Autumn is a beautiful time of year in Wales, with the leaves changing colour and the air becoming crisp and cool. It’s also half-term for many of us, and if you’re like us you are keen to find activities away from those screens and out in the fresh air. Half term is the perfect time to go pumpkin picking! Although it’s a relatively new activity in the UK, you’ll find plenty of pumpkin patches across Wales, where you can pick your own pumpkin to take home and carve or cook.
We’ve compiled a list of the best Pick Your Own (PYO) pumpkin-picking patches across Wales for you. We do recommend you check opening times and policies before travelling.
North Wales
Manorafon Farm Park (Abergele) has a whole host of pumpkin-related fun alongside a PYO patch
Fferm Ty Cynan Farm (nr Pwllheli) – no booking required and no entry or parking charges
Hooton’s Homegrown Farm (Llanfairpwllgwyngyll) has a range of varieties of wonderful coloured pumpkins and gourds to choose from
Foel Farm Park (Llanfairpwllgwyngyll) offers a range of Halloween activities including pumpkin picking
South & Mid Wales
Clearwell Farm (Cardiff) – we advise booking in advance as sessions may sell out
Billy Bob’s Pumpkin Patch (Monmouthshire) – book in advance here
Matthews Pumpkin Patch (Brecon Beacons) – for an authentic farm experience.
Twilight Pumpkins (Abergavenny) is open weekends 10am-5pm
Vale Pick Your Own (Bridgend) offers daytime and twilight sessions
Powell’s Farm Wales (Powys) has a whole range of activities, but booking is essential
Forage’s PYO Pumpkins (Cowbridge) – a whole pumpkin-picking experience!
Sennybridge Pumpkins (Brecon) – no booking required, just turn up between 21-31 October and find your pumpkins
West Wales
Pembrokeshire Pumpkins (Cardigan) offers farm grown pumpkins and halloween fun
Windsor Farm and Pumpkin Patch (Lamphey) – an undercover pumpkin barn for fun in all weathers!
Pwmpenni Plas Pumpkins (nr Cardigan) – open weekends only and offering very reasonable prices
Good Hook Pumpkins (nr Haverfordwest) – open daily and with an on-site café
Pwmpenni Pendre Pumpkins (Aberystwyth) – a range of activities and plenty of pumpkins!
Using your Pumpkins
Once you’ve picked your pumpkins, there are many fun things you can do with them, especially carving into a jack-o’-lantern. The more creative the design the better!
Make sure you don’t waste the flesh from your pumpkin, instead cook it into a delicious meal or snack. Pumpkin can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to pies and cakes.
Here are a few pumpkin-related recipes to try:
Pumpkin soup: This is a warming, healthy and comforting soup that is perfect for a cold autumn day.
Pumpkin pie: This classic American dessert is perfect for the cold autumn days with a chunk of crusty bread and some Welsh cheese.
Pumpkin curry: This fragrant and flavourful curry is perfect for a healthy weeknight meal
Pumpkin bread: A moist and delicious bread that is perfect for breakfast or a snack.
No matter what you choose to do with your pumpkin, you’re sure to have a fun and memorable time. So get out there and pick your own pumpkin today!
Have fun; pumpkin picking is a great way to enjoy the autumn weather and spend time with family and friends.
