Originally a US trend, picking your own pumpkins is fast becoming a popular family tradition – think of it like choosing your own Christmas tree and visiting Santa’s grotto, just with pumpkins (and rather than Santa you may spot a ghostly figure or two instead)!
Pumpkins are symbolic of the autumn season; you’ll be hard-pushed not to see decorative pumpkins in shop windows and various pumpkin-themed accessories in home décor stores once autumn has arrived. It’s also a very Instagrammable trend and let’s face it, who wouldn’t want their social media feeds full of colourful pictures of families having fun?
Pumpkins are botanically recognised as a fruit rather than a vegetable and are closely related to squashes. With emphasis on home-grown fruit and vegetables over the past few years, pumpkin picking can kick-start a child’s interest in growing their own produce at home.
On the Suffolk Coast and close to our home in Southwold we have two pumpkin farms where families are invited to pick pumpkins throughout October. Southwold Maize Maze is the closest pumpkin farm to Southwold itself. Not only are there a variety of sizes and colours to choose from, the Southwold Maize Maze also offers a whole host of Halloween-themed events including a pumpkin carving station, face painting, Halloween-themed mazes, a fortune-telling witch, and children are encouraged to dress in fancy dress (extra charges may apply).
Just off the A12 and only five miles from Southwold, Wrentham has a traditional pumpkin-picking farm which has increased in popularity over the years. Availability tends to be over the October Half Term week with additional dates on either side, so it’s best to check their website for the latest picking information. Visitors can also enjoy a small trail and games on the farm.
And Something A Bit Different…
Whilst carving tends to follow once you’ve chosen your pumpkins, why not try decorating your pumpkins in a different way?
Southwold Flower Company are hosting Botanical Mini Workshops throughout October where you can decorate your chosen pumpkin with pressed flowers. This is a lovely activity for those who are creative and want to add something colourful to your windowsill. The price of the workshop varies depending on the size of the pumpkin and the number of pressed flowers you choose, so the cost of the workshop can be from as little as £10. Southwold Flower Company’s flower farm is open Monday – Saturday from 9 am – 4 pm and prebooking your workshop space is required.
The Perfect Pumpkin Recipe
No need to waste your pumpkin once you’ve finished carving it. Pumpkin can be used for all sorts of home bakes, including a Halloween-themed traybake, scones, curries, hummus and more! Our favourite place for inspiration is the BBC Good Food pumpkin recipes which are sure to get your Autumnal tastebuds tingling!
An Ultra-Cosy Holiday Cottage
If you’re looking for an ultra-cosy holiday cottage to stay in during October and the Autumn season, then we have some fantastic holiday cottages on the Suffolk coast to choose from. Angel Cottage is a delightful little cottage for a solo visitor or for a couple with a warming woodburning stove in the sitting room and is nestled in a wonderful central location for exploring Southwold in more depth. If you’re looking for heaps of character and space for all the family, then our stunning Cobblestones would make a fantastic choice with its tucked away location within the heart of Southwold and gothic style features.
Need some more Autumn holiday cottage inspiration? We recommend staying in a cottage with wood burning stove to make your Autumn break even cosier. Our full collection of cottages with an open fire or woodburning stove can be viewed here, or if you would like a personal recommendation then don’t hesitate to give our friendly team a call on 01502 723292 and we would be delighted to assist you with a holiday booking.
