The call of pumpkin patches is impossible to resist, as they offer a whimsical and quintessentially autumnal experience. We've scoured The Suffolk Coast high and low in search of the perfect pumpkin patch, so all you need to do is pop on your wellies, grab your wheelbarrow and get picking!
Old Hall, Southwold
Open daily from 9.30am - 4.00pm from 18 October - 1 November, the pumpkin patch at Old Hall near Southwold is a great place to head for a family day out.
Here you will find pumpkins of all shapes and sizes; weird or wonderful orange or green, there are many types to choose from including pumpkins, squashes and gourds in orange, white, pale grey, pink, yellow; Polar Bear, Turks Turbin, Crown Prince, Casperati, Red October to name but a few!
Entry to the patch is free and you only pay for what you pick (pumpkins prices vary according to size.).
Stop by the onsite cafe serves a delicious range of meals, snacks, cakes and hot and cold drinks - perfect to warm up with on a chilly (or rainy!) autumnal day.
For more information visit https://www.southwoldmaizemaze.co.uk/pumpkin-picking
Wrentham Pumpkins
The famous Christmas tree fields are filled with hues of orange this autumn. Located at Wrentham, just a short drive from Southwold, Beccles and Kessingland; the farm is open daily from 9am - 4pm on 18th & 19th October, then again from 24th - 31 October (or until they're all gone!). There is plenty of different shapes and sizes to suit every budget, and there's a perfect picture spot for you to take photos of the kiddies to remember the experience.
Dogs are welcome but need to be kept on a lead and picked up after.
Parking and entry is free.
Find out more at https://www.facebook.com/wrenthampumpkins/
Akenham Hall Farm, Ipswich
Akenham Hall’s vibrant Pumpkin Patch has come alive with a riot of orange hues. Here, not only can you select the perfect pumpkin for carving, children can also enjoy a bouncy castle, donkey rides and even alpaca leading. Meanwhile, the grown-ups can stop by the coffee corner and peruse the shop selling seasonal gifts and produce.
Open 10am - 4pm on weekends in October and throughout half term. Entry is free and dogs are welcome.
Find out more at https://www.akenhamhall.co.uk/
Hillfield Nursery & Farm Shop, Thorpe Next Haddiscoe
Wheelbarrows at the ready! Hillfield Nursery & Farm Shop, just a short drive from Beccles, has got pumpkins galore in all shapes, sizes and colours! You can pick your own or purchase from the shop.
Open daily from 9am - 5pm.
Find out more at https://www.hillfieldnursery.co.uk/
Woodbridge Pumpkin Patch
Nestled along Waldringfield Road in Martlesham (serving the Woodbridge area), Woodbridge Pumpkin Patch opens weekends throughout October and during the half-term week with pumpkin picking, a pumpkin house, mud kitchen, maize maze, slide, ride on tractors, sandpit, a pumpkin train ride, food and drink and more.
With no booking required and free parking, visitors simply arrive and pay on the gate (cash or card accepted).
Admission is £3.50 for adults, while under-16s enter free.
https://woodbridgepumpkinpatch.co.uk/