Here in Nottinghamshire we have so many family related attractions all year round but for me I adore a couple of the short lived attractions too, like strawberry picking at Hills Farm, Kirklington and one of my all time favourites, Pumpkin Picking, at Maxey’s farm shop on Hockerton Road just outside of Kirklinton.
For the last 4ish years we have taken Joshua to Maxey’s for our annual pumpkin picking afternoon and eat year they have made it bigger and better. This year was no different with a bigger car park and lots of extra family based actives like tractor rides, bouncing castles and even a spooky walk.
On our way home from a long weekend away we decided on the Monday morning that instead of wasting the last few hours we would head to get a pumpkin as weekends and afternoons are super busy. We arrived late morning and there was only a handful of other people in the pumpkin fields so we really did have the pick of the crop (having only opened the previous day)
Jacob collected the first of his 3 wheelbarrows, yes you read that right he worked his way through 3 wheel barrows, all of which were different colours and all of which only last about 15 minutes each.
We set of first for a walk through the little patch of trees next to the pumpkin patch. Joshua steamed ahead shouting out his discoveries while Jacob followed on behind taking great delight in the motion activated witch and some hanging bats!
Next we headed into the field to select 2 of the most perfect pumpkins, Jacob firstly changed his mind on numerous occasions but his final pumpkin decision was perfectly sized for him.
Joshua weighed up taking a squash instead for a while but soon chose a medium sized, beautifully round pumpkin to take home, which he was super proud of.
We dint have time this time to visit the tractor ride, bouncing castle or stop by for a delicious snack in the pumpkin field as there was plenty of choice on offer but I did peek in at the farm shop and noticed a massive array of gin that I will be back to pick from another time.
I adore Maxey’s and love visiting, I also love seeing the boys discovering their perfect pumpkins and with plans to carve a masterpiece and use they sides for spicy pumpkin soup its a day out that keeps on giving.
Do you go pumpkin picking?
I’ve never been pumpkin picking but did go strawberry picking when down your way. This is a lot of fun and something I should do with the kids xx