Pumpkin Picking at High Lodge Farm

What sets the October event at Culham apart is that the pumpkin patch is only part of the ticket. The headline is the Midnight Moon Mystery, a one kilometre Halloween trail through the woods with an activity sheet to work through along the way, which gives children a job to do rather than a walk to be marched along.

Admission also covers the patch itself and its photo stations, where you pick your own, plus all day use of the play area made from straw bales, mud play and giant games. Pumpkins are paid for at the end, priced by type and size, and the other extras are small ones you can take or leave.

Three food vans keep the day going, between hot drinks and cakes, proper hot food such as burgers and breakfast rolls, and sweeter things for afterwards. Cash and card are both taken everywhere on site, so there is no need to find a machine on the way.

This is a working field, so dress for it. After heavy rain the ground gets very muddy and wellies are the sensible choice. An all terrain buggy will usually get round the field and the woodland, but there are no solid paths and a wheelchair will struggle. Only assistance dogs are allowed on site. Tickets are timed, so book online before you travel, and note that quieter sessions run first thing for SEND children and their families.