Pumpkin Picking at Lillingstone Pick Your Own

Fifty varieties is a lot of pumpkin. That is what this farm in the countryside between Milton Keynes, Buckingham and Northampton grows for pick your own, and it turns the usual search for one round orange pumpkin into a much longer browse.

The day ticket carries most of the visit with it. Tractor trailer rides, the play patch and zip wire, a spooky trail, marshmallow toasting and a maize maze are all included, and the pumpkins are the thing you add on and pay for as you go. There are farm animals to meet, the Dutch Barn Kitchen for autumnal food, homemade cakes and coffee, and a Halloween gift shop on the way out.

Ticket prices move about from date to date, because some days carry extra entertainment such as circus acts, stilt walkers, character appearances and a Spooky Science Show. Twilight Nights are a different proposition again, running in the evening with live music and fire shows, and a SEND morning on Monday 26 October gives families two calmer hours before the crowds build.

Advance booking is essential, and it is worth knowing that your ticket is for an arrival time rather than a departure time, so you can stay as long as you like once you are in. Tickets cannot be refunded, though they can be exchanged up to 24 hours before a visit. Dogs are not permitted apart from registered service dogs; pushchairs are welcome, and both cash and card are accepted.