The big picture: Four local farms are opening their gates this October, offering everything from tractor rides to silent discos alongside their pumpkin picking. Here's what you need to know.
Farmer John's Pumpkin Patch
Step into autumn at Farmer John's, where pumpkin picking meets family fun. This local favourite offers a patch full of home-grown pumpkins and a giant inflatable bouncy tractor.
Key details:
What: Home-grown pumpkins and squash, giant inflatable bouncy tractor, straw pyramid climbing
When: Every weekend in October and half-term week
Location: Old London Rd, Capel St Mary, Ipswich IP9 2JU
Booking: Not required
Price: Adults £7, Kids £5, Under 2s free (includes one small pumpkin per person)
https://farmerjohnspumpkinpatchandmaizemaze.co.uk
Akenham Hall Farm
Located just outside Ipswich, this picturesque venue offers more than just pumpkins. With activities ranging from donkey rides to archery, it's a full day of autumnal enjoyment for the whole family.
Key details:
What: Pumpkin patch, seasonal gifts, donkey rides, bouncy castle, archery, hearty food and drink
When: Every weekend in October and half term week (28-31 October), 10am-4pm
Location: Akenham Hall, Henley Rd, Ipswich IP6 0HL
Booking: Not required
Price: Free entry, pay for pumpkins
Rougham Pumpkin Patch
Prepare for a spooktacular adventure at Rougham Pumpkin Patch, just east of Bury St Edmunds. This popular patch is back for its fourth year, offering a vast selection of pumpkins, gourds, and squashes. With free entry and parking, it's a perfect day out for families looking to embrace the Halloween spirit.
Key details:
What: Vast pumpkin patch with over 20 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squashes to choose from, straw bale climbing, picnic areas, sandpits, pedal tractors, face painting
When: Weekends from 05 October, then daily 26-31 October, 9am-5pm
Special events: Late night picking on 12 and 26 October (5:30pm-9:30pm) with silent disco
Location: Junction 45 of A14, near Bury St Edmunds (IP30 9ND for nearby industrial estate)
Booking: Not required
Price: Free entry and parking, pay for pumpkins
Woodbridge Pumpkin Patch
Nestled in the scenic surroundings of Woodbridge, this pumpkin patch offers a quintessentially Suffolk pumpkin-picking experience. With its affordable entry fee and range of activities, including a mud kitchen and tractor rides, it's an ideal spot for families looking for a more laid-back pumpkin-picking adventure.
Key details:
What: Pumpkin picking in a scenic location, sandpit, mud kitchen, tractor rides, face painting, pumpkin house
When: 5-31 October (weekends and half term), 10am-4pm
Location: Sandy Lane, Woodbridge, IP12 4DW
Booking: Not required
Price: £1.50 entry, under 16s free
https://jamesfoskettfarms.co.uk/woodbridge-pumpkin-patch
The bottom line: Pumpkin picking has become a cherished autumn tradition for many families and couples. With a variety of activities and price points, there's a pumpkin patch to suit every family this Halloween. Remember to wear sturdy shoes and check individual websites for the latest information before visiting.
