Pumpkin Picking at Lotmead Farm

What you pay to get into the patch here comes straight back to you: the entry charge is redeemed against the pumpkins you pick, so the money goes on the pumpkins rather than the gate. The farm also aims to have the whole crop picked by 31 October, which is a good argument for going early in the season rather than leaving it to the final weekend.

Alongside the picking there is a Halloween Activity Trail, running throughout October half term. It comes in two versions, one for pre-school children and one for children who are reading and writing, and both are built around tasks, challenges and puzzles. Children between about 3 and 13 get the most out of it. You can do one trail or both, and take as long over them as you like.

A combo ticket bundles the pumpkin picking, the trail and entry to the Farm Park together, and saves a pound a head against buying the three separately. Every Halloween ticket carries a timed slot, but the slot is only your entry time; once you are through the gate you can stay as long as you want.

Book ahead if you can. Turning up on the day may be possible depending on availability, but it costs an extra 50p per person. All children need an adult with them, and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome as long as you clear up after them. The farm closes for the season once Halloween is done, so this is the last of its year.