Is it even October if you haven't visited a pumpkin patch?!

I didn't realise they were a thing until last year, I have to admit. It was only when a photographer I follow on Instagram posted some lovely images, and I noticed the location wasn't very far from our place, that my interest was piqued. I convinced my husband that visiting a pumpkin patch, with a 4 month old, in the midst of Storm Brian, would be a fabulous way to spend a Saturday. And I insisted it was in no way for my own sole benefit, as I pranced around snapping pumpkins, myself, a corn maze, and a disgruntled baby half-hidden under a blanket (did I mention Storm Brian was raging? It was a wee bit windy.) I got my photos, we spent a tenner on pumpkins, and raced home to the warm.




This year, I felt a little more justified in visiting, as it wasn't just for me. We visited on a beautifully sunny weekend, popped the wellies on, gathered together our baby gang, and let the little ones loose. I foolishly removed Harry's reins as they were spoiling my photos and he rewarded me by making a run for the fields beyond the patch, sending my husband sprinting after him. Thank goodness for the wheelbarrows provided, perfect for depositing your pumpkin spoils, and for containing a wanderlusting toddler. The pumpkins were cheap, the children entertained, the adults relieved at avoiding a potential soft play visit. It was such a success, I think this might become our autumn tradition.



We visited Foxes Farm Produce, which has two sites in Essex and opens up for pumpkin picking throughout October (weekends and during the week of half term). I'm told they also do Christmas trees... so we may return in a month!