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Food & Drink

Pumpkin picking in Scotland: Five of the best places to visit

Bringing autumnal joy to families year on year are Scotland’s increasingly popular pumpkin patches as the nation prepares for the scariest night of the year. 
We have picked out five of the best-loved seasonal events in the country packed with unforgettable autumnal fun, picture-perfect photo opportunities and Halloween magic…
 
Arnprior Farm, Stirling (October 10-30)
Scotland’s original and largest pumpkin patch and destination glamping site offers an unforgettable autumn adventure. Growing tens of thousands of pumpkins sprawled across acres of beautiful farmland, it’s the ideal place to pick the perfect pumpkin for your autumn celebrations. From our thrilling quad pod rides and the ever-popular pumpkin cannon to the towering bale mountain and fun-filled indoor straw barn, there’s something for everyone. Add face painting, a bouncy castle, and endless photo opportunities, and you’ve got the ultimate seasonal day out. Arnprior is also home to Scotland’s original and biggest Pumpkin Festival.
Entry is a flat charge per car, booked in advance
 
Valley View at Goulding’s, Clyde Valley, Lanarkshire (October 3-31)
 
Boasting an Autumn adventure for all the family to enjoy, find your perfect pumpkin and soak up the autumn atmosphere as you explore spooky Halloween scenes and displays, uncover surprises along the way, and capture memorable moments together. Choose your favourite pumpkins from a great colourful selection of shapes, sizes and colours and refuel with delicious food, hot and cold drinks, and seasonal sweet treats, then toast marshmallows by the fire and enjoy the cosy autumnal atmosphere.
Various one hour sessions available, £5 entry fee, under-1s go free.
 
Loch Lomond Scary Trail, Pumpkin Patch and Faerie Tale Farm, Luss, Alexandria (October 2 - November 1)
 
Something wicked has come to the woods of Glen Luss. Follow Loch Lomond’s enchanted Halloween trail through the enchanted ancient forest behind the beautiful village of Luss, track down all seven scattered spells and help break the Wicked Witch’s curse. Wind your way through fourteen spellbinding stops, meeting fiery flames and hidden magic along the way — then pick your perfect pumpkin from the pop up pumpkin patch with one to take home included in every ticket. The trail will lead you into Faerie Tale Farm where farm friends are waiting to meet you. 
Ticket plus pumpkin is £13, under-2s go free.
 
Heads of Ayr Farm Park, Ayr (October 10-25)
Pumpkin patch tickets include general entry to the park for the full day - no timeslots required. The patch itself will offer a whole host of entertainment, photo opportunities, and family activities to make some fun memories this autumn.
There’s still time to join the VIP list if you want in on the action. Sign up to their mailing list anytime before 11:59pm on Sunday to access the exclusive ticket release.
 
East Kilbride Pumpkin Trail, East Kilbride, Lanarkshire (October 10-18)
Inspired Events hosts East Kilbride’s annual Pumpkin Trail in the enchanting Calderglen Country Park. Enjoy a seasonal stroll through the winding wildlife gardens, where pumpkins peek out from behind every twist and turn. Whether you’re hunting for your perfect pumpkin or just soaking in the autumn vibes, this trail is perfect for all. This year, the experience is being enhanced with even more photo opportunities, activities and adding nighttime slots for a truly enchanting night.
Tickets from £5.45, under 1’s go free