As the leaves turn and the air takes on that unmistakable crispness, it can only mean one thing – pumpkin picking season is back, and it’s time to gather the family for some seriously festive fun.
Across the North West and beyond, farms have been busy turning their fields into sprawling orange wonderlands that are just begging to be explored. But not all pumpkin patches are made equal – some have really nailed the autumn vibe with more than just a patch of pumpkins.
Two Greater Manchester farms make top 10 pumpkin picking spots in the UK
This year, a nationwide study by UK holiday park provider Verdant Leisure has compared Google review ratings and Instagram followings to find the ultimate pumpkin patch destinations. The results reveal that two locations in Greater Manchester have made the cut, joining an impressive list of spots from across England and Scotland.
Smithills Open Farm in Bolton and Cockfield’s Farm Park in Oldham have secured spots in the national top ten pumpkin patches this autumn, thanks to their high Google review scores and strong Instagram followings.
Smithills Open Farm and Cockfield’s Farm Park are in the top ten pumpkin patches in the UK
Smithills Open Farm is basically pumpkin picking perfection. Imagine wandering through vibrant fields dotted with pumpkins of every shape and size, the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot as kids scamper about with wheelbarrows.
When your haul is complete, why not warm up with an indulgent scoop of homemade ice cream or a steaming coffee? Their little ice cream and coffee spot is the perfect place to refuel and soak in the seasonal buzz, with the farm itself looking straight out of a cosy countryside postcard – no wonder over 20,000 Instagrammers can’t get enough.
Just a short drive away in Oldham, Cockfield’s Farm Park is doing pumpkin picking with a twist. It’s not just about choosing a pumpkin here; it’s a full-on festival vibe with family-friendly activities sprinkled throughout the day.
Think crafts, live shows, and even farm animal meet-and-greets surrounded by all the Halloween decorations you can imagine. The staff get in on the fun too, often dressed in cheeky costumes that add a splash of spooky cheer for the little ones. It’s that perfect combo of autumn magic and farmyard charm that keeps visitors coming back year after year.
These two North West gems have earned their place among the UK’s top pumpkin patches, standing shoulder to shoulder with some impressive venues across the country. Verdant Leisure, a holiday park provider with a keen eye on seasonal fun, recently ranked the nation’s best spots by scouring Google reviews and Instagram followings.
So, whether you’re after a sweet scoop or a family day packed with entertainment, these farms have got your autumn sorted. Now, if you’re wondering which other pumpkin patches made the cut, here’s the full rundown of the UK’s best pumpkin hotspots this season – complete with scores and all the festive details to plan your perfect outing.