For the last 6 years our autumn tradition has been to get on our wellies and boots and visit a ‘Pick Your Own’ pumpkin field. It is the first autumnal trip normally after a hectic term back at school and its one we all love.
For the first 4 years we headed over to a pumpkin patch in Kirklington, near Southwell in Nottinghamshire called Maxey’s where they put on a little spooky walk and a drink and food stand. Then as each year progressed more entertainment for the kids was added at an additional cost, from face painting to tractor rides and bouncy castles. But as it became bigger and with more things added it lost its sparkle for us although I know many families want this kind of entertainment. This year they charged an entry fee on top which made it even more expensive which I know so many families are having to factor into any trips and outings this year.
We decided we had made the right move for us to return to the pumpkin patch we visited last year. For us it was about fresh air and being together and selecting the roundest of pumpkins for further tasks later that week … carving and even maybe some cooking for soup!
We discovered Nottinghamshire ‘Pick Your Own’ Pumpkins last year while driving by and fell in love. It was smaller than the previously visited site but smaller on a good scale. The staff were friendly and approachable, and the field layout made it easy to navigate round. There was a large selection on offer and somewhere to get a drink and a bite to eat if you wanted too. But didn’t give families the added worry of the kids wanting to do all the extra activities and not having the funds for them and the trip ending in tears. Last years pumpkin picking trip was so successful we knew all along we would head back to the same place!
This year we are a week behind on visiting but yesterday morning we headed off to the muddy field in search of our 2020 pumpkins.
We knew on Saturday the field has closed early due to the most horrific storm and so after checking their Facebook page we decided to go for opening at 9.30am and after very little cajoling of the kids we headed off.
The car parking was as slick as ever which I am guessing was no mean feat with bog of a parking field but with a lot of straw we made it into a spot and popped on our much-needed wellies and boots. The kids love mud so the walk from the car to the actual field to pick was super fun for them and Jacob was the first to sploshing about in the thick mud with the biggest of smiles!
The site provided wheelbarrows, so the boys selected a barrow and thankfully this year Jacob was big enough to actually push so no tears from him as he glided his barrow into the field.
Joshua being barrow free spent quite some time selecting his large offering this year. Jacob on the other hand was concentrating so hard on steering his barrow he needed suggestions to his pick!
After a catastrophe where Jacob lost the 2 pumpkins out his barrow and Daddy having to step in and assist with steering, we headed to the member of staff for a contactless payment exit.
We left the field with 2 super happy boys and 1 set of parents grateful for another pumpkin picking visit that was painless and not overpriced meaning even though our finances had been hit hard this year we were able to still provide a magical trip out when so many of our regular Oliver trips have been missing this year.
There is no doubt in my mind that this pumpkin patch is going to be even bigger next year with them announcing late yesterday that the patch is now closed as its all sold out. I am just hoping it’s going to keep its family friendly and purse friendly style so we can visit again next year.
Thank you Nottinghamshire ‘Pick Your Own’ for making out family trip, purse friendly and most of all fun!
This looks like a great place to visit and lots of fun x