HALLOWEEN is almost here and what better way to celebrate than by carving a pumpkin.
Luckily for us here in Cheshire there are plenty of spooky spots to pick your own.
From ice cream farms to horse riding schools, all manner of businesses are getting in on the action, providing a perfect autumnal day out.
Without further ado, here are some of the best pumpkin patches in and around Mid Cheshire.
Best pumpkin patches in and around Mid Cheshire
Delamere Farm Shop
When: 10am to 4.30pm every day in October
Where: Coronation Farm, Station Road, Delamere, CW8 2HZ
What to know: All of the pumpkins are grown at the farm in Delamere with loads of varieties, shapes, sizes and colours to choose from. It is free to park and free entry, with no booking required.
Seven Sisters Ice Cream
When: Every weekend in October and various weekdays during half term
Where: Holmes Chapel Road, Knutsford, WA16 9ER
What to know: Seven Sisters has launched a 'Secret' pumpkin patch for 2023 and you won't even have to wait to get home to get started as there will be a carving station on site. No booking is required and dogs are welcome. A maze will open later this month with plans for two late-night events featuring living scarecrows.
Bidlea Dairy
When: Every day 9am to 5pm until October 31
Where: Bidlea Dairy, Orchard Farm, Twemlow, CW4 8DS
What to know: Family-run Bidlea Dairy offers families lots of other Halloween treats. New autumn ice cream flavours, coffees, milkshakes and tasty homemade soups will also be available. More than 2,500 pumpkins of all shapes and sizes can be picked. There is no booking or entry fee and visitors are welcome from 9am to 5pm seven days a week.
The Lambing Shed
When: Every weekend in October and throughout half term
Where: Moseley Hall Farm, Chelford Road, Knutsford, WA16 8RB
What to know: This is the first year the Lambing Shed has grown its own pumpkins and grow they have. There are over 4,000 to pick from as well as lots of photo opportunities and better yet, dogs are welcome too.
Wild Meadow Pony Parties
When: Weekends throughout October
Where: Minshull Vernon, off Middlewich Road, turn at ‘the leather suite warehouse’
What to know: Wild Meadow is a family-run business which usually opens its field for camping, events and pony parties. This year they have given it a Halloween makeover and guests will be able to take a Shetland pony on a walk as they pick out their perfect pumpkin.
Cheshire Potatoes
When: Every weekend in October and throughout half term
Where: Heath Farm, Bunbury Common, Tarporley, CW6 9NL
What to know: Alongside the pumpkin patch and maize maze, visitors will be able to enjoy a tractor play barn and Maximilliano's woodfired pizza. As this is a working farm wellies are required but guests are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes. It is free to enter and no booking is required.
The Little Cow Shed
When: Weekends, Friday nights and throughout half term
Where: Hare Lane Farm, Davenport Lane, Brereton Heath, CW12 4SU
What to know: The Little Cow Shed's pumpkin patch is "bigger and better" than ever before, boasting a spooky marquee complete with licensed bar, milkshakes, playzone, treats and face painting. They will also be hosting several late night events with live music.
Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream
When: 10am-4.30pm on weekends and school holidays in October and 12pm to 4.30pm on any other days
Where: Ash Farm, Station Road, Dunham Massey, WA14 5SG
What to know: Dogs (on leads) are welcome at Dunham Massey where seasonal flavours of ice cream will be on offer as well as drinks, pizza and paninis. Again there is free parking and it is free to enter, with no booking required. There is also the Vintage Angel shop offering lots of autumnal items.
Snugburys Ice Cream
When: Every weekend in October and throughout half term
Where: Chester Road, Nantwich, CW5 6BU
What to know: Thousands of pumpkins of all different sizes and colours have been grown at Snugburys, from giant white ones to teeny tiny orange ones and everything in between. There is also a spooky walk and plenty of treats including snugpuds and ice cream hot chocolates. Dogs on leads are also welcome.
Magical Malpas PYO Farm
When: Friday to Sunday all month and everyday from October 21
Where: Malpas Road, Agden, SY13 4RB
What to know: This family-run business returns for its 14th year of pumpkin picking. They believe themselves to be the "UK’s first and original" maize maze and pumpkin patch. The Halloween event at Magical Malpas includes two maize mazes, a photo prop village, tractor rides, a halloween shop, bouncy castle, animal meets and thousands of pumpkins.
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