The nights are fair drawing in and the season is definitely turning, meaning it won't be long until Halloween comes around. In Scotland, this is often a big deal and though in generations passed the humble tumshie (turnip) was our favourite way to make lanterns, the pumpkin has now become even more popular.
So, to make the most of this spooky time of year, there are plenty of farms up and down the country offering their own pumpkin patches for people to pick their own orange gourd for carving.
A great addition to the fun activity list to keep the wee ones entertained this autumn, you can take them along and let them pick out their own meaning it's even more rewarding for them.
If you want to pick your own, all while entertaining the kids, here are some of the best places around Scotland to source your pumpkins this autumn.
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Arnprior Farm, Stirling
Scotland's original pumpkin patch dates back to 2015 and is one of Scotland's largest with over 15,000 pumpkins on a six-acre patch.
The best part is that it's not just your typical Cinderella-style orange pumpkins but also, according to the Arnprior team, "fabulous green warty pumpkins, beautiful white pumpkins, and even funky stripy ones".
With mazes, turnip picking, kids' play areas, face painting and food trucks, there's plenty of fun to be had.
You can book tickets and see the picking session dates here.
Kilduff Farm, East Lothian
This working farm located in East Lothian is another that holds a festival of pumpkins every October, with pumpkin picking running from the 16th to 31st.
Established in 2018, they have sustainability in mind, growing specific varieties for both carving and cooking with, to ensure they can share delicious recipes to help people enjoy eating this delightful fruit as much as they do making lanterns.
You can book tickets and see the picking session dates here.
Udny Pumpkins, Aberdeenshire
Putting the fun into Pumpkin picking, Udny Pumpkins in Aberdeenshire offer plenty of activities as well as the actual picking with animal petting, colouring competitions, hay bales to play on and even gorgeous baby chicks to hold.
They have a huge variety of pumpkins too, including white ones, warty ones and even small decorative ones.
Best of all, it's not just consigned to October, not only can children pick their own pumpkins they can also learn how to plant them and learn all about how the bees help pollinate their crops in April and July respectively.
You can book tickets and see the picking session dates here.
Craigie's Fruit Farm, Edinburgh
Pick your own fruit specialists Craigie's Farm in Edinburgh has expanded its usual remit of soft fruits to include a fun pumpkin patch this year.
With a massive selection including Mars, Snowman, Knucklehead, Crown Prince, Harvest Moon, Polar Bear & Turkish Turban pumpkins, the family-run farm is one of the best places in the central belt to get your ideal pumpkin.
Grab a ‘Pick and Play’ combo ticket – which includes tea/coffee for the adults and hot chocolate for little ones (plus a pumpkin-shaped shortbread biscuit) - and you can enjoy some fun on the timber playground before the picking.
You can book tickets and see the picking session dates here.
Balgone Estate, East Lothian
Another of the newcomers on the block, Balgone Estate have gone big this year with their patch offering plenty of picking opportunities combined with the chance to grab some incredible food from Street food vendors on site.
With 21 varieties of pumpkins and squash over an 8-acre plot, there is plenty of choices as well as a fun Maize maze to take on.
Also, expect a spooky interactive trail around the lake (where you can spot 10 mysterious monsters along the way and try to win prizes), visit the witches' cauldron and even enjoy their amazing Maize Maze.
You can book tickets and see the picking session dates here.
M&D's Pumpkin Festival, Motherwell
The Pumpkin Festival is back at theme park M&Ds this year with pumpkin picking, theatre with Professor Madtricks and his wacky experiments, a Pumpkin trail, bash a pumpkin game, and an exclusive Pumpkin Express train ride for youngsters taking place throughout the month of October.
You can book tickets and see the picking session dates here.
And or those of you wanting to stay traditional:
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