It’s that spooky time of year again – and farms across Cumbria are getting their pumpkin patches ready for Halloween.
There are several pumpkin patches dotted across the county that offer both family friendly days out and trips suitable for adults or groups of friends looking for seasonal outing.
Autumnal activities like pumpkin patches are often set up as diversification projects for working farms – so taking the time to visit one with friends and family is a good chance to support local farmers.
While pumpkin patches were first popularised in America, they can now be found all across Cumbria and the wider UK, so we’ve put together a list of patches you can visit in the county this year.
This list is written in no particular order. Think we’ve missed a great pumpkin patch? Let us know by emailing us at [email protected].
Walby Farm Park, Carlisle
Based just outside of Carlisle, the park’s four acre pumpkin patch is both family friendly and suitable for groups of adults too.
During the day – every paying child gets to enjoy the wider farm park and choose a free pumpkin from the eight varieties grown on site.
Pumpkins can be carved on site and this year the site is running ‘Ghoul School’ an interactive adventure for little ones taking place over the October half term from October 26 until November 1.
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.
But it’s not just suitable for families – the farm park is bringing back its popular event for adults – Pumpkin Picking After Dark.
From 6.30pm to 9pm, attendees can explore the illuminated Pumpkin Patch in a mini pumpkin festival tailored for grown-ups.
Attendees are also allowed to enjoy the Adventure Play Barn, Milecastle and Animal Barn thrown in – as well as picking out some pumpkins.
Visitors can can bring friends, partners, or visit in groups as they make their way to the pumpkin patch, complemented by live music and Halloween themed food and drinks.
Extra dates for the Pumpkin Picking After Dark are available this year and the event will run from October 18 until October 26.
Photo opportunities are available at both events.
Pagebank Pumpkin Patch at George & Clemmie’s Farm, Barrow
Pagebank pumpkin patch, is set to open throughout half term from October 26 until October 31.
The patch is suitable for solo pumpkin picking, families and groups of friends.
Alongside traditional pumpkin picking, the farm also hosts a range of Halloween activities, including a ‘terror tunnel’ and backdrops for photo opportunities.
A tuck shop will be on site in a pumpkin marquee and autumnal hot drinks, cold drinks, cakes and savoury snacks will be on sale. Food stalls will also be at the patch.
Car tickets for parking on site must be purchased in event and visitors can stay as long as they like. Pumpkins are grown on site and can be purchased at prices ranging from £2 to £10.
Lakeland Maze Pumpkin Patch, Kendal
The Lakeland Maze pumpkin patch will be open daily from October 12 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.
Every paying child can choose one pumpkin for free and extras will be available to purchase that are priced individually on size.
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 12 -13, 19 – 20 and 26 onwards until the pumpkins run out, 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 £4 per person for those buying a pumpkin. and £6 per person for those who want to do the new maze. Under two-year-olds go free.
The new maize maze is open to visitors and once the season is over, the maze will be re-purposed as feed for the farm’s cattle.
The patch is cash only due to poor signal in the area and drinks, sweets and snacks will be available alongside face painting and and Halloween themed fake tattoos for youngsters.
Photographers will also be on hand for photoshoots. Pictures will be shared in a free online gallery and the patch is open to friendly dogs as long as they are kept on a lead at all times.
The farm’s four alpacas will also be on site to greet guests and money raised at the patch will go towards the Great North Air Ambulance.
Pumpkin prices start at £2 and go up £1 per kilo. Pumpkins over 10kg will be £10.
No booking is required.
Stephney Farm Pumpkin Patch, Seascale
This family-run pumpkin patch is returning this year for a second time and is taking place every weekend in October as well as across the whole autumn half term week.
Alongside pumpkin picking, food stalls, autumnal drinks, sweets, snacks and face painting will go ahead.
Autumn wreath making sessions will also go ahead with Helen’s Herbs and some of the family’s farm animals will be on site for children to meet.
A barrel train will also be on site to take up to 10 children on tours of the farm at a time and a bouncy castle will also be on site.
Children are able to take part in Halloween crafts and activities on site and photo opportunities and backdrops will be set up for visitors.
Extra seating and shelter will also be on site this year as part of the family’s plans to invest more in the patch.
Time slots for visiting the patch must be booked online by visiting the farm’s Facebook page.
Greystoke Castle Pumpkin Picking, Greystoke, Penrith
Greystoke Castle is hosting its first pumpkin picking experience this year – starting on Saturday October 5 and running until Thursday October 31.
The site will open from 12pm until 5pm and no booking is required.
The Butlers Pantry and Moody Mare will be open for drinks, snacks and refreshments.
