AS we've entered spooky season this month, Halloween is officially upon us – and with many people looking to "Creep it Real" and carve pumpkins, here are our top five picks for the best pumpkin patches in Somerset.

Thurluxton Farm

A pumpkin patch with over two and a half acres of growing pumpkins of all shapes and sizes to choose from, Thurluxton Farm is offering pickers the chance to choose their own unique pumpkin.

Entry is £12 per Pumpkin Picker and £14.50 on weekends.

With an entry ticket, you get one pumpkin, a “spooky walk”, a chance to carve your pumpkin at the carving barn (carving tools provided) and more.

Often sold out and unable to get tickets at the door, it is recommended that you pre-book your ticket.

Tickets are available to be booked online, with people available to get their pumpkins from 19 October.

You can find the farm directly adjoining the A38 between Taunton and Bridgwater, TA2 8RG.

Forde Abbey

There can be few settings quite as majestic and historic for pumpkin purchasing than the 900-year-old Forde Abbey near Chard, set within acres of award-winning gardens.

As part of the pumpkin patch experience, individuals can take part in “Pumpkin Rolling.”

Pumpkin Rolling involves you rolling your pumpkin the furthest down the slopes you possibly can. You must make sure you roll from within a straw and box and that your pumpkin doesn’t break as you will be disqualified.

Tickets are available at £14.50 for adults for the event open from October 26 to October 31, with the patch open from 10:30am to 4pm.

Tickets are reduced to £5 for children, with an additional charge for your chosen pumpkin.

Pitt Farm Pumpkins

Based in Wellington, Pitt Farm Pumpkins has over 30 different varieties of pumpkin, squash and gourd to choose from.

The farm is open 10am to 5pm from this weekend (October 5, 2024), with the last entry at 4pm.

Entry tickets are now available, with pricing starting from £1.50 with under 2s permitted free entry.

Pumpkin prices start from as little as 2 for £1, and up to £15 for the biggest finds.

Cash and card payments are accepted on-site.

Speaking about their events and refreshments for Halloween, a spokesperson for Pitt Farm Pumpkins said: “What’s more, we also have a spooktacular maize maze, bale mountain and a whole heap of photo opportunities to keep the little and big pumpkins busy!  

“We will be joined again by The Happy Cafe, where Artisan coffee, tea and hot chocolate, along with cakes, cold drinks and other snacks will be available.

“Some of which will be served with a Halloween twist if you dare!”

Palette and Pasture

Described as “bigger and better than ever”, Palette and Pasture’s pumpkin farm have set up their pumpkin patch with more varieties of pumpkins than they have ever had before.

Based in Frome in Somerset, Palette and Pasture may be known for their ice creams but their pumpkin patch is one to watch this Halloween.

Entry to the patch depends on group size, with initial pricing starting at 1 Person £1 / Group of 3 £3 / Group of 4 £3.80 / Group of r £4.50 / Group of 10 £8.

You need a ticket for every adult or child aged 3 years and older, children under 3 years old do not require a ticket for entry. 

Each picker gets two hours in the pumpkin patch and is “more than welcome to as many pumpkins as they like.”

Picking is available from this weekend (October 5, 2024) and is open every weekend up until Halloween.

Farrington Farm

Farrington Farm, found in North Somerset, is open for another year of spooky fun with lots on offer.

The venue grows a great variety of pumpkins, squash and gourds for you to hunt and gather in your wheelbarrow.

There are plenty of food options at Farrington Farm this year, with a Farm Shop & Deli, Fish and Chip Shop, Playburn café and cosy café all open to the public.

Speaking about this year, Farrington Farm have gone all out, a spokesperson said: “In addition to the pumpkin patch and fun displays, we have plenty of other things here at Farrington's when you visit.

“This includes our big carving marquee that will be open for business, so you can carve your pumpkins with spooky faces and leave the mess behind and in proper farm style, Farmer Andy has built the ever-popular Straw Pool (free of charge) which is open for kids to play and jump around in.

“The Playbarn will be open as normal for playtime with no need to book and a pop-up funfair will be with us throughout October to keep the kids entertained with fun rides and fairground games.”

Speaking about accessibility at the farm the spokesperson continued: “The Pumpkin Patch is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs generally.

“While we do put pedestrian trackway, the event is held in a field which can be difficult to navigate wheelchairs and pushchairs.”

Picking dates start this weekend October 5 and are every weekend up until 31 October 2024.

You are required to book a timeslot for your booking as it is expected to be very busy this year.  

Everyone needs a ticket except under 2s, on-duty carers and dogs. A ticket does not include a pumpkin which must be bought separately.

Tickets start from £3.95 and can be purchased online.

Your ticket includes entrance to the Pumpkin Patch, displays, entrance to the carving space and parking.