Originally from North America, pumpkins are now grown across Cheshire’s fertile fields. October means the winter squash is ripe and ready for what’s become a Hallowe'en highlight – a visit to the PYO pumpkin patch.
After visiting the real deal in New England, I’m a pumpkin patch purist. I want to enjoy the season with all my senses – see where the veggies have been growing, get hands-on collecting them and enjoy a hot drink (preferably spiced cider). The sound of fellow families excitedly searching out a special squash and the vibrant autumn colours can deliver a dose of sunshine even on chilly grey days.
Dunham Pumpkin Patch
Henshall Lane, Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 5SN
The Hewitt family has more than 30 years of experience growing pumpkins in Cheshire, with three generations involved in their pumpkin patch for the last four years. Grandad Alan brings his expertise from the greenhouses of the walled garden at Dunham Massey, sons Jonny and Chris head up the growing and event planning, with grandchildren, Monty, Erin and Isabelle getting stuck in for the season.
This year there are 15 varieties available, including the traditional Jack-o'-lantern, chic grey pumpkins and interesting squashes. Take a ride on the wagon train around the fields and orchard and capture lasting memories at photo boards across the site. Refreshments, including award-winning cider, juice and homemade cakes, are available in the Apple Barn. Tickets are available in advance to ensure supply meets demand.
Entry: £6 per car. Tickets from dunhampumpkins.co.uk
Prices: Starting from £1 up to £15 for the giants
Coffee van, wood-fired pizzas from The Little Red Pizza Company, toilets available at the farm
Pets welcome
Also nearby is Dunham Massey Ice Cream Farm where you can add some dairy to your scary pumpkin picking and Brookheys Farm, whose brand new passenger trailer is ready for farm tours.
Kenyon Hall Farm
Winwick Lane, Croft, Warrington WA3 7ED
Pumpkins have peppered the fields at Kenyon Hall Farm since the 1980s and this year marks the 12th anniversary of the PYO patch. Determined to offer visitors a good choice of colour, size and shape, they’re offering 30 varieties of evocatively named pumpkin and squash including mini striped Pump-ke-mons, the classic Magic Lantern and white Casperita.
'We grow 15,000+ pumpkins ourselves and top up our supply from friendly local pumpkin farmers to make sure we have enough to last the whole of October. Because we ticket our pumpkin festival we know how many pumpkins we need and so make sure we don’t run out,' says farm manager James Bulmer.
Entry: £2.50, tickets from kenyonhall.co.uk
Prices: Priced by size from £1 to £10, average £3
Farm shop, café and outdoor play area open 7 days a week with accessible toilets
Dogs welcome but not on the pumpkin patches
The area’s a hotspot for pumpkin patches with Partridge Lakes, Culcheth, offering picturesque lakeside picking and family favourite Farmer Bertie’s at Glazebury.
Claremont Farm
Old Clatterbridge Road, Bebington, Wirral CH63 4JB
Pumpkins have been growing at Claremont Farm, Bebbington, for the past 20 years and the pumpkin patch has been welcoming visitors since 2017. Farmer Andrew Pimbley has planted a wide variety: 'Lots of different types from ginormous ones, warty ones, to white ones and mini ones,' he says.
With no entry fee or advance booking, the patch is hugely popular. It closes once the pumpkins are all gone and despite the team planting more pumpkins every year, it’s still advisable to get there before the half-term holiday. The farm shop and café on site pride themselves on providing locally grown fare so you can enjoy all the best autumn has to offer.
Prices: Priced by the kilo
Refreshments and toilets available at the farm shop and café
Dogs welcome at the edges of fields but not among the pumpkins
claremontfarm.co.uk
Wirral residents are spoiled for nearby pumpkin patches including Vineyard Farm, Bebbington and Benty Farm Tearooms and the Family Fright Fest at Church Farm, both in Thurstaston.
Magical Malpas
Old Malpas Road, Whitchurch SY13 4RB
Running since 2009, Magical Malpas PYO proudly calls itself Cheshire’s original and best pumpkin patch. Like many dairy farmers, the Hughes family was hit hard by low milk prices until mum Barbara woke one night and decided to diversify into pumpkins. Her field of dreams began as a marquee and a few spooky scarecrows and has grown each year but keeps its homespun charms. Staffed by welcoming family and friends, the photo village and maize maze are decorated throughout with lovingly made props.
The pumpkin patch now has a purpose-built barn with toilet block and offers tractor rides around the farm. 'Experience is everything,' says daughter Stella. 'We grow plenty and even have a secret patch on the farm to open if needed.' The pumpkin patch is wildly popular, with more than 27,000 fans on Facebook, so time your visit wisely to make the most of it.
Entry: £2 per person to enter the photo village and maize maze that leads to the pumpkin patch
Prices: Baby pumpkins £2, regular £3.50 and extra large £6.50
Wheelbarrows are available for a £5 deposit, refundable on return
Refreshments available on site, along with a well-stocked Hallowe'en shop
Dogs on leads are welcome – even pet ferrets and rabbits have visited
magicalmalpaspyofarm.com
Libby’s Pumpkin Patch
Shellow Lane, Gawsworth, Macclesfield SK11 9RS
After taking over the family farm, Daniel and Beth Thornicroft have been running Libby’s Pumpkin Patch in Gawsworth since 2019. Inspired by their own three boys’ love of muddy knees, their focus is on quality. Pick your pumpkin from the vine and enjoy hot and cold refreshments from their converted horse trailer.
With 10 acres of pumpkins and 55,000 seeds planted this year, Daniel promises there are more pumpkins than tickets. They’re growing 47 varieties, from tiny munchkins to the Giant Atlantics, the biggest of which last year reached a whopping 95kg. You can even match your interior décor with yellow, pink and purple pumpkins or get a gruesome zombie gourd.
Entry: £5 per car, tickets from libbyspatch.com
Prices: Priced by size, munchkins start at £1
Refreshments and portaloos on site
Well-behaved dogs welcome
At nearby Pye Ash Farm, Bosley, enjoy an innovative pumpkin maze with crops displayed on hay bales in the barn. Perfect for rainy weekends and better accessibility than many.
Top tips for pumpkin pickers
Shop local to support farmers and keep mileage down
Wear wellies: pumpkin fields aren’t a good place for pristine white trainers
Patches open from early October so go early to enjoy the season
Freshly picked pumpkins will store in a cool, dark place such as a garage for several weeks
Bring your own bag or box to carry your Hallowe'en haul
Dispose of your pumpkin sensibly – cook it or compost it
