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 different colour and sized pumpkins at Gorcombe Farm near Blandford Forum. Dorset has been lucky to have a hot dry summer, but this does mean growing conditions have been tough for pumpkins, so less large pumpkins will be available this year.
At the end of the month, The Happy Farmer Café still hope to have its big Halloween party (date yet to be decided), with extra novel lighting and surprises in the pumpkin field!
Events dates: 1 to 31 October 2025, 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: 27 to 31 October 2025, from 10am until 4pm.
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: 25 October to 2 November 2025, from 10:30am until 4pm.
Pumpkin carving at the Blue Pool
During the October half term school holidays, head down to the Blue Pool's pumpkin patch where you can carve your very own Halloween pumpkin! Once you're done, take your creation home or display it at The Blue Pool for all to see. There will also be a Spooky Trail to follow, as well as face painting and bat box building.
No booking required. Normal admission to the Blue Pool applies, plus £5 per person for pumpkin carving, as well as extra costs for other activities.
Event dates: 25 to 31 October 2025, 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: 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, 30 and 31 October 2025, between 10am and 4pm.
Bincombe Bumps Pumpkins
Come and pick your own gourd-eous pumpkins at the Bincombe Bumps Pumpkins farm near Weymouth.
While away an hour in the pumpkin patch, then head for some face painting, hot food and drink, axe throwing, bouncy castle and lots of spooky surprises.
Event dates: Open on Saturdays and Sundays 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 October, as well as half term week 25 to 31 October 2025, from 10am until 4pm.
Pumpkin Patch at Gullivers Farm
Get ready to pick your perfect pumpkin at Gullivers Farm near Ferndown.
There will also be family-friendly fun, and of course, delicious food from the café and farm shop.
Event dates: From 11 October 2025.
