As October approaches, the anticipation for Halloween festivities grows stronger. Despite the chill in the air, this time of year offers the perfect opportunity for a memorable family outing. One popular trend that has taken the nation by storm in recent years is pumpkin picking. It’s a fun and interactive way to get into the Halloween spirit and keep the kids entertained leading up to the spooky night on October 31. Here are some of the best pumpkin picking locations in Scotland that you can visit this Halloween season.
Arnprior Farm, Stirling
Arnprior Farm in Stirling is Scotland’s original pumpkin patch, making it a must-visit destination for Halloween enthusiasts. While slots for this year’s event may be limited, booking in advance for next year’s celebration is highly recommended. As the farm approaches its ten-year anniversary since opening, special festivities may be in store for visitors. Pumpkin picking at Arnprior Farm has become a highly anticipated seasonal event, with tickets selling out quickly each year.
In addition to selecting your own pumpkin, visitors can indulge in street food and partake in Halloween activities designed for kids. Be sure to come prepared with your wellies for a muddy but enjoyable experience. Tickets are priced at £10 per car, with three sessions available daily at 9am, 12pm, and 3pm from October 12-30.
Balgone Pumpkin Patch, East Lothian
Located in East Lothian, Balgone Pumpkin Patch sprawls across a 10-acre property, boasting an impressive collection of over 60,000 pumpkins and squashes in 27 unique varieties. This year marks the fifth consecutive season of the pumpkin picking experience at Balgone Estate. In addition to selecting your perfect pumpkin, visitors can explore a haunted 2km trail and toast marshmallows by the lakeside for added Halloween fun.
The Balgone Estate website offers recipe inspiration for pumpkins and squashes, ensuring that your seasonal produce doesn’t go to waste. Prices for pumpkins are determined by weight, ranging from £1 to £10.
Briarlands Farm, Stirling
Situated near the popular Blair Drummond Safari Park, Briarlands Farm offers a unique pumpkin picking experience within one of the farm’s strawberry tunnels. This indoor setting provides a cozy environment for visitors to select their pumpkins without worrying about inclement weather. The farm also features a pumpkin tunnel for photo opportunities and a carving area for those who prefer to avoid messes at home.
No reservations are required for Briarlands Farm, but booking in advance can secure a 25% discount. Entry to the farm costs only £1.50 per person, with pumpkin prices varying based on size. The pumpkin tunnels will be open from October 12-27 for visitors to enjoy.
As Halloween approaches, Scotland’s pumpkin patches offer a plethora of activities and attractions for families seeking seasonal fun. From traditional pumpkin picking to spooky trails and festive treats, these locations provide a memorable experience for all ages. Whether you’re embarking on a scenic drive to a rural farm or exploring a nearby estate, the spirit of Halloween comes alive in Scotland’s pumpkin patches.
Craigies Farm Shop, Edinburgh
Nestled near Edinburgh, Craigies Farm Shop is renowned for its year-round fresh produce offerings. In addition to picking pumpkins and apples, visitors can indulge in delicious home baking, breakfasts, and lunches at the on-site cafe. The farm also features a variety of animals, including pygmy goats, Highland cows, donkeys, Shetland ponies, sheep, and chickens, providing a delightful experience for animal lovers.
This year, Craigies Farm Shop introduces an after-dark experience and a massive new monster bale trail and haunted harvest for Halloween enthusiasts. Tickets for the event start at £5 and run throughout October, including Halloween night. Visitors can also enjoy storytelling, Halloween arts and crafts, and a ride on the Pumpkin Express land train as part of the festivities.
East Yonderton, Renfrewshire
East Yonderton in Renfrewshire offers a charming location for year-round fruit picking, with seasonal pumpkin picking events to celebrate Halloween. While official dates for this year’s pumpkin picking have yet to be announced, the event typically runs from mid-October until Halloween. Visitors can book slots for five different sessions throughout the day, with entry fees set at £2 per car and £5 per minibus.
For a festive and family-friendly Halloween outing, consider visiting East Yonderton for a day of pumpkin picking and farm fun. With convenient proximity to Glasgow Airport, this farm provides a convenient destination for locals and travelers alike.
As Halloween approaches, Scotland’s pumpkin patches offer a plethora of activities and attractions for families seeking seasonal fun. From traditional pumpkin picking to spooky trails and festive treats, these locations provide a memorable experience for all ages. Whether you’re embarking on a scenic drive to a rural farm or exploring a nearby estate, the spirit of Halloween comes alive in Scotland’s pumpkin patches.
Ernespie Farm, Castle Douglas
Ernespie Farm in Dumfries and Galloway is gearing up for its biggest pumpkin picking event to date this October. With pumpkins planted in April to ensure readiness for the festivities, the farm promises a bountiful selection for visitors to choose from. Tickets for the event range from £5 to £15, with each ticket including the pumpkin of your choice.
In addition to pumpkin picking, Ernespie Farm offers outdoor play areas, soft play for kids, a gift shop, and a farmhouse kitchen for added enjoyment. The farm’s Halloween event runs from October 12-30, providing ample opportunities for families to celebrate the season together.
Heads of Ayr, Ayrshire
Heads of Ayr Farm Park is a popular destination for families throughout the year, and Halloween is no exception. The farm hosts an annual pumpkin picking event from October 12-27, offering visitors the chance to select their own pumpkins and enjoy a range of outdoor activities. Tickets for the event range from £7 to £16.50, with each ticket including a pumpkin of your choice.
In addition to pumpkin picking, visitors can explore the farm’s outdoor animal exhibits, indoor animal barn, and autumn-themed games in the pumpkin patch. The farm provides a fun and festive atmosphere for families to celebrate Halloween together.
As Halloween approaches, Scotland’s pumpkin patches offer a plethora of activities and attractions for families seeking seasonal fun. From traditional pumpkin picking to spooky trails and festive treats, these locations provide a memorable experience for all ages. Whether you’re embarking on a scenic drive to a rural farm or exploring a nearby estate, the spirit of Halloween comes alive in Scotland’s pumpkin patches.
M&Ds, Lanarkshire
M&Ds, Scotland’s premier theme park, invites visitors to celebrate Halloween with a variety of themed activities and attractions. From Halloween games and a pumpkin trail to storytelling sessions and arts and crafts, the park offers a diverse range of entertainment for guests of all ages. The event also features a ride on the Pumpkin Express land train and a chance to win prizes throughout the day.
Tickets for M&Ds Halloween event must be booked online in advance, with two ticket options available. The £8.95 ticket includes a hot drink, while the £11.50 ticket includes a pumpkin as part of the experience. Visitors can enjoy a day of Halloween festivities within the park’s grounds, creating lasting memories for the whole family.
South Ardbennie Farm, Perthshire
South Ardbennie Farm in Perthshire offers a unique Halloween experience, combining pumpkin picking with a range of activities for the whole family to enjoy. From pumpkin selection to pizza making, marshmallow toasting, tractor train rides, and giant spiders, the farm provides a full day of entertainment for visitors. Dogs are welcome at the event, although they are not permitted in the pumpkin patch itself.
Tickets for South Ardbennie Farm cost £10 per car, with £5 of that amount redeemable towards the purchase of pumpkins. The event requires online booking and adhering to designated time slots for arrival, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Westerton Farmers, Aberdeenshire
Westerton Farmers in Aberdeenshire is known for its popular pumpkin-picking days, now in its sixth consecutive year. In addition to selecting pumpkins, visitors can interact with the farm’s goats, alpacas, and chickens, take a tractor pod ride, and explore other produce offerings on weekends. A pizza stall is also available on weekends for hungry guests.
Tickets for activities at Westerton Farmers range from £7.50 per child, with group discounts available, to £5 per car for pumpkin picking only. The farm’s Halloween event runs from October 11-31, providing ample opportunities for families to enjoy a festive day out in the countryside.
As Halloween approaches, Scotland’s pumpkin patches offer a plethora of activities and attractions for families seeking seasonal fun. From traditional pumpkin picking to spooky trails and festive treats, these locations provide a memorable experience for all ages. Whether you’re embarking on a scenic drive to a rural farm or exploring a nearby estate, the spirit of Halloween comes alive in Scotland’s pumpkin patches.