Pumpkin Picking at Paul's Farm

Free entry with no booking is unusual enough to lead with. You arrive on one of six open days, park up and walk in, and the only things you pay for are the pumpkin you choose and anything you eat. Prices for the pumpkins themselves are being confirmed nearer to opening.

The site is a working farm and livery stables, so there are horses about, along with birds of prey and honey bees to look at as part of the visit. A tractor and trailer ride is included at no cost, and one of the trailers has a wheelchair ramp. There is face painting too, and a spooky gift shop called Hello Pumpkin.

Food is a proper part of it: wood-fired pizza, ice cream and a mobile bar. Toilets and a baby changing table are on site, and there is a designated smoking area.

Because it is a working yard, a few rules apply. The speed limit on site is 5mph, the paddocks are electric fenced, and dogs are not permitted apart from assistance dogs, because of the horses and the birds of prey. Payment is by cash, contactless card, Apple Pay or Google Pay on the farm's SumUp terminals, and cheques are not accepted.

The farm's own advice is to come in wellies or sturdy boots, because the ground gets muddy, and to dress warmly. Prams and pushchairs are welcome, though space is tight at the busiest times. With only six open days and a last admission in the middle of the afternoon, it pays to go early in the day rather than late.