Autumn is just round the corner, so you know what that means - it’s pumpkin picking time!
Put on your wellies and get ready for some fun in the fields this October. Choose your favourite pumpkin to carve or cook up a feast with, from the biggest of traditional orange pumpkins to small, odd-shaped veggies, they are all there for the picking…
Be sure to stop a while at the on-site cafés or farm shops to enjoy something delicious to eat or drink.
There are events taking place all over Dorset, but as with many seasonal events they are weather dependant, so please check with the event organiser in advance to avoid any disappointment.
Gorcombe Pumpkins
Be treated to a variety of large, small, funny shaped, traditional, giant, white and even blue pumpkins at Gorcombe Farm near Blandford Forum.
At the end of the month, The Happy Farmer Café will have a big Halloween party on the evening of 26th October, with extra novel lighting and surprises in the pumpkin field!
Events dates: 1 to 31 October 2024, from 9am until 4pm.
Farmer Palmers Farm Park
During the October half term school holidays you can pick pumpkins at Farmer Palmers near Poole.
To keep your little monsters entertained, there will also be “Soak-a-Spook” Tractor Rides, Witches Races, a Spooky Maize Maze and Dance Time.
The farm park is designed specifically for under 8’s and their families, and provides everything you need for a fun-filled day out.
Tickets for pumpkin picking are in addition to the standard admission ticket.
Event dates: 26 to 31 October 2024, from 10am until 4pm.
Pumpkin carving at Exbury Gardens
It just wouldn't be Halloween without a spooky pumpkin and you can carve your very own creepy character at Exbury Gardens this October half term.
One of the Exbury team will help you and your family to create spooky designs, and they'll clean up all the mess so you don't have to!
Event dates: 28 October to 3 November 2024, from 11am until 4pm.
Pumpkin Fest at Gullivers Farm
Get ready to pick your perfect pumpkin at the annual Gullivers Farm Pumpkin Fest near Ferndown.
There will also be children’s craft activities, a nature trail, tractor rides, live music, a maze, farm animals and a pumpkin bowling alley!
While you’re there, why not pop into their farm shop or stop for something to eat at their café?
Event dates: 12, 13, 19 and 20 October 2024, from 10am until 3pm.
Bincombe Bumps Pumpkin Festival
Come and pick your own gourd-eous pumpkins at the Bincombe Bumps Pick Your Own Pumpkin farm near Weymouth.
After you've chosen your 'Jack-O-Lantern', head down to the Spooky Square to feast your eyes on pumpkin carving exhibits, Haunted House Halloween animatronics, and trick or treat doors!
There will also be axe throwing, face painting, fancy dress competitions, ghostly play areas and refreshments at the Couldron Café.
Event dates: Open on Saturdays and Sundays between 5 and 31 October 2024, from 10am until 4pm.
Pumpkin carving at the Blue Pool
During the October half term school holidays, head down to Blue Pool near Wareham for some spooky pumpkin carving. You can also join in with some spooktacular arts and crafts, marshmallow toasting, bushcraft sessions and spooky walks.
Normal admission to the Blue Pool applies, plus £5 per person for pumpkin carving, as well as extra costs for other activities.
No booking required, and if you're a Blue Pool member then you'll get a 10% discount on activities.
Event dates: 26 to 31 October 2024, from 9am until 5pm.
Pumpkin rolling at Forde Abbey
Fun for the young and young at heart, purchase a pumpkin, carry it to the top lawn at Forde Abbey and get rolling!
See who can test their strength and skills to roll their pumpkin down the hill the furthest. Compete against friends and family, and then take your pumpkin home for Halloween.
Normal admission prices apply, plus an extra charge for each pumpkin.
Event dates: 26 to 31 October 2024, from 10:30am until 4pm.
PYO pumpkins, carving and fun activities at Dewflock Farm
Head down to Dewflock Farm near Dorchester for some wholesome fun on the farm this autumn.
Meet the animals, get lost in the Maize Maze, go crazy on the bouncy castle, as well as PYO pumpkins and carving in the barn.
Food is available from the Pig Shed Café on the farm BBQ.
Ticket prices: Adults and Children £6.50 to include most activities.
Event dates: 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th October 2024, between 10am and 4pm.
