When it comes to autumn activities, it doesn’t get more wholesome – or more colourful – than picking your own pumpkin. Chucking one in the supermarket trolley might be cheaper, but you’d miss the joy of hunting around in the fields for ‘the best one’ and refereeing your kids who may not agree on which ‘the best one’ actually is. Whether you carve it on the spot to take it home to create carnage in the kitchen, nothing says ‘come and get your Haribo’ than popping your prize pumpkin on the doorstep come October 31st. Here’s our guide to the best places to pick a pumpkin in and around York.
Five best places to pick your pumpkin near York
The Balloon Tree Farm Shop and Cafe – Just outside Stamford Bridge, multi-Little Vikings Award-winning farm shop, The Balloon Tree, is an incredibly popular spot for pumpkin picking near York where they’re grown on site. Why not combine it with something delicious to eat or drink from the cafe and a play in the outdoor play area. The Balloon Tree, Stamford Bridge Rd, Gate Helmsley, York YO41 1NB – Visit The Balloon Tree website
Castle Howard – The Castle Howard Garden Centre Pumpkin Patch is back for the third year running! Explore the patch and choose your perfect pumpkin. Whether small, medium, or large, they’ve got varying sizes and colours for carving, decorating and making the most of the spooky season! Head to the Garden Centre when you arrive and follow the signs for PYO pumpkins. Pumpkins cost £3, £5, £7 depending on size. Micro-pumpkins are £1.50. Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA – 30th September to 31st October 2023 – Visit the Castle Howard website
Stockeld Park – There’s loads going on at Stockeld Park this half term, from enchanted forest trails to a mysterious maze. Every child with a paid ticket will get a pumpkin for free up to 31st October! Stockeld Park, Wetherby Rd, Wetherby LS22 4AN – Visit the website
Piglets Adventure Farm – At Piglets Adventure Farm you can take your pick from the homegrown pumpkin patch (free for every paying child) and even carve it while you’re there. There’s a Mysterious Maze, Professor Dan’s Magic Show, Bat Walk Fashion Parate and lots of indoor and outdoor play too. Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Ln, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST – Visit the website
Spilmans – This family-run farm in Helperby, half an hour from York, is a popular spot for pumpkin picking. Spilmans’ Pumpkin Fest opens on 30th September and your ticket includes entry to a family-friendly show and a £5 voucher to spend on pumpkins or activities. There are basic pick-your-own options too, if you prefer. Spilmans, Church Farm, Sessay, Thirsk YO7 3ND – Visit the Spilmans website
