Pumpkin Picking at Otto's

Three generations of the same farming family are behind this Essex patch, which sits right beside Freeport Braintree rather than at the end of a long country lane. That makes it an unusually easy field to reach, and Braintree Freeport station is about fifteen minutes away.

The field carries pumpkins and squashes of all shapes and sizes, but a good deal of the effort has gone into what is built around them. There is a decorated faraway forest with a quiz to work through, and set pieces including the Pumpkin House, Otto's Den and the Pumpkin Tree, with photo spots arranged around the patch. Children who tire of choosing have a games area and a giant art board to fall back on, and the venue says there are new additions for 2026.

Booking is required, and the time you pick is an arrival slot, so aim to turn up within it rather than drifting in later. Parking is next to the field and is included in the ticket price, which saves the usual hunt for change.

Hot and cold refreshments are sold on site and picnics are welcome, so lunch can go either way. Card payment is preferred, though cash is taken, and the pumpkins and squashes are priced individually rather than thrown in.