The Pumpkin Garden at The Alnwick Garden

Autumn brings the Pumpkin Garden to Alnwick, and the useful part is that there is nothing extra to pay once you are through the gate. It is included with Garden entry rather than sold as its own ticket, which makes it an addition to a day already planned rather than a trip you have to justify on the pumpkins alone.

Half term is when the programme fills out. From 24 October there is a Pumpkin Garden Scavenger Hunt to work through and a set of harvest games, which gives younger children something to do with their hands rather than a display to look at and move past.

The Pavilion Cafe leans into the season with pumpkin lattes and seasonal bakes, which counts for something in Northumberland in late October. This is also a garden rather than a farm field, so the paths stay solid underfoot however the weather turns, and a pushchair is no particular handicap.

If you have a child who will want more than a garden, Lilidorei, the large adventure play village, can be added on a combined ticket or visited on its own from 1pm. Recognised guide, assistance and service dogs are welcome, including assistance dogs in training, provided they wear a lead or harness identifying them as working dogs. Tickets are non-refundable and standard tickets cannot be changed, so choose your date with some care, or take a flexi ticket if your plans might move.