Autumn is in the air, and there’s nothing more that we love than the anticipation that the season brings. From Halloween and Bonfire Night, to the huge countdown to Christmas – the season is filled with happy occasions to share with your nearest and dearest. But first on the agenda = Halloween. Whether you’re doing it for the ‘gram or just absolutely love getting your carve on, we’ve rounded up the best pumpkin patches in Manchester to pick your own this year.
1. Cockfields Farm, Ashton Under Lyne
A family fave spot in Ashton Under Lyne, Cockfields Farm‘s Pumpkin Festival kicks off next month from October 8th, adding pumpkin picking to their already fun list of activities. Guests will be able to grab a wheelbarrow and pick their perfect pumpkin, before heading off into the Spooky Carving Cave to create their masterpiece if they choose to. The festival will also have a number of rides that are suitable for children, as well as a Halloween treasure hunt. Cockfields Farm, Lees Rd, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 8AR.
2. The Dunham Pumpkin Patch, Altrincham
Located in Dunham Massey, near Altrincham, the Dunham Pumpkin Patch is back for 2022 – and it’s perfect for grown-ups to enjoy. Head over and pick your perfect pumpkin (or two), before enjoying a delicious wood-fired pizza and a glass of their homemade cider, made from the very apples that you’ll find in the orchard by the pumpkin patch. The Dunham Pumpkin Patch, Henshall Lane, Dunham Massey, WA145SL.
3. Kenyon Hall Farm, Warrington
Kicking off in October, Kenyon Hall Farm, just a 30 minute drive from Manchester, is ready to welcome back guests to their pumpkin patches in time for PYO Pumpkin season, with over 15,000 pumpkins available to pick this year. The patch is pretty spectacular, too, with a variety of sizes and colours to pick from. Guests will get to run about with a wheelbarrow while picking their perfect pumpkins, before enjoying the farm shop and cafe. Kenyon Hall Farm, Winwick Ln, Croft, Warrington, WA3 7ED.
4. Lancaster Park and Animal Farm, Chadderton
Lancaster Park is one of Oldham’s best activities for families, and this year they’re really getting into the Halloween spirit. With a number of sessions taking place throughout October, guests can check out their pumpkin patch, before choosing one of their own to carve. Kids can also enjoy a costume competition, as well as a Spooky Haunted House before enjoying the rest of the park and farm’s animals. Lancaster Park and Animal Farm, Middleton Road West, Chadderton, Oldham, OL1 2TG.
5. Smithills Open Farm, Bolton
Venture north of Manchester to the pumpkin patches at Smithills Open Farm and take part in the pumpkin picking extravaganza. Taking place on October 15 and 16 and every day between October 22 and 30 as part of their special Halloween event, you can bag yourself a beautifully bright orange pumpkin to take home. As well as pumpkin picking, Smithills Open Farm will be all decked out for Halloween and will be hosting a Halloween Fright Night on October 29, from 6pm onwards. The night will feature ghoulish guided tours including werewolf woods, zombie barns, haunted tractor rides and a spooky woodland walk. Smithills Open Farm, Smithills Dean Road, Bolton, BL1 7NS
6. Reddish Vale Farm, Stockport
Head to the pumpkin patch at Reddish Vale Farm, grab a wheel barrow and search amongst hundreds of pumpkins to find the one that catches your eye. Be sure to visit the Halloween Village and take lots of photographs with your prized pumpkin. There is also a carving cavern to create your own pumpkin masterpiece at. Plus, brand new for 2022, Reddish Vale Farm will also feature a Haunted Children’s Straw Maze- but do you dare enter it? Or why not take a ride on the Spooky Express through the haunted woods and gruesome graveyard stopping off to feed the greedy pigs on the way? Reddish Vale Farm, Reddish Vale Country Park, Reddish Vale Road, Stockport, SK5 7HE