Autumn has arrived, which means only one thing: Pumpkin season. From celebrating the end of Harvest season to carving jack-o’-lanterns for Halloween, the distinct winter squash will be everywhere this season. Be it for the ‘gram or perfecting a pumpkin pie recipe, you’ll want to get down to your local pumpkin patch. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best pumpkin patches near Bristol you can visit this autumn.
1. Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park
Avon Valley’s Pumpkin Patch festival kicks off from October 1 until October 30, adding pumpkin picking to their already fun list of activities. Guests will be able to grab a wheel barrow and pick their perfect pumpkin, before firing one of their massive pumpkin cannons or testing your aim with their Scarecrow Shoot’em. The event in Keynsham, south east of Bristol, will also have a roaming spooky actors and performers, fire shows, fair rides, Pumpkin PaintBall, Pumpkin Slingshot, Bottle Smash and much more! There will be delicious street food available and you can warm up with a mug of hot chocolate or spiced pumpkin latte. Plus, Avon Valley will be hosting their Pumpkin Patch Nights events once again from October 7 to 30, which will feature festival vibes with a pop up bar, firepits, street food, performers, spectacular seasonal entertainment and beautiful lighting.
Pixash Lane, Bath Road, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1TP
2. Farrington’s Farm Shop
Open from October 1, Farrington’s Farm is ready to welcome back guests for their PYO Pumpkin season, with around 100,000 pumpkins grown this year so there should be plenty available to pick. The patch is pretty spectacular, too, with a variety of sizes and colours to choose from, including their most popular white ghost pumpkins. Once you have picked your perfect pumpkin there are carving tables for you to carve them into any creation you wish. Guests will get to run about with a wheelbarrow while picking their perfect pumpkins, before enjoying some of the farm shop’s homemade pumpkin soup or a pumpkin spiced latte, plus their popular fish and chips shop will be open for the occasion. This event is advance tickets only at £2.50 per person, under 2s are free, and does not include a pumpkin.
Farrington Gurney, Bristol, BS39 6UB
3. Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm
Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is one of Bristol’s best activities for families. Not only do you get to hunt around for a pumpkin you can visit the animals there too! This zoo has over 100 different species of animal, from gentle giraffes to carnivorous African lions, from fluffy rabbits to giant African elephants. From October 17 to November 6, guests can check out their pumpkin patches, before choosing one of their own to carve. Children can also take part in the farm’s Great British Wildlife Maze, Top Trumps Trail and Bug Talks. Plus, there’ll be fabulous pumpkin themed foods and treats at the barn and farm shop.
Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1PG
4. Puxton Park
Towards Weston-Super-Mare, Puxton Park will open is pumpkin patch to the public from October 1. The family adventure park provides fun and variety with a giant indoor play barn, pets’ village and farm shop all year round. But this Autumn , you can have a go at picking your own pumpkin from Puxton Park. Over 60,000 pumpkin seeds have been planted across our massive pumpkin patch. The pumpkin patch is free to enter, but there is a charge to take a pumpkin home – a price dependent on the size. Puxton Park is open every weekend and everyday during October half-term.
Cowslip Lane, Hewish, Banwell, Weston-super-Mare BS24 6AH
With Halloween creeping our way, before the huge countdown to Christmas, there are plenty of pumpkin patches around Bristol. So whether you’re doing it for the ‘gram or just absolutely love getting your carve on, there’s no excuse not get picking at one of these pumpkin patches a short distance away.