by Anna Hann
posted on October 27, 2022
Where and how to find a prime pumpkin – and what to do with it next
Pumpkin picking is getting more popular in the UK, with new pumpkin patches popping up to capture an ever-growing enthusiasm for Halloween. But wait! Before you hastily head off in search of locally grown specimens for a spooky display or to find the sweetest variety to bake into a sugary treat, we’ve got handy tips on where to go, how to prepare, and what to do once you’ve picked the perfect pumpkin.
Find a great pumpkin patch
First things first, you need to find a great pumpkin patch. For the most hands-on experience, look for places where you can pick your own or nibble on barbequed squashes and gourds as you wander the fields to pick out a flawless specimen (or something suitably quirky). Some of our favourite pumpkin farms are tucked into romantic rural spots, and others are slam-dunks for keeping kids entertained – so choose wisely. Hire a car, and you can make a day of it and venture into the countryside to pluck a prime pumpkin.
Head to Maxey’s Farm Shop for colourful varieties
The pumpkins at Maxey’s Farm Shop in Nottingham are homegrown from seed and available in all sorts of unexpected colours, including blue and white – ideal if you want to create a striking Halloween display that’s a little different to the typical orange variety (although you’ll find these at Maxey’s, too). As well as obligatory pumpkin picking, there’s a Spooky Woodland Walk and a Halloween-themed tractor ride through the farm’s fields.
Make tracks to Piglets Adventure Farm for kid-friendly carving
The Pumpkin Festival at Piglets Adventure Farm near York has little ones firmly in mind. Kids can choose a pumpkin from a patch chockful of suitably seasonal varieties, including Ghost Pumpkins and Atlantic Giant Pumpkins, then head to the special carving tent with all the tools you need to create a scary, glowing pumpkin head. There’s also a maze to get lost in and a farmyard trail to try after your Halloween antics.
Choose Garsons Farm for delicious cooking varieties
If you’re looking to create a delicious dish from your pumpkins rather than frightening the neighbours with your jack-o-lantern creations, head to a proper farm to select your veg (although actually, a pumpkin is a fruit). Garsons in Surrey is a pick-your-own farm that’s open all year round and has ripe pumpkins ready to pick come October. When you visit, you can pick pumpkins alongside other crops that you’ll need back in the kitchen.
Seek out a ‘Cinderella’ at Arnprior Farm
Arnprior Farm is Scotland’s original pumpkin patch and has grown enormous so-called Cinderella pumpkins. Once you’ve admired the biggest varieties, take home a pristine white one, a stripy one, or perhaps a gnarly green one – whatever best suits the haunting Halloween display you have in mind. Linger longer for woodfired pizzas and churros from the pop-up food trucks.
Go nighttime picking at Tulleys Pumpkin Farm
Tulleys Pumpkin Farm in West Sussex puts on one of the biggest pumpkin festivals in the UK. They’ve grown an impressive one million pumpkins in over 60 varieties. As you might expect from a pumpkin farm of this size, they’ve got the full suite of pumpkins and gourds, from classic shiny orange ones to odd knobbly ones. Try the moonlight event and head there after dark for live music, candlelit pumpkin picking, and plenty of street food.
Entertain the little ones at Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park
If you want to pick a pumpkin but want plenty more to do on your Halloween day out, Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park has you covered. Aside from the pick-your-own pumpkin patch, they lay on spooky entertainment and a small fairground – you might even spot a fire show. But the main draw has to be the pumpkin paintball and fire-an-apple cannon. When everyone’s well and truly exhausted, there’s a food tent with warming choices.
Enjoy an autumnal countryside experience in Cornwall
Cornwall was Turo guests’ favourite staycation destination in the summer of 2022, but this lovely corner of the UK is just as delightful in the autumn. Visit Trevaskis Farm for a stroll around 28 acres of fruits and veggies. In October, apples and raspberries are ready to pick alongside the pumpkins. The farm restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so time your visit to make sure you take advantage of the fresh local fare.
Preparing for pumpkin picking
Pumpkin picking happens in October and November in the UK. While you might luck out with a bright autumnal day, there’s always a chance of rain, so you’re well advised to go prepared for all weather. Pull on some wellies, wrap up in something cosy, pack a waterproof, and prepare to get muddy if there’s rain forecast.
Choosing a prime pumpkin
When you’re scouting for the best pumpkin, have in mind what you want it for. If you’re going to create a haunting display, look for pumpkins with a nice flat base to keep the candle on an even surface. If you’re looking to whip up a delicious pumpkin pie, a warming autumnal soup, or a squidgy pumpkin loaf, look for smaller varieties, as these are typically tastier and have a better texture.
How to pick a pumpkin
Most farms pre-harvest their pumpkins to keep things simple and protect the crop, so you’ll likely choose from a pre-picked selection. But there are some simple tips to follow to make sure you choose a good one. Giving the pumpkin a knock is a simple trick to check if a pumpkin is ripe. You’re listening for a nice, hollow sound. Next, check that it’s got no soft or mushy bits and that the stem is brown. Before you go and pick it up from the stem – stop! It’s important that the stem remains intact (plus, they can be surprisingly prickly), so always lift a pumpkin from the base.
When are pumpkin patches open?
Pumpkin patches are open in October and typically coincide with the October half-term holiday and Halloween. Before you head off on a pumpkin pursuit, make sure the pumpkin patch you want to visit is open and check if you need to pre-book.
How to prepare a pumpkin for carving
To prepare a pumpkin for carving, wash your pumpkin with water and make sure it’s completely dry. You can buy special tools to carve a pumpkin, but a serrated knife will do. Cut off the crown (and save it), then scoop out the middle with a serving spoon. Save the seeds for roasting. Draw a design on the skin, then use a small, serrated knife to carve. Pop in a tealight and ta-da! You’re done.
How to prepare a pumpkin for cooking
To prepare an edible pumpkin for cooking, cut the pumpkin in half, from top to bottom and remove the seeds and stringy bits. Place both halves cut side down on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven for about an hour or until soft. When it’s cooked, you can easily scrape the pumpkin flesh away from the skin, ready to use in a recipe.
How to store a pumpkin
Depending on when it was picked, most pumpkins will keep for 30-90 days when they’re stored separately, as the acids emitted from other fruits can speed up the pumpkin’s ageing process. They’re best stored on a wire rack to help air circulate, but they shouldn’t be kept in a fridge – 10-15 degrees Celsius is optimum.
Have a sustainable Halloween
Halloween comes with a set of terrifying stats when it comes to sustainability. Millions of costumes, plastic decorations, and sweet wrappers end up in landfill, making spooky celebrations even more sinister. Pumpkin waste is significant too, so if you’re carving one for display, dispose of it responsibly by composting it.
Book a car for Halloween
Whatever Halloween has in store for you, you can book a car on Turo to get there. Book an SUV or seven-seater for the whole family, put on a suitably spooky playlist, and head out for some Halloween fun.
