Pumpkin Picking at Jolly Pumpkin, Silverton

Over fifty varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd go into these fields, from shiny round pumpkins through lumpy squashes to gourds that hardly look edible. Pumpkins start at around £1 and rise to £15 for the whoppers, so each child can carry home something of their own choosing without the bill getting away from you.

Entry covers a good deal more than the picking. The Witch-way Maze Trail is included, as are the photo spots dotted around the field: a pumpkin house, a pumpkin carriage, a giant chair and giant letters. There is a bale mountain and a vintage tractor as well, and a barrel train that costs £3 a ride. Face painting and a bubble man are among the other extras, and the Jolly Cafe serves barista coffee, stone baked pizza, drinks and snacks through the day.

This is a working field rather than a landscaped attraction, so the ground is uneven and bumpy and wellies or sturdy shoes are the sensible choice. Pushchairs are fine, and wheelbarrows are there to help you get a full load back to the car. You are welcome to bring a picnic and eat it in the field.

Tickets are pre-booked with a half-hourly arrival slot, though the slot only governs when you come in; after that you can stay to closing. Dogs are not allowed for hygiene reasons, apart from guide and medical assistance dogs, which is worth knowing before you load up the car.