It’s never too early to decide where to go to pick your own pumpkins! There’s already a chill in the air with autumn weather not far behind. The leaves have started changing colour and before you know it, Halloween will be here.
Whether decorating your homes with spooky decor inside and outside or going trick and treating - it’s a fun time for families. In the run up to the spooky festival, several farms near Birmingham are hosting their own spooky events where you can grab your Halloween decor and get it carved. At many of the West Midlands farms hosting these events, children will receive a free pumpkin as well.
The tradition of carving Jack-o’-lanterns goes back to the 1600s when people made the lanterns to ward off evil spirits. This fun activity and tradition has come to stay in modern times with families making a day out of pumpkin picking. Here are eight farms near Birmingham where you can pick your own pumpkin to celebrate Halloween:
1. Woods Barn, Shirley, Solihull
At Woods Farm in Solihull, you can pick your own pumpkin and join their carving events from Saturday 14th October 2023 until Tuesday 31st October. They will be open daily from 10am – 7pm, during the Halloween period selling pumpkins and Halloween/ Christmas decorations. Bookings are not needed for picking pumpkins or carvings. Pumpkins priced individually based on size. Starting from £2.00 – £20.00. (Photo - pikselstock - stock.adobe.com) | pikselstock - stock.adobe.com
2. Lower Drayton Farm, Staffordshire
This farm in Penkridge has all kinds of pumpkins - massive, mini, perfectly formed and white pumpkins. Make a day out with your family while you pick your own pumpkin for Halloween this season. More details are available on the farm’s website. £11pp online until 30th September All visitors will require a pre-booked ticket, which includes your picking experience, pumpkin village & photo booths. (Photo - Lower Drayton Farm, Staffordshire ) | Lower Drayton Farm, Staffordshire
3. National Forest Adventure Farm, Burton Upon Trent
The farm is hosting its annual Spooktacular event on 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th October – 3rd November. Join them for some for hair-raising, spine-tilling daytime fun and also pick your own (PYO) pumpkin from a giant patch and take part in seriously spooky shows. Only children are given a free pumpkin voucher. Tickets are from £15.99 for adults. (Photo - Andrii IURLOV - stock.adobe.com) | Andrii IURLOV - stock.adobe.com
4. Essington Farms, Wolverhampton
This 50-acre Pick Your Own site grows many different crops all available to pick, including Pumpkins! However, the Halloween special vegetable is available in October only. Tickets, dates and availability can be found on their website. (Photo - David Johnson - stock.adobe.com) | David Johnson - stock.adobe.com