** UPDATED FOR 2023!**
It's pumpkin season again! Picking our own pumpkin has become a much loved annual tradition for my family. It's the perfect way to welcome Autumn and begin getting excited for Halloween. The children love to choose their perfect pumpkin (or not so perfect, as they always seem to feel sorry for the wonky ones that need a good home!) and with the other activities on offer too, it's a brilliant family day out. There are such a huge variety of pumpkin and gourdes on offer, it's astounding! As well as our big pumpkins to carve, I am always sure to pick a few tiny pumpkins to use in my Autumn newborn and cake smash photography sessions.
There is a good choice of pumpkin picking patches with several local farms near Salisbury offering pumpkin pick your own along with refreshments, mazes, games and lots of family-friendly craft activities. Don't forget to take your camera/ phone along too - there lots of brilliant photo opportunities!
Here are our top 5 places for pumpkin picking around Salisbury this year. Some of these are ticket only again this year, so it's worth booking early to avoid disappointment. Let the pumpkin picking commence!*
Parson's Pumpkin Patch
A small, friendly, family run pumpkin patch at Upper Farm, Milston (near Durrington). It's open weekends only from Saturday 7th October 2023 and offers a huge range of different sizes, colours and variety of pumpkins plus an amazing atmosphere to make your visit truly memorable. Entrance is by pre-booked ticket only - tickets are already on sale and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
Ansty Farm Shop
Ansty Farm Shop and PYO will be open for pick your own pumpkin from this weekend, 7th October, with an enormous variety of pumpkins, gourds and squash to choose from - even some amazing blue pumpkins! They also have their amazing Pumpkin Picking and Pumpkin Games events running again this year on weekends from 15th October and during half term including pumpkin trails for the kids.
Pre-booking by telephone essential for PYO - 01747 829072
Find all the details on their Facebook page.
Pumpkin Pastures
Pumpkin Pastures in Fordingbridge is open on the weekend of 8th/9th October and then daily from 15th October until Friday 28th October. As well as an amazing selection of pumpkins to choose from, they offer craft activities, games and refreshments and a firework display finale on Saturday 29th October (tickets only).
This family run pumpkin patch also donate a proportion of their proceeds to local charities including the Salisbury Hospital Stars Appeal Neonatal Unit.
Entry and parking art free and pre-booking is not required for the PYO. All the details can be found on their website.
Picking Patch
Picking Patch, Fordingbridge is open daily from Saturday 14th October for PYO pumpkins with no need to book. There are lots of family friendly activities on offer as well as refreshments. Tickets can be purchased online for their pumpkin extravaganza 'Super Saturday' which includes an amazing firework display.
Visit their website for all the details.
Pumpkin Time
Pumpkin Time is at Sunnyfields Farm, Totton. The farm is open throughout October 2023, with late opening until 9pm to allow visitors to experience the twinkling magic of the farm by night. Pumpkins from all over the world which have been submitted for the Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off will be on display together with a huge range of pick your own varieties. Refreshments are also available.
Advance tickets are required and are available via their website.
*Details are correct at time of print. Please check individual websites for up to date details and opening times.