In the case of October festivities the first thing that comes to mind is Halloween and the various ‘spooktacular’ events filling our diaries. These could be children’s activities or charity events such as the All Dogs Matter Halloween Walk, a popular annual event in London. Another must-do October activity is pumpkin picking.
Living in West Sussex, for us the Sompting Pumpkin Picking Patch is the most convenient. Orange flags surrounding its fields advertise its location at Lytchpole Farm on the A27 between Worthing and Brighton.
When we arrived at the farm, people were waiting at the entrance for a wheelbarrow. Once we had ours we set off on our pumpkin hunt. The choice wasn’t easy as the fields were full of pumpkins in all shapes and colours. You can even find white Polar Bear pumpkins, which are really cool!
After the pumpkin picking fun we took a break to take photos. There are lots of prepared family-friendly photography spots to choose from: at the pumpkin harvest, with a wheelbarrow full of nice-looking pumpkins, in front of the popular ‘pumpkin house’, or hay bales with pumpkins.
Sompting Pumpkin Picking Patch also has plentiful activities for youngsters. Children can try several Halloween crafts, such as making a witch’s broom, a magic wand or a tin can bat. There is also an outdoor café with bistro which provides plastic-free refreshments, where you can relax after your pumpkin-picking adventure. You can also became a member of Sussex Wildlife Trust at its mobile information centre just next to the entrance.
For us it was an amazing opportunity to have fun in October and enjoy outdoor family activities with our son, Lucas. He was so happy that he could explore, choose and pick his own pumpkin that he almost didn’t want to go home! After his pumpkin adventure he received a ‘Number One Pumpkin Picker’ sticker (as did the other little pickers). I am sure we will be back next year to collect another pumpkin ready for carving!
