Pumpkin Picking at Thorpe Farm Centre

Teesdale is the setting, at Greta Bridge just off the A66, and the pumpkin patch is only one part of a farm centre that already has a good deal for children to get through. Entry to the patch itself costs nothing; you pick what you want in the field and pay for it at the Farm Shop afterwards.

Among the pumpkins there are autumn-themed photo backdrops, a Hay Bale Mountain to climb and a Corn Toss Challenge, with extra activities and surprises laid on at weekends. No advance booking is needed for the patch, which makes it a sensible option for a day when the weather makes its mind up late.

The rest of the site fills out a longer visit. There is an animal paddock with pigs and goats and feed to buy, an outdoor Adventure Park with an obstacle course and a zip line, and indoor soft play aimed at children aged 0 to 8. Peel House gift shop, a Gardening Barn and the Farm Shop are all on site, and the cafe serves hot drinks and seasonal refreshments.

Two things need booking and paying for separately. The Halloween Maize Maze Trail is a small extra charge and can be booked online or at the Farm Shop, and the Scare Nights on 29, 30 and 31 October are a separate ticketed event rather than part of a daytime visit.