Pumpkin pickers looking for a jolly gourd day out should head to Willows Activity Farm this October for the farm’s annual Pumpkin Festival.

The 500-acre farm park, near St Albans, kicks off its autumn celebrations on Saturday, October 19 and Sunday, October 20 when the pumpkin patch opens for its first visitors of the year.

It then reopens on Friday, October 25 for half term and runs until Friday, November 1. 

Pumpkin Festival at Willows Activity FarmPumpkin Festival at Willows Activity Farm (Image: Willows Activity Farm) Lyssa Elster, chief executive at Willows Activity Farm, said: “We wanted to open our pumpkin patch a bit earlier this year to give families a chance to enjoy their pumpkins for a little longer in the run up to Halloween.”

Every paying child who visits the pumpkin patch at Willow will be able to choose their own pumpkin to either take home, or head to the carving area where there will be all the tools to carve Jack-o'-lanterns on site.

New for 2024 is the Halloween Maze, where families can navigate their way through the labyrinth while keeping a look out for spooky Halloween characters.

Back again are the ‘All Treats, No Tricks’ funfair rides that will be at Willows throughout the Pumpkin Festival.  

The Runaway Train, Balloon Ride and Race O’Rama rides will be open all day, everyday and included in the admission price.

Lyssa added: “We’re also really pleased to be opening our Gourds Grotto again for 2024.

"Now in its fourth year, the spectacular display of autumn colours featuring over 2,000 pumpkins, gourds and squashes has become one of the go-to photo opportunities for our guests.

“The arts and crafts marquee will also return with pumpkin-themed activities plus our Patch the Pumpkin Show, and pumpkin hunt around the farm with a prize for all those who complete it.”

What are the Pumpkin Festival dates?

The Pumpkin Festival takes place at Willows on October 19 and October 20 and then runs from October 25 to November 1.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance. For more information, call 0333 331 2060, go to www.willowsactivityfarm.com, or like and follow @Willows_Farm on Facebook and Instagram for all the latest news and updates.

Willows Activity Farm is set in the Hertfordshire countryside 200 metres off Junction 22 of the M25 in Coursers Road, London Colney, St Albans.