Pumpkin picking has become one of the most popular autumn activities in recent years. What started as a bit of fun around Halloween has now turned into a tradition for many families, with farms across Wales offering bigger and better experiences each year.
Of course, you could just head to your local supermarket for a pumpkin, but where’s the fun in that? A trip to a farm gives you the chance to make a day of it, with plenty of photo opportunities, food, drinks and even scare mazes for the older kids.
These events are hugely popular and can sell out quickly, so here’s our round-up of some of the best places to go pumpkin picking within half an hour of Cardiff this autumn.
1. Vale Pick Your Own
Greenland Farm, Bonvilston, Vale of Glamorgan
Located on the A48 in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, Vale Pick Your Own is a family favourite. As well as strawberries, raspberries and flowers in the summer, the farm transforms into a pumpkin wonderland in October. Expect a festoon-lit patch, spooky light trails, live music, a fire pit for marshmallow roasting, face painting, hot food from The Farmers’ Pantry and even a licensed bar for the adults.
2. Bridgend Pumpkin Patch
Dolau Ifan Ddu Farm, Blackmill, Bridgend, CF35 6DT
Run by the Williams family, this patch is described as more of a farm experience than just pumpkin picking. With thousands of pumpkins to choose from, wheelbarrows to fill, treats to enjoy and fun climbing spiders, it’s a perfect spot for children to burn off energy. Don’t forget to take a selfie and tag them on social media.
3. Porthcawl Pumpkin Patch
Ty Coch Farm, Mount Pleasant Road, Porthcawl
Open on select dates throughout October, Porthcawl Pumpkin Patch is free to enter and has free parking too. Pumpkins start from just £1.50, making it one of the more budget-friendly options. It’s a simple, no-frills experience with plenty of choice.
4. Clearwell Farm
Michaelston-Y-Fedw, Cardiff, CF3 6XT
Clearwell Farm offers a huge Pumpkin Village with more than 50,000 pumpkins, gourds and squash across 25 varieties. Alongside the picking, visitors can enjoy a cosy café, seasonal snacks and an autumn-themed setting full of photo opportunities. Tickets are time-slotted to keep things comfortable for families.
5. Pencoed Fach Farm
Bedwellty, Blackwood, NP12 0BQ
This farm near Blackwood has both a pumpkin field and a barn packed with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Alongside picking, there’s hot food, milkshakes, ice cream and The Little Meadow where you can meet the animals. Dogs on leads are welcome, and parking is charged per car rather than per person. Be prepared for mud though – wellies are a must.
6. Forage Farm Shop
Penllyn Estate, Llwynhelig, Cowbridge, CF71 7FF
Forage offers pumpkin picking with a twist. As well as thousands of pumpkins, there’s a maize maze and tractor trailer rides to enjoy. Entry is £10 per car, and the experience is just a short walk from the award-winning farm shop and kitchen, making it easy to turn your visit into a full day out.
7. Colliers Adventure Farm
Caerphilly Road, Nelson, Treharris, CF46 6PR
Colliers puts on both daytime and twilight sessions, with pumpkins to pick and carve, a spooky woodland walk, bale maze, marshmallow toasting, barrel train rides and plenty of Halloween-themed fun. The farm park is included in your ticket, so children can enjoy all the activities on offer.
8. Cefn Mably Farm Park
Cardiff, CF3 6LP
From 11–31 October, Cefn Mably Farm Park welcomes visitors back to its pumpkin patch. The experience is included in normal farm park entry, which also gives you access to the animals and play areas. A great option if you’re looking for a simple day out that keeps younger children entertained.
9. Billy Bob’s Farm
Castle Farm, Llangybi, Usk, NP15 1NJ
This pumpkin patch comes with a Wild West theme. With over 14 varieties to pick, a maize maze, games, animals and photo spots, Billy Bob’s is set up for a full day of family fun. There’s even a spooky barn if you don’t fancy trekking into the fields, along with haybale seating and hot chocolates for that perfect autumn feel.
10. Ty Poeth Farm
Llanvihangel Crucorney, Pontypool, NP4 8QU
Running throughout October, Ty Poeth Farm offers a straightforward pumpkin picking experience alongside their popular farm shop. As well as pumpkins, you can stock up on homegrown produce and even pre-order your Christmas meats.
11. Twilight Pumpkins (Green 2 Earth)
Maindiff Court Farm, Abergavenny, NP7 8AY
This pumpkin patch overlooks the beautiful town of Abergavenny and includes three separate picking fields. There are maize trails for the children, scarecrows to meet, and a demonstration garden for those interested in growing. Entry is £3 per car, making it an affordable option for families.
12. Berry Hill Farm
Coedkernew, Newport, NP10 8UD
Berry Hill Farm will once again be offering a mix of pumpkins and squash in different shapes and colours. It’s a more traditional farm experience with fewer frills, but perfect if you just want to pick your pumpkin and go.
If we’ve missed a pumpkin patch near Cardiff, let us know by emailing [email protected]
