Pumpkin Moon, Sandling near Maidstone, Kent

Pumpkin Moon at Sandling, just north of Maidstone, is a pick your own operation built around variety rather than activities. The draw is over 100 different varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd, from standard orange carvers to warty green Speckled Swan squash and colours most people have never seen on a pumpkin. You borrow one of the farm's brightly coloured wheelbarrows, walk the field and fill it.

What this is not is an activity farm. There is no maize maze, no tractor ride, no play barn. Entry is deliberately cheap at £2.75 on weekdays and £3.75 at weekends, with family tickets for four at £10 and £12, and the money goes on the pumpkins, which are paid for in the field and range from £1 to £20. That structure suits families who want an hour of picking and photographs, and suits people building an autumn display far better than it suits a family looking to fill a whole day.

Be realistic about the ground. Pumpkin Moon states plainly that the ground is uneven, bumpy and could be muddy because this is a field, and advises wellies or shoes suitable for a field plus waterproofs, since it often rains in October. Buggies and wheelchairs will find it hard work, and the farm asks you to contact them with any queries so they can try to help.

Entry is by half hourly slot from 10am with last entrance at 3.30pm, and there is no entry without booking. Once you are in you can stay as long as you like. For hygiene reasons only assistance dogs are allowed. There are contactless card machines in the field, a cafe stall and an ice cream van if the weather is suitable, and qualified first aiders on site.