Pumpkin Picking at Lakeland Maze Farm Park

Home grown is the point here. The pumpkins in the patch are raised on the farm itself, in a variety of types, and picking them is folded into general admission rather than sold as a ticket of its own. There is no way to buy into the patch alone, which matters mostly because it means everything else comes with it.

That everything else is substantial: the farm's award-winning maize maze, a smaller mini maze, farm animals and play areas both indoors and out. Families tend to give it two or three hours. The pumpkins themselves are priced separately from admission, so the ticket gets you into the field and the pumpkin you carry home is paid for on top.

One thing to check before setting off is the calendar. The farm park opens on selected dates only through the season, so the opening dates on the website are worth a look even at half term. Tickets are cheaper booked online than bought at the gate and pre-booking is advised. Under 2s come in free but still need a place booked for them.

The ground can get soft after wet weather and suitable footwear is recommended, particularly for the maze. The mini maze works for wheelchairs and pushchairs, but the main maze has stepped metal bridges and is not wheelchair accessible. Only registered assistance dogs with valid ID are allowed on site, although the farm keeps three free kennel stalls that can be reserved by ringing ahead. The cafe serves hot and cold food in the middle of the day and picnics are welcome, so lunch can go either way.