Laganvale Farm Pumpkin Days, Lambeg near Lisburn

Laganvale Farm sits at Lambeg, in the Lagan Valley Regional Park between Belfast and Lisburn, and for two weeks each October it hands the whole site over to Pumpkin Days. This is a proper farm event rather than a pumpkin display bolted onto a car park, and the ticket covers a set of activities rather than just entry to a field.

You pick your pumpkin, and the farm's carving team will finish it for you. Children draw their own design onto the pumpkin and the team cuts it, which solves the usual problem of a five year old with strong artistic opinions and no business near a knife. Around that sit a creepy maize maze, spooky storytelling, a farm walk to see the animals, pedal tractors and go karts.

Two things are worth knowing before you book. First, the tearoom and the indoor soft play area are closed during Pumpkin Days, so the usual wet weather fallback is not there. Hot and cold food and drink are available on event days and there is picnic space, but plan for an outdoor visit. Second, entry is by timed session booked in advance through Bookwhen, walk ins are not accepted, and Laganvale warns that changes are not always possible and carry a £5 admin fee. Be sure of your date and party size before you press book.

Pumpkins are priced separately on the day rather than included in the ticket, and the farm asks for cash where possible to keep the queue moving. Dogs are not permitted at the event other than guide dogs. The ground is outdoor farm ground, so sturdy footwear is the right call.