Pumpkin Picking Fun in the North West - Perfect for Families!

No comments

Last Updated Sept 24 

Pumpkin picking has become a must-do autumn activity for us. Before Little J came along, we’d grab a few pumpkins from the local supermarket, but once we discovered pumpkin patches, we were hooked! There’s something special about wandering through a field and choosing your own pumpkin. Over the years, more and more pumpkin patches have popped up across the North West, and many of them are just a short drive from Liverpool. Some of them offer full-day experiences with fairground rides and maize mazes, while others keep it simple with just pumpkins. Whatever you’re after, pumpkin picking is such a fun experience for the whole family, especially little ones – they’ll love it!

Pumpkin Patch High Town

Orrell Hill Lane, L38 5DA

Pumpkin Patch High Town is famous for its huge variety of perfect pumpkins, squashes, and gourds. If you’re looking for a wide selection, this is the place to go!

Opening Times

Open 9am til 6pm every single day from 1st October through to 31st October 2024

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

Free Maize Maze

Refreshments

Picnic area 

How Much?

Pumpkin Patch High Town is free and no need to book

Paul's Farm Pumpkin Patch

382 Dunkirk Lane, Leyland PR26 7SY

At Paul’s Farm, you can pick your pumpkin fresh from the field. It’s a smaller, family-run patch with lots of charm.

Opening Times

Open 10am till 4pm on 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th. (last admission 3:30pm)

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

Free tractor and trailer ride to the patch

Face Painting

Photo Opportunities

How Much?

Paul's Farm Pumpkin Patch is free and no need to book

Kenyon Hall Farm

Winwick Lane, Croft, Warrington WA3 7ED

The Kenyon Hall Farm Pumpkin Festival is back for 2024, featuring pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colours. It’s one of the most popular patches in the region, and it’s always a great day out.

Opening Times

Open from Sat 28th Sept to Thurs 31st Oct. Check specific dates for opening times as may vary

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

Small children's playground

Pumpkin-tastic photo opportunities.

Refreshments available

How Much?

​Entry tickets cost £2.95 for adults and children; infants under 18 months go free. No pumpkins are included with the entry ticket and booking is essential

Book your tickets online at Kenyon Hall Farm

Birchall's Pumpkin Patch

Reeds lane Rainford WA11 7JP

Birchall’s is perfect for a laid-back pumpkin picking experience. You can enjoy sitting on tractors, taking a tractor ride, and picking pumpkins at your leisure.

Opening Times

The pumpkin patch is open from 5th October to 31 October. Monday to Thursday 10am to 5pm. Friday and Saturday 9am to 6pm. Sunday 10am to 5pm 

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

Enjoy sitting on the tractors and combine and a tractor ride

Refreshments served with a brand new food menu including  a range of breakfast barms served until mid morning. 

A marquee where you can sit and enjoy drinks and food after choosing your perfect pumpkins. 

Plenty of opportunities for photographs. 

How Much?

Birchall's Pumpkin Patch is free and no booking is required.

Grange Farm

Lowton, Stone Cross Lane South WA3 1JU

Grange Farm goes all out with its pumpkin showcase. It’s a great choice if you’re after a fun-filled day out with the family.

Opening Times ​

12th, 13th then 19th-27th October 2024

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

Fun Fair 

Maize Maze

Children's Entertainment and Games

Enjoy the Animals of Grange Farm 

Pumpkin Carving 

How Much?

Tickets are priced at £5, children (3-6) £3, booking is essential.

Book Your Tickets Online at Grange Farm

Sandy Lane Farm

Sandy Lane WA8 3XP

Sandy Lane Farm is all about simplicity – just pick your pumpkin and enjoy!

Opening Times

Daily 10am to 4.30pm from 5th October

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

Miniature railway (weather depending)

How Much?

Just pay for what you pick

The below are pumpkin patches however I cannot find any details on their opening times or whether they offer anything else. Will keep updated

Catchdale Moss Farm / Rainfords 

Eccleston, Saint Helens WA10 5QG

Catchdale Moss Farm offers more than just pumpkins! The opening weekend will be packed with live music, hay bales, artisan stalls, and plenty of food and drinks.

Opening Times

Pumpkin Season begins on September 28th for a weekend of opening season fun. 

Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

Enjoy the opening of Pumpkin season. The bar will be open, they'll be live music, hay bales, pumpkin picking, artisan stalls, hot food and drinks, cakes and goodies, crafts, games, photo ops and lots of fun to be had!

How Much?

Entry is free

Pumpkin Alley

Delf Lane, Ormskirk L39 7JJ

Another lovely spot for pumpkin picking with no frills attached.

Opening Times

Pumpkin Season begins on September 28th and then open every day till Oct 31st, 10am to 5pm.

Anything Else To Do While We Are There?

No details at the moment

How Much?

Entry is free

Church View Farm Shop

Southport Road, Lydiate, Merseyside L31 4HJ

We’re still waiting for more details on this one, but it’s a popular spot every year!

Are you planning to visit a pumpkin patch this year? We’d love to hear which one is your favourite! Whether it’s your first time or part of your yearly tradition, pumpkin picking is the perfect autumn activity for families. Let us know where you’re headed! 

READ THESE NEXT

HALLOWEEN LIGHT TRAILS IN THE NORTH WEST

24 HALLOWEEN EVENTS IN MANCHESTER 2023

12 OF THE BEST AUTUMN WALKS IN THE NORTH WEST

- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

Read More

Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Blackpool Illuminations

No comments

Visiting Blackpool for their annual illuminations is a tradition for us that started way back when big J was only young. For us going to see the illuminations is the beginning of Autumn and we love wrapping up warm for a stroll along the golden mile. There is so much to see and do when you visit Blackpool Illuminations and I've tried to pop down everything you need to know before you go.

Read More

25 Halloween Events In Manchester 2023

No comments

Disclosure - This is a collaborative post. 

We try to find as many fun things to do around Halloween as possible and each year our list of places to visit gets bigger and bigger. The North West definitely gets in to the spooky spirit with so many Manchester Halloween events to enjoy. If you are looking for family fun this Halloween then you need to check out our ever growing list which I will keep updated.

Halloween Events In Manchester

Read More

12 Of The Best Autumn Walks In The North West

No comments

There is something about Autumn that makes me what to put on my wellies or walking boots and head out for a nice long walk. Autumn time is quickly becoming one of my favourite seasons, the leaves are falling, the colours are changing and there is a fresh feel to the air. It's took me a while to figure out where are the best Autumn walks in the North West but these are definitely our favourites.

Merseyside 

Calderstones Park

Postcode - L18 3JB

Calderstones Park offers visitors 94 acres of woodland, lake and fields. Visit the beautiful Japanese and old English gardens and make sure you do not miss the one thousand year old tree.

Opening Times - 24 hours a day all year round.

Children's Play Area - Yes, there is a children's playground and also a woodland climbing area for older children.

Cafe - Yes, The Reader Cafe offers the choice of breakfast and lunch, sandwiches, snacks, salads, soups and desserts. Take some time out and enjoy two bookshelves full of books to read while eating.

Toilets - Yes

Parking - Yes there are two main car parks

Anything else - The park recently updated its facilities with The Storybarn an imaginative play space for children and families to discover their love of books, an ice cream parlour and miniature railway.

For more information visit The Storybarn

Sefton Park

Postcode - L17 1AP

Sefton Park is an ideal location for an Winter Walk. It boasts over 200 acres of landscape including paths to follow, an array of trees and even statues of Peter Pan and an Eros fountain.

Opening Times - 24 hours a day

Children's Play Area - Yes, includes a range of outdoor play equipment including slides, swings and roundabout.

Cafe - Yes, the Aviary cafe offers hot and cold refreshments and the lakeside cafe offers coffee and ice cream.

Toilets - No

Parking - Yes, there are a couple of parking areas and also on street parking too.

Anything else - There is no charge to enter the park. The park has a boating lake, the palm house, caves and waterfalls and a bandstand. Fishermen are welcome but you will need an angling licence.

Croxteth Park

Postcode - L11 1EH

The largest of the parks is Croxteth Park offering over 500 acres of woodland, paths, ponds, streams and trails. There is also the chance for you to test your navigation skills whilst orienteering.

Opening Times - 7am - 7pm for the inner park

Children's Play Area - Yes, there are two palygrounds to accommodate all ages.

Cafe - The park has two cafe's. One is situated in the main grounds and the other cafe is within the farm.

Toilets - Yes, situated in the main grounds and within the farm.

Parking - Yes

Anything else - The park has a
Country hall and Walled Garden

Children's Farm.
Farm: Daily 10:00am – 5:00pm
Last entry 4:00pm
£5 per person
Children Under 1 Go Free

Birkenhead Park

Postcode - CH41 4HY

Birkenhead Park has influenced park designs all over the world and was the inspiration for Central Park in New York. The park is a must for a Winter walk with beautiful landscapes, unusual trees and wildlife.

Opening Times - 24 hours a day, all year round. The visitor centre is open 9am-4:30pm 7 days a week except for 25th and 26th December and 1st January

Children's Play Area - Yes, There is a children's play area located just by the Ashville Road entrance to the park with modern facilities. There is also a small rockery meant for climbing and a regular ice cream truck

Cafe - Yes, inside the visitor centre

Toilets - Yes, inside the visitor centre

Parking - There is no car park however there is on street car parking.

Anything else - Two lakes available for angling but a permit is required. Architecture Trail, Sports at the park including boules, cricket and tennis and guided ranger walks

Greater Manchester

Heaton Park

Postcode - M25 2SW

Heaton Park claims to be the biggest and best park in the North West with specific walks and run trails suitable for all the family so it is a must for a Winter walk.

Opening Times - 8am till dusk

Children's Play Area - Yes, there are two play areas designed for children.

Cafe - There are 4 separate cafes offering takeaway only

Toilets - Yes

Parking - Yes, chargeable to a maximum of £3 per day

Anything else - There are a range of activities and facilities also available including donkey rides and Treetop high ropes.

Tramway museum and tram rides. You can visit the museum and take a tram ride on most Sundays and bank holidays. Tickets £2, children £1 and a family ticket for £5. The museum is near the Middleton Road entrance.

Between April and September, you can hire a rowing boat or a pedalo to explore the Lake and the wildlife around it. Boat hire is available:

Monday-Friday 10am to 5.30pm (last boat goes out at 4.30pm)
Saturday/Sunday 10am to 8pm (last boat goes out at 7pm)

Click for more information and to book Treetop Trek

Alexandra Park

Postcode - M16 7JL

Alexandra Park boasts 60 acres of grassland and a £5 million transformation in 2014.

Opening Times - From dawn to dusk

Children's Play Area - yes, there are two play areas. One suitable for toddlers and another for older children.

Cafe - Yes

Toilets - Yes, during cafe opening hours

Parking - Yes, parking is available.

Anything else - There is a boating lake which is home to many ducks.

Cheshire

Delamere Forest

Postcode - CW8 2HZ

Delamere Forest is the largest woodland in Cheshire boasting 972 hectares. It is managed by Forestry England for all to enjoy.

Opening Times - Summer opening times: 8:00am to 8:00pm. Winter opening times: 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Children's Play Area - No

Cafe - Yes. There is a cafe at the visitor centre near the main car park and also The Station cafe near the railway.

Toilets - Yes.

Parking - Yes, there are a number of payable car parks.

Anything else - Go Ape, Gruffalo Orienteering, bike trails and walking trails

Check out our Go Ape Review and Where To Spot A Gruffalo posts

Walton Hall Gardens

Postcode - WA4 6SN

Walton Hall Gardens is set within acres of tranquil and idyllic parkland, steeped in local history and is the perfect space to pop on your wellies and head out for an Winter walk.

Opening Times - September - June 10:30-4pm. July and August 10:30-8pm

Children's Play Area - Yes, a large play structure suitable for all ages.

Cafe - The Heritage Cafe is open 9-5pm for takeaway only.

Toilets - Yes

Parking - Yes, chargable.

Walton Hall and Gardens operates a pay and display car park.
Daily charges:
Mon-Fri: £3.00
Sat-Sun and bank holidays: £4.00
Coaches: £8.00

Anything else - There issue much to do and see at Walton Hall Gardens including

The Children’s Zoo
Summer opening
10.30 am – 4.00 pm
Last admittance at 3.45 pm

Adventure Golf
10.30 am – 4.30 pm
Last tee off 4.00 pm

Thomas The Tank Engine Land Train

Lancashire

Williamson Park

Postcode - LA1 1UX

Williamson Park is home to the iconic Ashton Memorial and 54 acres of beautiful parkland with enchanting woodland walks, play areas and breathtaking views to the Fylde Coast, Morecambe Bay and the Lake District fells and mountains.

Opening Times - October to March: 10am - 4pm. April to September: 10am - 5pm

Children's Play Area - Yes

Cafe - Yes. The Pavilion Cafe is serving takeaway

Toilets - Toilet facilities are open next to the Ashton Memorial and in Wyresdale Road Car Park but remain closed in the café.

Parking - There are two pay and display car parks in Williamson Park - at the Quernmore Road entrance (15 spaces, including disabled parking) and at the Wyresdale Road entrance (100 spaces). Please note that from the Wyresdale Road car park there is quite an uphill walk to the park facilities.

Up to 1 hour £1
Full day £2
Evening after 5.30pm £1

Anything else - Entry to Williamson Park grounds and the Ashton Memorial is free. Entry to the Butterfly House and Mini Zoo (available for purchase at the gift shop)
Adult £4
Child £3 (under-3s free)
Family (2+2) £13
Concessions/students £3.50

Avenham & Miller Parks

Postcode - PR1 8JT

Avenham & Miller Parks are located in the heart of Preston's city centre, yet feel far removed from their urban surroundings. The parks are connected by beautiful and scenic paths, creating one large and diverse park with a lot to offer.

Opening Times - Listed as Always Open

Children's Play Area - Yes

Cafe - Yes, The Pavilion Cafe offers hot and cold drinks, lunch options and children's menu.
April - September: Monday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm
October - March: Monday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Toilets - Yes

Parking - Yes. A 40-space car park for Avenham & Miller Parks can be found on South Meadow Lane, opposite The Continental Pub (PR1 8JN). There are also a number of city centre car parks to choose from, which include disabled parking.

Anything else - The park's paths circle this large green space and offer serene views from all angles. This includes views of the park's Japanese Rock Garden - a beautiful and exotic garden area created in the 1930s. Miller Park has many fascinating and historical points of interest. These include its listed water fountain, rock features, spiralling gardens, and a large basalt rock from the Giant's Causeway.

Cumbria

Grizedale Forest

Postcode - LA22 0QJ

Grizedale forest in the heart of the Lake District World Heritage Site, offers the perfect Winter day out for everyone

Opening Times - The forest is open 7 days a week, dawn til dusk

Children's Play Area - Yes. Grizedale Visitor Centre has a large children's play area and there are a couple of picnic benches surrounding the structure.

Cafe - Yes, at the visitor centre for takeaway only.

Toilets - Yes, there is a large toilet block by the main car park and also toilet facilities in the visitor centre.

Parking - Yes. Visitor Centre and Kennels car parks have a pay on exit system with the current charges
Up to 20 minutes £0.00
Up to 1 hour £2.20
Each additional 20 minutes £0.45
All day £8.00

Moor Top and Bogle car parks - currently no charge

Anything else - There is a Go Ape at Grizedale Forest, Bicycle hire, 10 walking trails and 9 cycle trails to follow.

Tarn Hows 

Postcode - LA21 8AQ

Tarn Hows offers an accessible circular (1¾ miles) walk through beautiful countryside with majestic mountain views.

Opening Times - From Dawn to Dusk

Children's Play Area - No

Cafe - No, an ice cream operates most days in the car park.

Toilets - Yes, they are situated in the main car park

Parking - Yes. Tarn Hows and Glen Mary car parks are open operating pay and display.

Anything else - There are accessible paths at the lakes edge so wellies would be ideal for little paddlers.

These are 12 of the best Autumn walks in the North West and I would love to hear from you if you had any others to share.

READ THESE NEXT

DUNHAM MASSEY, ALTRINCHAM GREATER MANCHESTER

QUARRY BANK MILL, WILMSLOW CHESHIRE

VISITING SPEKE HALL ESTATE AND GARDENS

- If you enjoyed this post leave us a comment.

-  Like us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and follow us on our adventures.

- If you have visited any of the attractions mentioned in this post share photos with us on our socials. 

- If this post has helped you in anyway you can Buy Us A Virtual Coffee to say thanks.

- If you would like to work with us please visit on Work With Us page for more details

Michelle

Read More

Instructed Session At Astbury Water Sports Centre

No comments

Disclosure - We were invited along to have an instructed session. Any thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own. 

I'd like to say as a family we are quite adventurous and will always give something a go especially if it pushes us out of our comfort zone. I think nowadays we spend far too much in front of a screen whether it's working, gaming, using our phones so I am always aware of getting outside as much as possible. We are lucky that the boys love being outside especially Little J who is always up for an adventure. Whilst most of our adventures are on land this week Little J and John took to the water for an instructed canoeing session at Astbury Water Centre. It was meant to be for all three of us however my sea legs must have stayed at home so I happily watched from the side.

Read More

Dining Out | The Ring O Bells, Warrington

No comments

Have you ever walked in somewhere and got a good feeling about it straight away? I have a few times and one of those times was recently when we went for a pub lunch at Ring O Bells in Warrington. We were invited along to sample the menu and take a look at the pub which is soon to celebrate it's 1 year anniversary under new ownership. 

Read More