## Pumpkin Patch ‘Scam’ Shocks Brits: Are We Paying for an Instagram Experience?
As Halloween approaches, the UK is embracing the American tradition of pumpkin patches, but a shocking revelation is leaving many Brits feeling shortchanged. Turns out, the idyllic image of plucking pumpkins fresh from the vine is a far cry from reality for many. Instead, what many are discovering is a pre-harvested, pre-arranged scene, prompting accusations of inflated prices and an ‘Instagram-worthy’ experience over authentic pumpkin picking.
The revelation spread like wildfire on social media, sparked by a tweet from @HannahAlOthman. “Pumpkin picking” is the biggest scam going. Discovered last year it’s just a load of pumpkins from Aldi, chucked on a muddy field, for 10 times the price. Never again,” she penned, her tweet garnering over 16,000 likes.
Hannah’s followers were stunned, echoing her sentiment with comments like, “They should re-name it “pumpkin picking-up.” ” or “Just buy a load of Aldi ones, bang them in the garden when the kids go to bed, tell them the Halloween goblin has grown them overnight,” one user joked, adding that you could “charge neighbours for their kids to come and pick one.”
This isn’t a new discovery, as @bertnews shared a similar revelation last year, stating: “I did not realize the whole pumpkin picking phenomenon was coming to a field where people have placed pumpkins to pick them up. We are quite, quite mad.”
The reactions to these discoveries were widespread, with many people expressing disbelief. “Is it really?! Oh my goodness,” one user wrote, while another replied, “I too had assumed it to be more like strawberry picking.” A third added: “It’s crazy! Not unlike going to a supermarket where people have placed large quantities of packaged food in a building.”
While many criticize the practice as a ‘scam’ and a ‘marketing ploy’ aimed at social media, there are some who defend pumpkin patches. They point out that many offer rides and activities for children, making it a fun family day out. Additionally, they are great for photo opportunities. A few also recommend specific patches that allow for actual picking, offering a more authentic experience.
However, the majority seem to be baffled by the popular US tradition, believing it’s all for Instagram or that pumpkins are marked up due to the ‘experience.’
If you’re feeling a bit cheated by this autumnal illusion, it’s important to note that many places pre-harvest their pumpkins for health and safety reasons. Pumpkins grow on thick ‘peduncle’ stems which require a blade or sturdy gardening shears to cut – not ideal among crowds of little ones. Their vines can also cover the ground, creating a trip hazard and hiding potential dangers like mounds or ditches.
Before heading to a pumpkin patch, it’s worth checking ahead of time to ensure you’re buying a pumpkin grown locally (some patches import their pumpkins or buy them in) or if you’d prefer to do the harvesting yourself. Otherwise, try not to think too hard about the weirdness of the situation; just enjoy the opportunity for a seasonal day out and brace yourself for the total at checkout time.
## UK Pumpkin Patches Where You Actually Pick the Pumpkins
For those who want a real pumpkin picking experience, here are some UK pumpkin patches that allow you to pluck your pumpkins directly from the vine:
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Cairnie Fruit Farm, Cupar, Fife:
This PYO spot boasts over 20,000 pumpkins of all sizes, shapes, and colors. It’s £1.50 each for entry (under-3s go free) and you pay for what you take based on size.*
Pumpkin Pete’s, Ledbury, Herefordshire:
Along with 20 varieties of pumpkins and gourds, this location offers a range of activities for the whole family. Tickets are £4 per person with free entry for under-2s.*
Farmer Mark’s Pumpkin Patch, West Kennet, Wiltshire:
Pumpkins are priced from £2 each at this Avebury Farm event, and there’s toddler tractor rides, games, mazes, and more to enjoy.*
Tulley’s Farm, Crawley, West Sussex:
With over 100 acres of pumpkin fields, the TikTok-famous Tulley’s Farm grows over one million pumpkins each year. The farm hosts its very own Pumpkin Festival, as well as Pumpkin Nights and its spooky Shocktober Fest.So, while the pre-picked pumpkin patch may be a popular choice for its convenience and photo opportunities, remember that there are still places that offer a true pumpkin picking experience. If you’re looking for a more authentic, hands-on approach, these alternatives are worth exploring this Halloween season.