Pick your own pumpkins in Kent this Halloween
Halloween is just around the corner so ‘tis the season to get out pumpkin picking.
Grab your wellies and head out into the fields with our guide to the farms opening their gates for you to pick up a treat:
PUMPKIN MOON, MAIDSTONE & RAINHAM
It's the fourth year Pumpkin Moon has been offering the chance to pick up a pumpkin. This year there are even more to choose from - more than 80 varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd, plus there's also a fun maize maze and face painting on offer. There are two Pumpkin Moons - one at Old Chatham Road, Sandling, and the other at Lower Rainham Road, Rainham. The first weekend to try picking is Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13, between 10am and 4pm and then from Friday, October 18 through to Thursday, October 31, daily between 10am and 4pm. Entry is free and there is parking. You pay for what you pick with prices starting at £1. Details at pumpkinmoon.uk
THE PUMPKIN PATCH, BRIDGE NEAR CANTERBURY
Nestled just off the Barham Junction of the A2 and 15 minutes from Canterbury or 25 minutes from Dover is a patch in Coldharbour Lane, Bridge.
It is billed as Kent's 'newest' pick your own pumpkin patch. Open from October 11, there is also some evening events and 'torchlight picking' amongst the activities. To learn more about visiting or finding the farm please click here.
CHILTON MANOR FARM, HIGHSTED FARM, SITTINGBOURNE
The family farm and shop will have some good opportunities for picking your own pumpkins this Halloween, as well as picking up some farm fresh goodies. Based in Highsted Road, Sittingbourne, the annual PYO opportunities kick off on Saturday, October 19, for the start of half term, and run from 10am. While at the farm you an also pick up a range of other fresh fruits, and as it specialises in apples, there are varieties from Cox's, Spartan's and Bramley cooking apples to russets, gala and golden delicious. Bring a carrier bag with you to take your goodies home with you. To find out more and keep up to date with with the PYO pumpkins, for more details visit chiltonmanorfarm.co.uk and check for updates by searching Chilton Manor Farm on Facebook.
For more Halloween-themed events just perfect for kids in Kent please click here.
BELUNCLE FARM, STOKE ROAD, HOO
The pick your own season at Beluncle Farm, Stoke Road, Hoo is now in its 10th year. The seasonal session attracts hundreds of visitors every year and this year, farmer Mark Batchelor and his wife, Verity, are hoping to beat last year’s record of producing a whopping 28-stone pumpkin.There's a wide range of pumpkins and squashes in many colours and sizes and picking starts on Saturday, October 12 and runs until Thursday, October 31, between 10am and 4pm. Bring sensible footwear as it can be muddy and no dogs are allowed except assistance dogs. Each year a donation is made to the Crohn’s and Colitis UK and Crohn’s in Childhood Research Association. Last year £4,000 was collected for charity. Call 07526 734293 for more or go to pyopumpkins.com
PICK YOUR OWN, MILEBUSH FARM, WEST FARLEIGH
The farm in Shingle Barn Lane, West Farleigh near Maidstone, was one of the first to get cracking on the pumpkin season, as it kicked off its pick your own last weekend. The opportunities to pick up a pumpkin continue all the way through to Halloween on Thursday, October 31. Opening times are from 9am to 6pm Mondays to Saturdays and 10am to 5pm on Sundays. There is also a farm shop on site. To find out more you can call 07971 964509.
PICK YOUR OWN PUMPKINS, SEVINGTON, ASHFORD
The family-owned farm in Cheesemans Green Lane, Sevington, opens its gates to pumpkin pickers on Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13, between 10am and 4pm. There will be more than 70,000 pumpkins of different varieties available to pick. Entrance is free and you pay for what you pick, with prices from 31 to £10. This year the farm is supporting the Brain Tumour Charity. Hot and cold drinks will be available to buy. Picking will also take place from Saturday, October 19, to Sunday, October 27, between 10am and 4pm and from Monday, October 28 to Wednesday, October 30, between 10am and 1pm. Pickers are asked to bring wellies and gloves. Details at pickyourownpumpkin.farm
PICK YOUR OWN, SAFFERY FARM, SELLING, FAVERSHAM
Picking starts at Saffery Farm in Selling on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 between 10am and 4pm, and will also be open for half term from Monday, October 21 to Friday, October 25 between 10am and 4pm daily. You can also pick away on the weekend of Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27. Pumpkins are priced by size and start at £1. Make sure you don your wellies.
STANHILL FARM, WILMINGTON
The family-friendly farm's Pumpkin Patch in Wilmington opens on Thursday, October 17. Find out more here.
FELDERLAND FARM PICK YOUR OWN, SANDWICH
The Felderland Farm Shop at Deal Road, Sandwich, has pick your own opportunities through the year, including pumpkin picking in October. Find out more here.
