Seas of pumpkins are gracing the county’s fields and growers of these seasonal beauties can’t wait to welcome visitors to their pumpkin patches this autumn.
Cobbs Farm Pumpkins.
Children, foodies, grandparents…everyone is welcome at Cobbs Farm for some pumpkin fun. Now in its eighth year, the Bunting family are looking forward to greeting this year’s visitors. Becky Bunting said: 'We have a range of people visiting, and it’s not just those with children …from birth to 100 everyone is welcome.
'Pumpkins are available for decoration and squashes for foodies are all grown on our family farm. We also have free recipe cards.'
Picnics are allowed and with a 25-acre reservoir as the view, it’s easy to see why it has become a popular spot. A pop-up café by Tasha’s Tasty Treats will be available each day.
Becky added that 'portaloos are available', advises visitors to 'dress for the weather' but unfortunately no dogs allowed.
Good to know: Free entry and no booking required.
When: October 18 to 20, October 24 to 31, between 10am and 4pm.
Where: Maldon Road, Goldhanger, Maldon. CM9 8BQ.
cobbsfarmpumpkins.co.uk
Foxes Farm Produce.
As the original Pumpkin Patch in Essex, it’s here where you can pick your own pumpkins and squash in a variety of shapes and sizes. With more than 30 different varieties, Emily French said: 'We’ve added even more excitement with a maze and a challenge for young and old alike! Our Field of Fun area offers endless entertainment for children, featuring a bale mountain, slide, pedal tractors, farm obstacles, wooden games, football goals and fun games…giving parents a chance to relax with a delicious hot chocolate or, at the Colchester Patch, a refreshing mulled cider from the bar!' A classic Fergie tractor and old American truck provide perfect photo-worthy spots.
Good to know: Pumpkin Patch Nights in Colchester are on selected dates in October.
When: Weekends from October 5, half term from October 21.
Where: Basildon: Watch House Farm, Wash Road. SS15 4ER. Colchester: Halstead Road, Aldham. CO6 3PT
foxesfarmproduce.co.uk
A scaretastic line up of entertainment is on the agenda at the Halloween Festival for the whole family to enjoy this October half term. From the witch and cat dance parties to Halloween maze, there will also be Skittleman magic shows and pumpkin decorating. Each child gets to take a free pumpkin home from the pumpkin paddock and Barleylands daily timetable of activities such as bouncy pillow and the indoor sandpit will also be available. The Spooky Nights events provide unlimited family-friendly fairground rides, freaky friends critter show and Halloween light display. For something a little different, the drive-in movie night on October 29 will screen The Lost Boys at 6.30pm and The Shining at 9.15pm. Popcorn included.
Good to know: Buy your tickets in advance to save.
When: October 26 to November 3 (see website for specific event dates).
Where: Barleylands Road, Billericay. CM11 2UD.
barleylands.co.uk
Farmer Scott’s Pumpkin Patch.
This authentic and affordable experience not only ticks the box for family fun this autumn, it gets a big tick for value, too. With all the pumpkins grown sustainably on the farm in Brentwood, it is priced £5 per person including a pumpkin. Add in those countryside views and the experience is perfect for all the family…even four-legged friends!
As well as the farm, Farmer Scott’s will also have an indoor Pumpkin Barn at Scott’s of Southend (scottsofsouthend.co.uk) in Rochford this October between 9am and 5pm. SEN sessions are available Mondays and Wednesdays between 3pm and 5pm and are aimed at providing a quieter experience for children.
Good to know: Come rain or shine Farmer Scott’s has the option of both indoor and outdoor pumpkin picking fun.
When: Open weekends and half term in October.
Where: South Weald, Brentwood. CM14 5RH
facebook.com/farmerscotts
Hasty’s Adventure Farm
Boredom will be banished with lots of family fun available throughout Hasty’s Pumpkin Week. From the child-friendly Happy Ghost Trail, pumpkin selfie areas and other activities, there are various options, and price ranges to suit families. Standard entrance includes all-day entrance to the farm where you can see the animals, play on the equipment and enjoy spooky themed mini games and trails. Selfie areas are dotted around the farm, too. Another option is to take a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, and finally…the premium pumpkin experience ensures you are a true VIP with a goody bag and sweet treat to take home. Prices start from £9.95 adults, £9.95 child and £5.95 for toddlers.
Good to know: All tickets are subject to a 50p booking fee.
When: October 23 to November 3.
Where: West Road, Clacton-on-Sea. CO15 1AG.
hastys.co.uk
Just on the border of Essex, by day the pumpkin patch will have 50 varieties of pumpkins and squash and lots of other surprises! From spooky tunnels and Halloween characters to interact with, there will also be a giant erupting Pumpcano!
As night falls, join the farm for a spooktacular experience with live music from dead legends including Freddy Mercury and Michael Jackson while the Terror Tunnel will have scare actors (this event is suitable for brave 12-year-olds and upwards!) Don’t miss the Halloween Maize Maze which can be visited day or night. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, which promises to be an action-packed show with singing, dancing, games, puppetry and laughter, is also on the agenda.
Good to know: With something for all ages…there’s discounts to be had via the website.
When: Throughout October.
Where: Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak. CM22 7JT.
cammashall.co.uk
