Pumpkin Picking at Farmer Bertie's

The season here starts with a weekend that works differently from all the rest of it. Pick of the Patch, on 10 and 11 October, is the only ticketed part of the run, and it is when the field is at its fullest, with the biggest and brightest pumpkins still standing in it.

That opening weekend comes with live music, food and drink, and marshmallow toasting, split into two sessions: a daytime one and a later Sunset Picking slot for anyone who prefers the field as the light goes. Tickets are £3.09 a person and under twos go free.

After that the patch reverts to normal. The remaining October dates need no tickets at all and are walk ins only, so you arrive during general opening hours and pick. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the patch as long as they are kept on a lead and under control.

The field is natural grass and soil rather than anything laid out, and while it is flat in places it can be uneven and muddy after rain, so wellies are the sensible choice. For refreshments there is a Milkshake Maker on the farm, plus food, drinks and cakes, and fresh eggs from the Vendor Hut on your way out.