Pumpkin patches at the local farm are a growing trend and sometimes you have to be quick off the mark to ensure you have your pick of the patch! Many PYO pumpkin patches open up on a 'book in advance' basis so they don't end up with too many people squashed in every day.
If you're wondering about pumpkin patches near you, here are our favourite pumpkin patches and details of how to visit - we also have some great prizes from our pumpkin patch pals to be won!
Arnprior Farm, Stirling
Arnprior Farm hosts Scotland’s original Pumpkin festival, with over 20,000 pumpkins to choose from over 3 weeks in October. The patch is a great day out for all the family - including your furry friends.
As well as pumpkins, there's a quad pod ride, pumpkin cannon, bale mountain, an indoor hay barn, face painting, bouncy castle, lots of photo opportunities and much much more.
You'll find a delicious selection of food and drink available each day including Loops and Scoops infamous churros, Skinners of Kippen burgers and pumpkin soup, pizzas, hot chocolates, Lous home baking and Gin fizz.
Don't forget to check out the popular pop up shop in the polytunnel where you will be sure to find some autumnal goodies to take home.
Tickets for Arnprior Farm's pumpkin festival are on sale now and pumpkin picking sessions at Arnprior are also available for visitors with additional support needs.
Broadslap Farm, Perthshire
Broadslap's PumpkinFest takes place on 7th to 29th October. To avoid overcrowding, (free) bookings can be made for arrivals every 10 minutes. There's also plenty of free parking and the patch at Broadslap is dog friendly!
Patch-goers can choose from a selection of shapes and sizes and simply pay for their picks followed by a cosy cuppa or bite to eat in Broadslap's cafe or a run around in the play barn for the kids.
During PumpkinFest, Broadslap will be running a competition for the best carved Broadslap pumpkin; get your tools and your design ready. All you need to do is pick a Broadslap pumpkin, carve your design into it and post it on social media either on Facebook or Instagram – be sure you tag Broadslap so they see it - and there's a family dress up competition too.
Cairnie Fruit Farm, Fife
Near to Cupar in Fife, Cairnie Fruit Farm is celebrating 24 years of pumpkins in 2023.
The farm's 'pick your own' activities carries on from summer soft fruits to plump, perfect pumpkins! Cairnie's cafe will be stocked up with Halloween treats and wholesome lunches so if pumpkin picking has got you peckish, don't forget to stop by!
You can choose a morning or afternoon slot (10am to 12.30pm or 1pm to 3.30pm) and turn up any time within your allotted time - simply pay for the pumpkins you pick by their size. A Pumpkin Patch Morning or Afternoon Pass is £1.50 per person. Under 3's are free and do not require a ticket for the pumpkin patch. Season ticket holders are free and do not need to book.
Please note entry to the Pumpkin Patch is not included in Funyard tickets and are non refundable.
The patch at Cairnie opens on Friday 6th October. Parking is free and you can book tickets here
Cairnie Fruit Farm and Mega Maze
Clackmae Farm, Scottish Borders
Visitors to the 'pick your own' pumpkin patch at Clackmae, which is situated between the towns of Lauder, Melrose and Earlston in the Scottish Borders, can also take advantage of the additional carving workshops which will give lots of ideas for spicing up your carving capabilities!
You can lose yourself in the maize maze, with picture perfect photo opportunities and a warm welcome for all the family.
NEW at Clackmae this year, 'paint your pumpkin' sessions on opening weekend instead of carving to make sure your pumpkin is still in tip top condition when Halloween comes round.
Dressing up is encouraged, so dig out your witches hat, practice your best cackle and visit the patch for some autumn fun.
Pre-booking is essential as numbers are strictly limited for your own enjoyment of the patch. Book and buy tickets here.
Craigie's Farm, Edinburgh
At Craigie's Farm, the autumn pick your own fun extends to pumpkins and apples with a range of ticket choices
Add a bit more spice to your day with a browse in the farm shop and a hot drink in the cafe. Pumpkin picking at Craigie's runs from 1st to 31st October.
Spooky season also means 'Spooky Tunnels' at Craigies. The fields and tunnels will come alive with stunning illuminations, making the perfect photo opportunity. It's a guaranteed fang-tastic time for all the family and chance to create amazing memories!
Ernespie Farm Centre, Dumfries & Galloway
Pumpkin picking sessions at Ernespie run from 14th - 29th October. A ticket to the patch includes access to carving and decoration stations and children's tickets (over the age of 1) also include access for an adult. All tickets are available here.
Outdoor play is included in the ticket price and there is plenty for the whole family to enjoy. We have Bouncy Pillows, Pedal Carts and even a converted Combine Harvester that you can slide down! And we have some new animals for you to meet too! Come and meet our Alpacas, Guinea Pigs, Pygmy Goats, Rabbits, Pigs and more, they love making new friends! Why not add Soft Play to your ticket when you arrive (subject to availability) for some indoor fun!
Kilduff Farm, East Lothian
Pumpkin picking is open at Kilduff Farm, North Berwick, on defined dates between 14 and 29 October and tickets are on sale now!
The Patch at Kilduff, has lots to engage the entire family and farmers, Russell and Lucy, work hard to ensure that young and old can pick the perfect pumpkin and learn more about how they are grown and where food comes from.
The Patch has a real festival atmosphere, celebrating all thing pumpkin with more fun treats added. The Patch works with Beach Wheelchairs NB and will have one adult wheelchair and two junior wheelchair on The Patch for the duration of the festival which are available to book. They also offer separate sessions for those with additional support needs and Little Picker sessions for under 5s.
Loch Ness Pumpkin Festival at Corrimony Farm, the Highlands
Loch Ness Pumpkins is in its sixth growing year and over 10000 visitors have been welcomed to the pumpkin patch over the last five years.
The pumpkin patch site is on Corrimony's sister farm, Buntait Farm, with absolutely stunning views across the Affric hills and Glenurquhart. The colours of autumn turning in the Glen are enough to get anyone in the mood for a run around the maze followed by a steaming hot coffee and pumpkin munchkin donut.
Make a day of it with plenty of autumnal and Halloween themed activities on site. Under 3s go free. Find more info and General Admission tickets on Eventbrite.
Corrimony Farm - Loch Ness Pumpkins
Pathhead Farm, Angus
You'll find lots of scary fun at Pathhead Pumpkin Patch!
As well as usual cafe menu, there will be pumpkin-themed food, pony rides, tractor rides, wheel barrow fun, straw bale climbing, pumpkin competitions and much more!
The event starts on Friday 13th October until the 29th October. Pumpkins are sold by weight and cost between £5-£10.
The team at Pathhead is happy to arrange quiet visits out with the normal event times for anyone that needs. Find details in the booking link.
Book a free visitor slot (one ticket per family) here.
Udny Pumpkins, Aberdeenshire
Tickets for this pumpkin patch, just 10 miles north of Aberdeen, are on sale now and open dates for 2023 will be 14th to 28th October, excluding Mondays and Thursdays. There are over 10,000 pumpkins to choose from and 20 different varieties.
Visitors can also meet friendly animals, climb on hay bales, enjoy pumpkin soup and hot chocolate in the cosy polytunnel, make the most of fantastic photo opportunities and have a fun, wholesome day out.
Wheelbarrows are on hand to help pile your pumpkins high!
Westerton Farmers @ Farm to Table, Aberdeen
Farm to Table is at Westerton of Pitarrow Farm, AB30 1RT - not far off the A90 between Dundee and Aberdeen.
This year, the PYO Pumpkin Patch is open daily from 9th-28th October – most weekday sessions are free and give you access to the patch with some additional paid for activities in the barn. Weekend sessions are ticketed with loads of extras on such as food trucks, tractor train rides, bouncy castles, and bale maze. There's even a Halloween Barn Disco on the 29th and a dedicated dog day on the 20th.
Also on site is Farm to Table where you can stock up on Westerton's own vegetables and herbs, and goodies from other Scottish producers. You can visit the very friendly goats, play on the park and enjoy takeaway drinks, soup, toasties, baked potatoes and sweet treats.
Pick Your Own Pumpkins with Westerton Farmers
Whitsome East Newton, Scottish Borders
At Whitsome East Newton the family is very passionate about educating customers (especially the youngsters!) on where their food comes from and the importance of shopping locally.
They grow around 2000 pumpkin plants from seed every year and aim to have two open days each year to sell pumpkins alongside a craft barn full of craft stalls, refreshments and lots for kids to do and climb in and around the patch. Look out for more info soon - at Whitsome East Newton, they are always planning ways to make the pumpkin festival bigger and better.
Whitsome East Newton Farm & Pumpkins
TOP TIPS FOR THE PUMPKIN PATCH
It might be muddy! Make sure you and everyone in your party is wearing appropriate footwear (wellies are recommended!) and be aware that the ground on the patch might not be suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
Stay cosy! It's autumn so don't expect too much sunshine. Take a waterproof coat and wear warm clothes.
Most pumpkin festivals have extras like food and drink and entertainment so make the most of your time and pause to look around.
They are also on real working farms so stick to the patch and be aware of any signs that areas are out of bounds for visitors.
You can expect great photo ops - if you're sharing on social don't forget to tag your pumpkin patch and tag us too #GoRural
