Nothing conjures autumn and Halloween quite like a pumpkin. Typically orange-hued, they’re known the world over for their sweet, fragrant flesh and nutty seeds, but come spooky season, there’s something magical about carving your own and lighting it up from within, leaving it to glow menacingly on your doorstep or on a windowsill, where traditionally they were said to frighten away wicked spirits.
At this time of year, you’ll find coffee shops fragrant with the mouth-watering odour of pumpkin spice lattes, and homes filled with the scent of pumpkin candles. But probably the activity most likely to inspire the autumnal spirit is picking your own pumpkin from a straw-strewn patch. So if you’re holidaying in Cornwall this spooky season, here are our top choices for where to pick your own.
Trevaskis Farm, Hayle
Trevaskis Farm, Connor Downs, Hayle TR27 5JQ
Perfect if you’re out and about in the St Ives area, head to Travaskis Farm for their annual pumpkin extravaganza. Set over 28 acres, the farm is recognised as one of the best places in the UK for pumpkin picking (and picking your own fruit and veg in general) and you’ll find plenty here amongst spooky scarecrows and bales of hay – you’ll also get some fantastic photos here to pop in your family memory box.
While little ones run riot, grown-ups can enjoy a hot drink or two from the pop-up coffee huts, or if you’re feeling peckish, head to the amazing restaurant for a bite to eat (their jaw-dropping dessert counter is celebrated for miles around). Afterwards, make sure to browse the farm shop, which boasts fresh fruit and veg from the farm as well as a host of other local produce from cheeses, baked goods, and preserves to wine, spirits, and charcuterie. There’s also an excellent butchery on site.
The Cornish Maize Maze and Fun Farm, Saltash
Smeaton Farm, Pillaton, Saltash PL12 6RZ
The much-celebrated Cornish Maize Maze lies on Smeaton Farm, a 450-acre working farm that forms part of the Dutchy of Cornwall estate near Saltash. This autumn, they’ve unveiled their pumpkin patch that lies alongside the maze, open for pumpkin picking every weekend in October then Saturday the 26th to Thursday the 31st of October over half term, 10.30am till 5pm.
Pumpkins will be accompanied by a Halloween-themed maze and quiz aimed at families with smaller children, making it a great day out. In addition to the pumpkin patch, there are farm and rare breed animals to look at and lots of outdoorsy things for kids to do such as trampolines, swings, a bale tower, giant games and a huge sandpit. If you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s a café on site and a picnic area too if you’ve brought your own lunch.
Camel Creek Family Adventure Park, Wadebridge
Tredinnick, Wadebridge PL27 7RA
If you’re out and about near Wadebridge this October, you’ll find pumpkins galore at Camel Creek. Every child gets a free pumpkin on arrival and there are lots of other spooky yet family-friendly activities to keep little ones entertained too. Running from Saturday the 18th to Thursday the 31st of October, grab your wheelbarrow and choose a pumpkin to take home, with others available to buy too.
As you would expect, all the usual rides and adventures are on hand too, from the dragon roller coaster to Merlin’s magical playground. Animal lovers will adore a visit to Pet’s Corner where you’ll find a host of cute and cuddly critters as well as the Reptile House, which is home to crocodiles, snakes, and much more! If you get hungry, there’s a café or the boisterous playhouse kitchen, which combines a restaurant with a 45,000-square-foot indoor play area.
Lobbs Farm Shop, Heligan
Heligan, St Ewe, St Austell PL26 6EN
Considered to be one of the best farm shops in Cornwall, this autumn sees Lobbs Farm shop opening its pumpkin patch to visitors from the 26th to the 31st of October. Part of the Heligan Estate near St Austell, Lobbs Farm pumpkin picking event is a ticketed event where you’ll need to book a ticket for each child (adults go free). On arrival you’ll be taken by tractor and trailer down to the patch to pick your perfect pumpkin, before having your photo taken in the hay bale photo booth – the best photos will win a children’s mini hamper!
In addition, there are wheelbarrows and mini tractors to cart your pumpkins about in, as well as ewes and their lambs to visit. Tickets include a 10% discount to use in the farm shop to stock up on lots of local delicacies, as well as the kitchen café when you need a break from the Halloween hijinks, so there are plenty of treats for parents too!
Trevathan Farm Shop, St Endellion
St Endellion, Port Isaac PL29 3TT
This fantastic farm, lying close to Port Isaac and Padstow, has been run by the Symons family since 1850 and is home to sheep, pedigree cattle, and crops over 300 acres. Visitors are welcome to Trevathan to pick their own fruit and vegetables, and this autumn sees the return of their oh-so-popular pumpkin patch. Don your wellies and head into the fields to collect your very own pumpkin, choosing from every shape, colour, and size you’ll find hiding amongst the straw.
Afterwards, head back to the farm café for spooky-themed sweet treats and a hot chocolate to warm up. If you’re there on a Sunday, spoil yourselves with one of their traditional roasts, though you’ll need to book in advance as they’re very popular. A visit to the farm shop is also a must, as you’ll find their own beef and lamb to take home, as well as pickles, jams, honey, fudge, cheeses and eggs as well as locally produced drinks and gorgeous crafts.
Dairyland Farm Park, Newquay
Tresillian Barton, Newquay TR8 5AA
From the 26th of October to the 3rd of November, Dairyland Farm Park near Newquay turns into Scaryland with a host of spooky-but-fun goings on. Top of the list is the ginormous pumpkin patch, home to over 5,000 pumpkins, and children over 80cm will be given theirs for free (subject to availability). Other activities going on include tractor rides through the nature trail and a trick-or-treat Haunted Hotel.
The park will of course be open as usual, as well as the soft play area (you’ll need to book your time slot for this when you arrive). Other fun things to do include trampolining, pedal karts, pony rides, lots of outdoor play equipment and farmyard animals (where the dairy cows are the stars of the show, obviously) – all in all, everything you’ll need to keep even your littlest ones entertained! Afterwards, head to the farmhouse kitchen to replenish hungry tums while a visit to Moo’s ice cream parlour is a must.
Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, Truro
Penhallow, Truro TR4 9LW
Tucked away in the Cornish countryside, Healeys is a family-run farm that has made award-winning ciders, wines, spirits and juices for almost 40 years. They also make preserves and sauces too! Located near Truro, from the 19th to the 31st of October you can be taken by tractor to the pumpkin patch where you can find your perfect gourd, after which little ones can carve their creations in the Rattler Bar.
Tickets to the pumpkin patch include a tractor ride, a medium-sized pumpkin (adults can exchange their own pumpkin for a pint of cider if they prefer), and the tools for carving (an adult will need to be on hand to help), which saves on the palaver of doing it at home and having to clear up the mess. While you’re here, make sure to pay a visit to the host of farm animals in the courtyard, from shire horses and Shetland ponies to pigs, donkeys, rabbits, ferrets and peacocks. Watching the oh-so-cute pygmy goats play on their trampoline is a particular highlight!
Splattenridden Farm, Hayle
Hayle, TR27 6LH
Run by the Richards family since 1922, Splattenridden Farm near Hayle is famed for its grass-fed cows as well as farm-fresh asparagus, field vegetables, and potatoes for no less than Burts Crisps! During the lead-up to Halloween, they open their pumpkin patch to the public, allowing folks to come and pick their own every weekend in October. Not only is it a lovely thing for families and friends to do together, it’s also a great opportunity for fantastic seasonal photos to put in your memory box.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome too, so no one needs to miss out. There’ll be a coffee and crepes pop-up café on hand if hunger strikes, while you might also want to pop into their farm shop where you can pick up lots of homegrown produce that’s produced at the farm or within a 10-mile radius.
Strawberry Fields, Lifton
Lifton, Devon PL16 0DH
This one may technically be in Devon, but we had to include Strawberry Fields, famed as it is for its annual Pumpkin Fest. Nestled near Lifton, just over the border, the event is taking place every weekend in October and then from the 26th to the 31st of October. With a pumpkin patch that’s home to thousands, you’ll not find it hard to find your ideal pumpkin to take home with you, while there’s also a magic show and other entertainment to keep you enthralled as you explore.
As you wander through the fields, you’ll find pumpkin displays and spooky goings-on, as well as plenty of photo opportunities, while dogs (and cats!) are welcome on leads. Make sure to pop into the award-winning farm shop, where you’ll find a bakery, deli, butchery, jam room, fresh produce and ice cream and desserts, while there’s a restaurant and café, too, plus an outside area for those with dogs.
How to carve the perfect pumpkin
Not sure how to create your jack-o’lantern? Here’s our quick how-to guide:
You’ll need
A small serrated knife and paring knife
A spoon or ice cream scoop
Newspaper
Large bowl
Marker pen
Instructions
Look for a fresh pumpkin with a flat bottom so it doesn’t roll around and sits in place nicely. A thick stalk implies freshness and avoid pumpkins with bruising to ensure it lasts as long as possible.
Sketch your design on your pumpkin using the marker pen.
Pop your pumpkin on newspaper to minimise mess and cut its top off with the serrated knife.
Scoop the insides out with a spoon or ice cream scoop. Keep the flesh for soups, pumpkin pie or for making a cake. Seeds can be roasted in the oven with different seasonings for a tasty snack.
Carve your design using a small knife – always cut away from you just in case the knife slips.
Pop a tea light inside and find a good place to show off your creation – from doorsteps to windowsills to centre stage on your dining table!
Feeling spooky? Book your perfect October getaway at one of our beautiful holiday cottages in Cornwall today.
