From bonfire displays to cosy autumn walks, there are so many fun half term activities in the south west that are perfect for getting the kids out and about. And if you’re looking for some fun Halloween entertainment, it doesn’t get much better than pumpkin picking.
Ideal for kids of all ages (particularly younger kids who aren’t quite ready for the spooky side of Halloween) pumpkin patches consist of a large garden or stretch of farmland filled with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. Simply pick your favourite and enjoy everything the patch has to offer, from autumn-themed photo opportunities to wholesome farm cafés.
Curious to find out more? Our guide will tell you all about the best places for pumpkin picking in London and the south west, all of which are easy to get to via public transport when travelling with kids.
Located in the scenic Southampton countryside, Pickwell Farm offers a selection of fruits and veggies for you to pick year-round, from juicy strawberries to fresh corn on the cob. Their shop also offers a range of fresh farm produce to stock up on.
In autumn, you can find pumpkins in all colours and shapes in the fields at Pickwell Farm. Show your little ones how the different plants are growing and help them find the biggest, ripest pumpkin of them all!
Price: £
How to get there: Pickwell Farm is a half-hour walk from Sholing station. Alternatively, hop on the X4 Solent Rangers bus towards Portsmouth, get off at Grange Road and walk for just six minutes.
At the edge of the New Forest, tucked in amongst the trees you’ll find Sopley Farm. With over 20 different fruit and vegetables to pick as well as a café, farm shop and kids’ play area, it’s the perfect place for a half term family day out.
Visit around October to pick up your pumpkin, before heading to the café and play area to enjoy a warming drink while the kids let off some steam. Don’t forget to make the most of the photography area to grab a seasonal snap with the whole family. When the day’s fun has come to an end, head to nearby Bournemouth and make the most of 22% of selected hotels with SWR Rewards.
Price: £
How to get there: From Christchurch, walk eight minutes to Fountain Way bus stop, then get on the number 125 towards Ringwood. Ride until you reach The Woolpack Inn, then it’s a 14-minute walk from there.
With pumpkin picking just being one of many activities at Fordingbridge Pumpkin Pastures, your kids can enjoy hours of half term entertainment at this Halloween-themed farm.
Once you’ve selected your perfect pumpkin, it’s time to enjoy the rest of the activities available at Fordingbridge. The farm usually offers lots of Halloween activities as well as a fun Maize Maze that you and the little ones can explore at a small extra cost.
Price: £
How to get there: The nearest station to Fordingbridge Pumpkin Pastures is Salisbury. From there, catch the X3 from Blue Boar Row towards Bournemouth, ride for 25 minutes and get off at Redbrook Farm. Later, why not head back to Salisbury and enjoy a free soft drink with your pizza at Pizza Venti?
As the sister to Sopley Farm, Cat & Fiddle Farm & Café in Christchurch is the perfect place to pick up a pumpkin this half term. They also offer a selection of delicious fruits and veggies that you can pick to your heart’s content, as well as wheelbarrows and sledges to make transporting your pumpkins a little easier!
Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee with a slice of cake at the on-site café, before popping into the farm’s shop to find free-range eggs, local honey, salad vegetables and lots more.
With its annual Pumpkin Week usually selling out weeks in advance, this popular farm in Surrey is the perfect place to pick your pumpkin near London. Kids are encouraged to wear their favourite Halloween Costume, with a prize for best dressed. And, with Instagram frames dotted around the site, it’s the ideal spot for a photo opportunity.
Price: £
How to get there: Secretts of Milford is a 17-minute walk from Milford station.
Are you set on the perfect Halloween Pumpkin but don’t want the hassle of finding the good ones? At Crockford Bridge Farm in Surrey, farmers hand-pick the best pumpkins and display them on tables and hay bales, taking the work out of your hands. There’s still thousands to choose from in all shapes and sizes, but you’re guaranteed quality in every one!
Price: £
How to get there:Addlestone, Weybridge and Byfleet & Newhaw stations are all within easy reach of Crockford Bridge Farm. Addlestone is the closest at a 19-minute walk away.
Celebrate the changing of seasons with a trip to Garsons Farm in Surrey. Here, you’ll find a vast pumpkin patch, as well as a café and garden centre. You’ll be given a generous two hours to spend on the fields, which consist of much more than just pumpkins. Once you’ve picked your pumpkin, why not add to your collection with some berries, apples, sweetcorn or red cabbage? Finish your trip with a browse around the garden centre or a pit-stop in the café.
Price: £
How to get there: The farm is a half-hour walk from Hersham station, or if you’re coming into Esher, catch the number 715 bus.
To get the pumpkin picking experience right in the middle of London, head to Covent Garden. Each year, the much-loved shopping and dining area is transformed into an autumnal wonderland, with Halloween-themed pop ups serving spooky cocktails and tasty bites to eat. Head to the Halloween Pumpkin Market to pick up your pumpkin and admire a stunning floral display created by local luxury florists. Located in the Apple Market, you can take your pick from over two hundred pumpkins, squashes and gourds in all different shapes and sizes.
Price: ££
How to get there: Covent Garden is just a 10-minute walk from London Waterloo.
With so many pumpkin patches to choose from across London and the south west, all that’s left to do is plan your journey. Explore our ticket types to find the best train tickets for your journey. Don’t forget, you can save even more with our Railcards and discounts.
From events and services to activities and concerts, there are plenty of great Remembrance Day events in London. Read our guide. Plan your travel with SWR.
Whether you’re into tennis or yoga, nothing clears the mind like fresh air and exercise! Read our list of the best outdoor activities to boost your mood here.
From beautiful beaches, the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, Pride events, food and music festivals and much more, see the best things to do in July on the SWR network.
From music festivals and the Chelsea Flower Show, to free outdoor activities like scenic bike rides, wildflower wandering and more, here’s what’s on in May in London and the South West.
From International Women’s Day, Mother’s Day, and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to spring flower walks and more, here’s your guide to what’s on in March in London and the South West.
The Best Breweries and Microbreweries in the South West
Whether you’re a long-time craft beer fan or looking to discover your new favourite brew, we’ve rounded up the top South West breweries you can visit.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in the South West During Half Term
Whether you’re looking for rainy-day activities, budget-friendly fun or want to get out in nature, get inspired with our guide to the top half-term events the South West offers.
Discover the best trips for solo travellers in South West England. From beaches and city breaks to top locations for history buffs, SWR has your trip covered.
Discover Christmas at Battersea Power Station! Enjoy holiday lights, markets, ice skating, dining, and more at London’s festive riverside destination.
Top Christmas shopping spots in London and the South West
Shopping at Christmas can be a magical experience with festive lights and dazzling window displays at the top spots. Read our guide here. Travel with South Western Railway.
Whether you want to visit real TV and movie sets, take a studio tour or plan an action-packed day walking in the steps of your favourite characters, we have you covered.
Looking for things to do in London this autumn? Don’t miss London Cocktail Week! Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or hoping to discover your new favourite tipple, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the South West
Embracing a plant-based diet? Travel with SWR and explore the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants that the South West has to offer. Read our guide here.
Discover the UK's grandest stately homes, just like those featured in Bridgerton. Explore South Western Railway's in-depth analysis of top estates, ranked by reviews, search volumes, TV appearances, and more.
From cheese rolling to bog snorkelling, explore the wild and wonderful unique sporting events the UK has to offer, including those hidden gems in the South West.
Ready to learn about the wacky and the weird? Our list of quirky London museums covers everything from Freud to fans! Get there with South Western Railway.
Ready to challenge yourself? There are so many great events happening every year, so we’ve compiled a list of the best half marathons in the South West here.
6 super romantic London restaurants that will steal your heart this Valentine’s Day
Looking to raise the bar this Valentine’s Day? Here before you are six restaurant recommendations guaranteed to give your dinner date the wow-factor it deserves.
Live your best life in 2024 with these super fun London activities
Unlock the door to an unforgettable experience in London and discover a plethora of exciting activities that will make your 2024 an unforgettable year.
6 festive foods in London you need to try this Christmas
If you're in London during the Christmas season, make sure to indulge in the festive cuisine the city has to offer. Here's a list of six delectable foods that are a must-try during the holiday season.
5 Things To Do In London That Are A Little Bit Different
Whether it’s learning a new skill or simply experiencing London from a new perspective, these quirky activities are a great way to expand your horizons.
The best Christmas markets in London and the south west
Christmas markets are coming to town! From mulled wine and mince pies, to antique treasures, dazzling lights and more, London and the South West’s markets are bound to impress this festive season.
What’s on in November in London and the South West
From Diwali celebrations and Remembrance day events, to Christmas markets, Bonfire Night and much more, here’s what’s on in November in London and the South West.
Live your best independent life in London with these solo activities
Spending time alone shouldn’t just be used for life admin - with these fun solo London activities you’ll be well on your way to becoming your own bestie.
12 Cool And Quirky London Instagrammable Spots That’ll Jazz Up Your Feed
Explore 12 unique and Instagram-worthy locations in London with South Western Railway. These spots are guaranteed to add a cool and quirky touch to your social media feed.
From exploring the rich cultural heritage of the city to enjoying its vibrant nightlife, here are six activities that you can participate in to make the most of your London adventure.
Here’s how you can spice up your weeknights in the city
If you're seeking to add a dash of excitement to your weeknights in the bustling city, there are several options to consider. Here are a few ideas that may pique your interest and make your evenings more memorable.
Looking for some romantic ideas for your next outing in London in 2023? Here are eight delightful date ideas that will make your time in the city unforgettable.
6 Excellent Cultural Activities To Enjoy In London Right Now
London is currently offering a plethora of exceptional cultural activities for you to indulge in. There are six noteworthy options that stand out, each with its own unique charm.
9 London wellbeing practices that will benefit your mind, body and soul
Whether it's roaming through the treetops or taking a soothing sound bath, there’s so many fun and fulfilling ways to look after your wellbeing in London.
From coastlines to woodlands, the South West is one of the best places to get married in the UK. With our list, might find the wedding venue of your dreams!
Ready for some retail therapy? London has some of the best shopping centres and high streets for you to explore! Check out our list here. Get there with SWR.
From stunning bike routes, kid-friendly activities, scenic gardens, beautiful coastlines, and more, here are our top budget-friendly April days out recommendations
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=F30E372235F20F59CCF1EBCF7A77FAEA)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=C3087DBE7E0B4B98535F78245786B959)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=C3C8A0B96B7D8B62564734CE8DF0B0B8)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=A90EF0B806BF871440AFD90390114A34)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=6579468D79244EA2FEFA4F380673A153)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=95C7078AC31A4E274539941C2DBF9A0A)
.png?w=20&h=20&hash=724F94F37B30688C93EE3E52826515FA)
