Last year, I wrote a very popular blog on pumpkin picking and where to go. This year, it’s time for an update. With Covid rules looking different, and places operating in a new way, I have tried to put together a few of my favourites from over the years and some new ones I’ve become aware of in the forums. As a Bexley family photographer, this time of year is one of my favourites for capturing your family in the amazing hues of Autumn. So put on those wellies, grab your camera or your phone – don’t forget that rain coat – (Jackson and I got caught out pumpkin picking last year!) and head out for some good outdoors family fun! And do come back and share some photographs if you have the time. I also love hearing about new places so do tell me those too! 

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. The website confirms that you need to buy a ticket in advance and show that ticket or QR code to gain access to the car park. Car parking costs £7 for cars that seat up to 7 people, larger vehicles pay more. You are able to buy individual squashes and pumpkins again this year, rather than last year’s minimum spend and these range from £1 – £6. They are running a morning and and afternoon session – see website for details. Please note, dogs are not permitted on the farm.

Website https://www.pyopumpkins.com

Where to find them?

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

• 

• 

• 

Stanhill Farm Willmington Kent

J and I went here last year, it was a great place, smaller than the one in Hoo, and really well run. Again, pre booking is essential and you will not be admitted without a valid ticket (this can be printed or on your phone).

Website https://www.stanhillfarm.co.uk/pumpkin-patch

Where to find them?

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

Please note, at the time of writing i cant find if they have availability, i am waiting to hear from them.

Hewitts Farm Orpington Kent

• 

• 

• 

I have not been here but I am aware of the farm and it’s a popular place for pick-your-own, locally. For the latest information, it may well be best to check their facebook page, which you can find here

No booking is necessary, just turn up. They do warn that last year they had sold out half way through half term. Pumpkins and squashes start from 88p per kilo and they have planted more varieties this year.

Hewitts Farm,

Court Road (A224)

Orpington, Kent

hewittsfarmorders@gmail.com

For crop availability or boot sale status please call our automated service on: 01959534666

For all other enquiries please call: 07768105669.

Again please note, i have been unable to reach them to check if they still have pumpkins to pick

Favourite actives for Halloween

Normally a big event and one for the teens –Broadditch Farm’s Broadwitch Hauntfest. This year they are offering a pumpkin patch to pick your own along with pumpkin carving activities. 

New for Halloween 2021 – PYO Pumpkins at Broadditch Pumpkin Patch.

Open Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th October and half term week Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st October, 10am to 3pm every day.

£5 to book a ticket, each ticket admits ONE car or group – maximum of SIX people per car or group. No coaches or minibuses. Plus, the cost of any pumpkins you choose.

Our popular Pumpkin Carving Workshops – Love the fun of pumpkin carving but hate the mess at home then join us in our events barn and leave the mess behind!

Workshops Tuesday 26th to Saturday 30th October, 10.30am to 4pm every day. £6.50 per person/pumpkin.

Online booking essential for both PYO and Pumpkin Carving Workshops 

Great Comp Gardens Platt. Nr Sevenoaks

Children’s pumpkin garden trail and pumpkin carving fun

Pumpkin carving sessions will run daily from Monday 25th October – Friday 29th October from 10am – 12pm and 1pm – 3pm. Parking at Great Comp is free of charge. The cost of this is £5 per child/pumpkin (this includes the child’s entry to the garden and pumpkin. Carving kits will also be provided).

Adult admission will need to be paid for accompanying adults which is £8.50 for standard admission. Pumpkin tickets are purchasable here and at the time of writing there is availability Tuesday – Friday for half term week. 

Hall Place Bexley Halloween garden trail

1-31 October

Halloween Garden Trail

10am-4.00pm

£2.50 per trail sheet

Have fun on our spellbinding Halloween Garden Trail this Autumn. Find all the Witches & Wizards’ posters in the grounds to fill in the missing parts of the pictures on your trail sheet. Includes a small chocolate prize. Pick up your trail sheet from the Stables Gallery and Shop. Bring your own pencil or buy one for 50p. Pay on the day

I am unsure if you need to buy your trail tickets upfront, but there is a link to do so which is here. Spaces seem to be pretty much unlimited for half term week. Hall Place has always been a firm favourite of my boys, and don’t forget there is a fab tearoom too! 

Hall Place & Gardens
Bourne Road
Bexley
Kent DA5 1PQ

I hope this gives you all some ideas of what to do next week! Come over to my facebook page and let me know if you tried any of these out! As always, please do ensure you check ahead in case the information in this post has changed since writing.

see you soon!