Pumpkin Picking at Overstone Grange Farm

Ninety varieties of pumpkins and gourds grow across thirty acres here, which changes how the picking feels. Instead of hunting for one decent orange pumpkin, children end up arguing over the warty ones, the white ones and the knobbly little gourds, and most families leave with a mixed pile rather than a matching pair.

Beyond the picking field there is a maize maze and a play patch built for burning off energy, with a bale tower, tyre sandpits, pedal tractors and games. A vegetable cannon is available at extra cost, face painting runs on selected dates for a further charge, and there is a tombola. Refreshments are served on site, with Moo Hatch burgers at weekends.

On selected Fridays in October the farm opens again after dark for Pumpkin Nights, when the picking is done by torchlight. A quieter Special Educational Needs session runs on the morning of Sunday 4 October, and carer tickets are available if you can show documentation such as DLA, PIP or Attendance Allowance.

Everything is sold through advance booking and the farm asks people to book early, because pumpkin picking sells out. One thing worth knowing before you plan a budget: the farm does not publish ticket prices on its own website, and they appear only at the point of booking. Both cash and card are accepted on the day for pumpkins and extras.