating.
They have also invested in more wheelbarrows and have added an additional coffee serving area on their pumpkin patch field.
Kate added: “There’s not many autumnal activities in this area and that’s partly where the idea for the patch came from.
“We’ve got two little ones who’ve just turned three and four and an older son who’s 13 and we’ve just found trying to find something to do that’s just a short drive out is hard, so we thought we’d give something a go and we’ve been amazed at the response.
“The pumpkin patch is something that we took a chance doing but we’re glad we did it and I think it’s something we will continue doing and we’re hoping next year as well as perhaps an Easter event we’ll do a sunflower event throughout the summer.”
Kate’s husband Ian’s family are fifth generation farmers who are originally from the Wasdale Valley. They moved to Calderbridge around 15 years ago where they they now live with their extended family on the farm.
Stephney Farm Pumpkin Patch will officially open this year on Saturday October 5 for its first weekend.
Tickets must be booked in advance on the pumpkin patch’s Facebook page. Under two-year-olds go free – but free tickets must be reserved for under two-year-olds so the number of visitors can be accounted for.
The patch will remain open weekends throughout October and will be open every day of the October half term holidays.
The pumpkin patch is accessible for wheelchair users and prams but people are asked to be aware that the patch can get muddy due to site being part of a working farm.
Straw and wood chip are used to soak up mud and water but there are no concrete paths in the pumpkin patch.
