Alnwick Pumpkin Patch ready for opening weekend of picking fun despite challenging weather

Broxfield Farm is ready to welcome pumpkin pickers to the patch this October despite bad harvests hitting across the country

Broxfield Farm in Northumberland has announced the popular 'pick your own' Alnwick Pumpkin Patch will return once again this year.

Despite many pumpkin patches across the UK facing difficulties this year, leaving many unable to open due to poor growing conditions caused by the weather, the Alnwick Pumpkin Patch is proud to return for a second season of family fun starting from Saturday, October 12.

The patch, just four miles north of Alnwick, is set to offer families a variety of activities and attractions, ensuring a memorable experience in the heart of rural Northumberland.

Running over three weekends in October leading up to Halloween, the patch will open from 10am until 3pm, with last entry at 2pm, each Saturday and Sunday until October 27. Entrance is priced at only £5 per person with babies under one going free.

In addition to pick your own pumpkins, what sets Alnwick Pumpkin Patch apart is the free kid’s activity shed, making it a perfect day out for families whatever the weather.

Building on the success of its first year, the farm offering a family-friendly atmosphere includes an array of kid-friendly activities such as a bouncy castle, face painting, ride on tractors and lots of photo opportunities to capture the Halloween spirit.

Farm tour tractor rides with farmer David are also back by popular demand - whilst visitors will also find some local suppliers offering up tasty pizzas, burgers, coffees and sweet treats to keep the whole family happy.

Although adverse weather impacted pumpkin growth across the UK, Alnwick Pumpkin Patch remains committed to delivering an exciting experience. The patch is part of a larger farm diversification project alongside County Trust School Visits that provide educational visits for inner city school children, designed to get children out into the countryside.

Beth and Rob Thompson, owners of Alnwick Pumpkin Patch and farmers at Broxfield Farm, explained how 2024 has been a really tough year for pumpkin farming across the country. Beth said: "There was too much rain leading up to the planting season which meant pumpkins were late being planted.

"The summer season has been colder than usual with not as much sun, so the pumpkins just haven't grown as well this year. This means that many pumpkin growers have not had the yields they expected and have had to cancel their Pick Your Own (PYO) pumpkins.

"We have still managed to grow some pumpkins but also have focussed on what else we have to offer - so we’re thrilled to be returning for our second year, especially in the face of the challenges this season has presented.

"They key thing that sets us apart from other PYO pumpkin patches is that we have an activity shed full of things for young kids to do. This means that people can come for so much more than just the pumpkins, and even if the weather isn't great as it's all under cover in the shed. Our focus is on providing a fun day out to the farm for young children and we hope this year will be just as good.

"Last year’s success demonstrated the strong community support for this event, and we’ve worked hard to ensure this year’s visitors have plenty to enjoy, from our activity barn and farm tours, to the pumpkins themselves.

"We believe it’s more important than ever to celebrate the autumn harvest and the resilience of local farming."

There is no need to book to pick your own at the Alnwick Pumpkin Patch, as payment is taken on arrival and wheelbarrows are provided. The farm is also dog friendly, but visitors are asked to keep dogs on the lead.

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