Autumn has arrived in the UK, bringing with it crisp air, golden leaves, and the unmistakable scent of the season. What was once a niche American tradition has now become a cherished autumn activity for families across Britain: pumpkin picking. Heading out to a local farm to find the perfect pumpkin is the quintessential way to celebrate the run-up to Halloween.
But with so many options, how do you find the best PYO pumpkins and avoid the dreaded “ghost locations” that have closed down years ago? This ultimate guide for 2025 will show you everything you need to know.
This is the most asked question every autumn! For 2025, most farms with a PYO pumpkin patch will open their gates to the public from the first or second weekend of October. The season runs right up until Halloween on October 31st, but be warned – the best and most unique pumpkins get snapped up quickly, so it’s often best to go in the middle of the month for the widest selection.
A little preparation goes a long way to making your trip a success. Here are a few tips to ensure you have the best time:
The biggest challenge of pumpkin picking season is finding a real, active farm and not a “ghost location” from an old, outdated website. This is where using a live map makes all the difference.
With the Roadside Stall app, our goal is to give you the most up-to-date information possible. Here’s how to search for pumpkins:
Are you a farmer who sells pumpkins? Your customers are looking for you right now! Add your profile to the Roadside Stall map for free and post an offer – thousands of local users will see it instantly.
Once you’ve got your prize home, the fun continues! It’s not just for carving a spooky face for Halloween. Pumpkin is a delicious and versatile vegetable. You can use the flesh to make hearty soups, creamy risottos, or a classic pumpkin pie. Don’t throw away the seeds either – toasted with a little salt, they make a fantastic, healthy snack.
The only thing that can spoil a great day out is turning up to a field to find it empty, based on an outdated Google listing. That’s the problem we solve.
The Roadside Stall app is your most reliable tool to find genuine, verified PYO pumpkin patches and other farm shops. Our map is updated by the farmers themselves and our community, so you can be sure the place you’re heading to actually exists.
Download the app today, search for “pumpkin”, and find the perfect patch for your family’s next autumn adventure.
How You Can Help
We’re a small, self-funded project, and our growth depends on our community.
- Tell a Farmer: If you know a great local producer who isn’t on our map, tell them about Roadside Stall. It’s completely free for them to join.
- Share the App: Know someone who loves local food? Share the app with them.
- Leave a Review: A positive review on the App Store or Google Play makes a huge difference and helps us reach more people.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How can I find local farm produce near me? A: The best and most reliable way is to use a dedicated map app like Roadside Stall, which shows you the nearest verified farm shops, honesty boxes, and stalls in real-time.
Q: Is it possible to get local farm produce delivered? A: Some farms do offer local delivery schemes or ‘veg box’ subscriptions. The best way to find out is to check their profile in the app or contact them directly. Our app focuses on helping you visit the farm gate.
Q: Is buying direct from farmers in the UK more expensive? A: Not necessarily! While some artisanal products might cost more, you’ll often find that essentials like eggs, milk, and seasonal vegetables are cheaper because you’re cutting out the supermarket middleman. Plus, the quality and freshness are incomparable.
