Pumpkin picking is quite a new phenomenon. When my boys were really small, this just didn’t exist. Fast forward a few years and now, not only does it exist but there is now a wide choice of places to go. 

I remember our first trip; I think this was about 6 or so years ago to PYO in Hoo. Back then, you parked on the road, walked in past their barn and if you were lucky there was one of about 10 wheelbarrows laying around and one small field with a few pumpkins in. We had a blast and it started a tradition that carried on for several years until my boys got too big. This place is now a massive outfit, with people showing you where to park, massive fields of pumpkins to wander around in and make your choice and pumpkins and squashes of all colours, shapes and sizes to choose from, along with somewhere to get something to eat and drink. Of course, I don’t know exactly what changes will have been made this year for COVID but its definitely open for business as usual, and after reading post after post on Facebook of other parents wondering where to go, I decided to put a few together to help. I have personal experience of the first one and the rest I’ve asked my mates!! So here goes….

PYO pumpkins in Hoo – Rochester

This is the place me and my boys have been many times, and is the place featured in my photographs. Looking at the website, you need to book your time slot on line (for free). Due to the current situation, you can no longer buy individual pumpkins but instead pay £20 (cash when you arrive) and collect a wheelbarrow, which you are allowed to fill with up to 15 pumpkins or squash (a maximum of 5 of any one variety). Subject to the latest guidance they will have hot and cold drinks and snacks available.

Website https://www.pyopumpkins.com

Where to find them?

PYO Pumpkins
Beluncle Farm
Stoke Road
Hoo, Rochester
Kent ME3 9LU

When are they open?

Please check website for up to date information, link above, but at the time of writing the following was on their website they are open weekends from 17th October 2020 – half term week 26th – 30th October and Saturday 31st October.

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Stanhill Farm Willmington Kent

I have never visited but it’s a firm favourite with lots of friends. Again you have to pre-book otherwise you will not be admitted and it is free to book your slot. Your slot admits one car with a maximum of 6 people in it. You can then purchase pumpkins at £30 for a wheelbarrow full – (with as many in as you can push!) or from £1 and upwards each. I have just booked to take Jackson here later on this week, so I’ll update this post at the weekend. Their website has a ton of information on it and I think they have a farm shop but I’m not sure so I’ll report back on that!

Website https://www.stanhillfarm.co.uk/node/235

Where to find them?

Stanhill Farm 
Birchwood Road 
Wilmington, Dartford
Kent, DA2 7HD
Tel: 01322 669711

When are they open?

Opening from the 17th October 2020

Castle Farm Shoreham

Last but not least!! This is one of my favourite places – you can’t pick your own here, but if you didn’t fancy getting muddy, its all be done for you! I want to finish with a bit about their wonderful farm shop which sells a lot of varieties of pumpkins ,(as well as a ton of other lovely things too!). This is where Jackson and I went last year and chose some to decorate rather than actually pick our own. Castle Farm in Shoreham – the place I hold my lavender shoots – has a great pumpkin selection. They are grown on site, but picked and brought to the shop for you to choose, so if you’re not after wandering round the fields youself, and just want somewhere with a great selection, then look no further!

Website https://www.castlefarmkent.co.uk/blogs/castle-farm-diaries/pumpkins-squashes-grown-on-castle-farm

Where to find them?

The Castle Farm Shop entrance is down a private drive directly off the A225, halfway between the villages of Shoreham and Eynsford. Satnavs using the postcode of TN14 7UB will take you to the exit on Redmans Lane so we recommend you pin us on googlemaps and then follow local signage.

When are they open?

The Hop Shop is open six days a week throughout the year. Tuesday – Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 10am-5pm, closed on Mondays. Pumpkins are available already, please check their social media for the latest info.

I did look at a few other places:

Tullys, at the time of writing, had closed their booking system due to checking availability so I won’t include their info.
Hewitts Farm seems to have something but the information is sketchy, but by all means look it up here – it’s certainly local. 

Do let me know how you got on and come and share any other places you’ve found in our area! I would love to see your photographs too!

Thankyou

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NB. All information subject to change – please check websites.