Nothing beats spending a day outdoors, picking out the perfect gourd from the pumpkin patch – and it’s a great way to support local farmers and family-run businesses.
There are hundreds of pick your own fruit (PYO) farms across the country, but these pumpkin patches are all based within a few miles of Cardiff.
*I originally shared this post in 2021 and updated it on the 9th October 2023*
Vale Pick Your Own, Bonvilston
Always my go-to PYO fruit farm, in October, the pumpkin picking patch at Vale Pick Your Own opens, with varieties from white mini Casper pumpkins to pink Porcelain Dolls, all nestled within 25 acres. There’s also a ‘maize maze’ for the kids, and an on-site cafe selling hot drinks and cakes.
This patch costs £6 per car in the daytime; your chosen pumpkins will be measured and charged by size. For a properly ‘spooky’ experience, you can also get £9 twilight tickets for a bit of pumpkin picking in the dark.
For more info: www.valepickyourown.co.uk
The Penllyn Estate (Forage Farm), Cowbridge
The Penllyn Estate which has been farmed by the Homfray family since 1846. Today, the Estate is home to a diverse range of businesses – including the award-winning Forage Farm Shop – but agriculture remains at its core; wheat, oil seed rape, maize and vegetables form the bulk of the crops grown, while the livestock operation focuses on the rearing of cattle, sheep and pigs.
The farm’s PYO pumpkin picking patch opens in October at £8.50 per car, or £5pp at Twilight. There are a whole host of family-friendly themed activities planned for 2023, including a pumpkin catapult and face painting (additional charge).
For more info: www.foragefarmshop.co.uk/forage-pumpkins
Rosedew Farm, Llantwit Major
Rosedew is a working farm the beautiful South Welsh coast – it’s only a five minute walk from Cwm Colhuw beach, and a 10 minute walk to the historic town of Llantwit Major. In the summer, you can book for an al fresco lunch in one of their gorgeous wildflower meadows, or walk among their sunflower fields.
In autumn, the PYO Pumpkin patch is open every weekend throughout October, with walk-ups welcome.
For more info: www.rosedewfarm.co.uk
Clearwell Farm, Michaelston-y-fedw
The Clearwell Farm pumpkin patch is based in Michaelston-y-fedw, and boasts 20 varieties of pumpkin – ranging from tiny multicoloured gourds to the massive Atlantic Giant. There’s also a seasonally-decorated weather proof barn – great if it rains.
Picking starts on the 9th October and tickets are already selling out fast; it costs £6.50 per car with pumpkins charged by weight.
For more info: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/clearwell-farm
The Picking Patch, Porthcawl
With free entry, free parking and a ‘pay only for what you pick’ approach, this is the most affordable option of the lot. Picking starts on the 8h October and runs every weekend up until Halloween.
To find out more: pickingpatch.com/pick-your-own-pumpkins/porthcawl
Know of any more PYO fruit farms / pumpkin patches?
Let me know in the comments below and I’ll add them to the list.
Not sure what to make with your freshly picked pumpkins? Check out these simple recipes for pumpkin hummus, pumpkin ravioli and salted roasted pumpkin seeds. Plus, find out why you should never leave your pumpkin out for wildlife.
