VISITING a pumpkin patch has become a popular family tradition in recent years.
Picking the perfect pumpkin from a field to take home and carve for Halloween was an ideal activity for a school Inset day at the start of the half-term holidays, getting us outside in the fresh air on a beautiful, sunny autumn day.
My son loves Halloween and was excited to choose his own pumpkin at the event at Wasing Estate, in Aldermaston, which runs possibly the cutest patch in the area.
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Visitors are led along an enchanted woodland trail, creatively decorated for Halloween, with spooky spiders, magical fairies, woodland animals, and an impressive Cinderella-style pumpkin carriage for that all-important photo op.
I was slightly disappointed when my son chose to head to the pumpkin field rather than queue up for a picture inside the carriage. He rolled his eyes at me when I expressed my sadness that he’s growing up so fast and can no longer feel excited by a giant pumpkin carriage. Thankfully, he’s still young enough to enthusiastically run around a pumpkin patch looking for the ‘best’ one to take home. After much deliberation, he selected the largest one he could find, heaving it into a wheelbarrow on his own and rejecting my offer of help.
The variety of pumpkins was impressive. While you obviously can’t beat a large, round orange pumpkin for carving, there were also many other beautiful varieties of different colours and interesting shapes, perfect for an outdoor Halloween display in the garden. We picked a few smaller ones in white, grey and a gorgeous dark orange one.
Prices are reasonable, ranging from £1 for small pumpkins to £6 for the largest.
This year, there were a few additions to the woodland trail, including a witch's cauldron spilling out bubbles, along with the return of some popular favourites from last year, such as a remembrance wall where visitors can light a candle for a loved one.
The woodland estate was showcased in its full glory on the beautiful autumn day we visited, with the sun shining through the colourful trees. I had to remember to look at the trail as well as admire the natural beauty of the woodland.
At the end of the trail, there is covered seating and a range of food and refreshments, including pizza and crepes. I enjoyed a coffee while my son had a hot chocolate, before we loaded our pumpkins into the car to take home and carve ready for Halloween.
The event runs on selected dates until October 31 and costs £6.50 for adults and children aged two and above. Under twos are free.
For more information visit wasing.co.uk/pumpkins.
