Pumpkin Picking at Hall Hill Farm

Spooky Half Term at Lanchester is a farm day first and a pumpkin trip second, and the two fit together well. You choose your own pumpkin from the patch, carve it as one of the event activities, and have the rest of a working County Durham farm to fill the afternoon.

The extras laid on for the event are more varied than most: giant scarecrows, a haunted Sheep Race, a Mini Monster Maze and a Trick or Treat treasure hunt all run alongside the pumpkins. The Tractor and Trailer Ride is covered by the admission price rather than charged at the gate.

A few things cost a little more. Pumpkins carry a small additional charge, the Spooky Spider Barrel Train is £1.50, the Mini Jeeps are also £1.50 and animal feed is £1. None of that is much on its own, but it is worth arriving with a plan for what the children will be allowed.

This is a ticket-only event and everyone must pre-book in advance through the farm's online ticketing. There is no paying at the gate, so a spontaneous Sunday visit in half-term is not an option here.

Children one year old and under go free, and visitors who present an Access Card indicating that they require a carer are entitled to one complimentary carer ticket alongside a paying guest. Family tickets are worth a look for anyone bringing three or four children.