IT is now October, which means one thing; Halloween is just around the corner.

The annual spook-fest was muted last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic but looks set to return in full force at the end of this month.

And what better way to get ready for ‘Spooktober’ than to go pumpkin picking as a family!

There are several ‘pick your own’ pumpkin patches across West Yorkshire where families can visit to have a fun day out in the farmer’s fields picking their chosen pumpkin, before taking it home to turn into a spooky lantern ahead of the big day.

While there are no pumpkin patches in the Bradford district itself that we know of so far, there are several just a short drive away for a great day out with the kids.

These are the best pumpkin picking patches near Bradford this October:

  • Horsforth Pick Your Own – the family-run farm has more than 50,000 pumpkins to choose from in all shapes and sizes, as well as refreshments available. To book your visit to the West End Lane-based farm, visit www.kemps.farm, with picking season running from October 8 to 27.
  • Thornton Hall Farm, Thornton-in-Craven – Just past Skipton lies this pumpkin farm, which has spooky characters dotted around its fields to make a fun day out for the little ones, along with shows and access to the animal barn. It is open every weekend this month and then daily from October 23, and tickets are available at the Thornton Hall website.
  • Stockeld Park, Wetherby – open from October 23 to 31, the farm has a Halloween Adventure programme during half-term including pumpkin picking. To book visit stockeldpark.co.uk
  • Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley – just off the M1 below Wakefield, you can pick your pumpkins and explore the farm, seeing its wide range of animals, including alpacas. Tickets include all day admission to the farm and a free pumpkin for children and must be booked in advance online. The pumpkin patch is open October 16/17 then 23-31.
  • Bert’s Barrow Pumpkin Patch, Leeds – way out in Monk Fryston, entry is free with no booking needed, and alongside pumpkins is a well-stocked farm shop and plenty of activities for a great day out. It is open Thursday to Sunday every week during October, 10am to 4pm.
  • Birchfield Farm, Harrogate – Based at Oakmount House, there are plenty of pumpkins to choose from and carving can be done on-site to avoid making a mess at home. There will also be a maze and other activities. No booking is necessary and the farm is open 10am-4pm daily.
  • Swithens Farm, Leeds – the popular farm, just off Junction 30 of the M62 will be running its pumpkin festival on October 16/17 then 23-31, with tractor rides and spooky woods. Online booking is essential and to secure your spot visit swithensfarm.co.uk
  • Farmer Copley’s, Pontefract – the family friendly far runs one of the UK’s largest pumpkin festivals, and alongside picking there are a whole host of farm-related activities, fancy dress competitions, a farm shop and café. It runs every weekend then daily from October 18, and for tickets visit the farm’s website.
  • The Watering Hole, Ossett – pumpkin picking is open daily from October 16 to 31 at the farm, just off the M1 Junction 40, too book your slot at the farm visit The Watering Hole on Facebook.
  • Redwood Farm, Wakefield – just off the A650 as it heads towards Wakefield, pumpkin picking is open at the farm this weekend and then daily from October 16 to 31.

Do you know of any local pumpkin patches that we have missed? Let us know in the comments below.