Nothing says autumn like pumpkin picking - which is why we've gone and put together a list of some of the best pumpkin patches in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire.
Now October is finally upon us, it’s time to embrace those shades of burnt orange and brown as we enter into spooky season.
Before the nights start in the afternoon and it becomes too chilly outside, check out our favourite pumpkin patches to collect your Halloween pumpkins.
Bert’s Barrow
Austfield Lane, Hillam, Leeds, LS25 5NQ
Image: Bert's Barrow
Bert’s Barrow has grown 30,000 pumpkins over the past few months and re-opened to the public yesterday. The dog-friendly farm is open to the public from 9 am until 4 pm every Friday, Saturday and Sunday but The LS25 farm are urging pumpkin pickers not to leave their trip too late in the year, so grab your pumpkins whilst you can this year.
No tickets are needed for this event. Bert’s Barrow is located in Hillam (LS25), which is around a twenty-five-minute drive from the city centre.
Temple Newsam will running a pumpkin carving workshop 1-3pm on Tuesday 31 October 2022 to get all of the family into the Halloween spirit over half term. The event will run between 1 pm and 3 pm, but families are also invited to find the ghostly residents of Home Farm and Temple Newsam House throughout the week.
No tickets are needed for this event. Temple Newsam is on the outskirts of the city centre. The LS15 postcode is around a fifteen-minute drive from Leeds city centre.
There’s far more than just grabbing your pumpkin for spooky season here. There’s 18 different varieties to choose from so grab your favourite white, blue, orange, green, warty big or small one and take a tractor ride through the picking fields. If that’s not enough, there’s plenty of photo ops here, an onsite cafe and even face painters to bring your spookiest ideas to life.
Birchfield Ice Cream Farm will be open from Thursday 6 October 10 am - 4pm every day until Halloween, but if you can hold out until half term, you can join the Pumpkin Festival activities. Tickets are free to attend but if you wish to join the additional activities, visit the farm animals, activities, maize maze and carving barn there's a £5.95 charge per person.
It’s ‘go big or go home’ at Farmer Copleys. The Pontefract-based farm has planted over 200,000 pumpkins and claims to have the ‘biggest pick your own pumpkin patch’ in the UK. Take your pick of the rainbow and find your perfect pumpkin, in twenty different varieties. From traditional orange to green, blue and even white pumpkins, each pumpkin is unique and perfect for carving later in the month.
Redwood Farm
Tingley, Wakefield WF3 1EF
Image: Redwood Farm
Head to Redwood Farm's opening weekend event either on Saturday 14 and 21 October or Sunday 15 and 22 October or join the half-term family day-trippers from Saturday 26 October until Halloween.
There will be no bookings required and both cash and card are accepted on site. Redwood Farm is around thirty minutes from Leeds city centre, located near Wakefield.
Yorkshire Pumpkins open their fields to pumpkin pickers on weekends from Saturday 7 October for an early weekend pick before welcoming guests every day from Thursday 26 October until Sunday 30 October 2022. They recommend bringing wellies, gloves (pumpkin plants are covered in spikes), a camera and a very strong bag to carry your pumpkin home in.
Tickets cost £1.50 each and prebooking is required, but the value of the tickets is taken off your pumpkins.
Yorkshire Pumpkins is located in Lodge Farm, Cundall and is around a fifty-minute car journey from Leeds city centre. Due to the remote location, we would not recommend travelling by public transport.
Having planted over 125,000 pumpkins, Spilman’s Farm has pumpkins for everyone across their twenty-five-acre plot. Located on a family-fun-farm, visitors have the choice of picking orange and white pumpkins, gourds and squashes before heading to the new ‘Last Pumpkin’ musical theatre show, which is included in the ticket price. Visitors will also be given a £5 voucher on arrival to spend on your pumpkins or Spilmans activities.
The Spilman’s Pumpkin Festival will be open every weekend in October, just remember to pre book a ticket to avoid disappointment. Spilman’s Farm is located north of York and takes around an hour to reach by car from Leeds city centre.
It’s time to pull on your walking boots and get out and about in the great outdoorsthis festive season.
It’s Christmas, and for a lot of us, the only requirement of the day is to eat all the M&S picky bits and quality streets whilst catching up with friends and family… walking is not high on the agenda.
But, if all of that festive indulgence and constant drinking is getting to you then sometimes a bit of fresh air is exactly what you need to get yourself put back together again.
Not to mention it can help you to build up an appetite again to dive into that chocolate box for one more time.
Leeds and its surrounding areas are truly blessed with beautiful walks in all directions, so we've rounded up a list for you to enjoy over the next couple of weeks.
Harewood House
Image: Harewood House
Nestled amidst the Yorkshire countryside, Harewood House offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Explore the estate’s extensive grounds, which include woodland trails, beautifully maintained gardens, and a scenic lake.
And not to forget beautiful Christmas decorations, just the thing to get you feeling festive.
If you have children, there is an adventure playground they can get lost in, while you can marvel at the stunning architecture of the house itself.
There’s a gorgeous 10km walk that loops around the estate offering beautiful views throughout. You can end your walk at one of the cafe’s conveniently located near the car park.
Golden Acre Park
Image: Golden Acre Park
Situated just a short drive from Leeds city centre, Golden Acre Park is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Grab an ice cream and take a leisurely stroll around the park’s tranquil lake.
Burrowed in the park is a bird spotting hut where you can spot wildlife, from ducks and swans to squirrels and rabbits, making it an ideal destination for families.
Otley Chevin
Image: Flickr
For panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, head to Otley Chevin. With a variety of walking trails ranging from gentle slopes to more challenging hikes, there’s something for every ability.
Reach the Chevin summit and be rewarded with breathtaking views stretching as far as the eye can see. It doesn’t just offer walks, but it is steeped in history, homing fossils and sculptures and is a natural playground for your little ones.
Tip: Head to the car park on York Gate road for the best sunset views!
Ilkley Moor
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Lace up your hiking boots and venture onto Ilkley Moor, a rugged carpet of heather-covered moorland. Whether it’s a long walk you’re after, or you just want to explore the famous Cow and Calf rocks, which offer exceptional views of the landscape below, make sure you treat yourself to something sweet or refreshing from The Cow and Calf overlooking the valley.
Be prepared, as you might need to familiarise yourself with the well-known Cow and Calf song before your visit!
Roundhay Park
Images: The Hoot Leeds
As one of the largest urban parks in Europe, Roundhay Park offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Wander through scenic gardens, or rent a boat to paddle around the tranquil lake. With playgrounds, cafes, and even a tropical world, there’s no shortage of activities to keep the whole family entertained.
Kirkstall Abbey
Image: Kirkstall Abbey
Step back in time and explore the historically-rich ruins of Kirkstall Abbey. Wander through the abbey and its courtyards before strolling towards the adjacent parkland which provides a peaceful getaway from the vibrant life of Headingley.
Bolton Abbey
Just a short drive from Leeds, Bolton Abbey offers a charming setting for a Christmas walk. Take a walk through its trails along the banks of the River Wharfe, go back in time whilst visiting the abbey itself, and pass through the ancient woodlands walked by the monks themselves! A must-do whilst there is to visit the famous stepping stones whilst enjoying a picnic by the riverbank.
Ban lifted on Yorkshire dog beaches in time for the Winter months
Clementine Hall
Dog owners unite, because it's time to take a long stroll down the beach with your furry friend.
But you better wrap up warm, because it's going to be a tad chilly.
Banned during the summer months but lifted this Wednesday 2 October, numerous beaches across Yorkshire now allow pooches to roam the sand.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
There are eight beeches for you to choose from, from the pebbled beach of Hornsea to the spacious stretch of Filey bay- there's a walk to suit every pup.
So let's take a look then shall we?
Sandsend & Whitby Beach
Both now allow dogs for the winter, offering beautiful coastal views that offer some quieter spaces for you and your furry friend.
Hornsea Beach
Take a stroll down the long promenade before getting your feet (and paws) amongst the sand and pebbles.
Scarborough North Bay
If you fancy a nice relaxing walk, this one is for you.
A much busier walk but if your pooch likes to have a bit of interaction, then this is ideal.
Bridlington South and North Beach
Framed by Flamborough's chalky cliffs, this is a perfect day out for you and your pooch with both walks offering fantastic views.
Withernsea Beach
Breathe in that fresh sea air as you trot along to the famous lighthouse.
Filey Beach
This five mile stretch is perfect if you want to get a proper stomp on with the rock formations adding a little bit of adventure for your dog to get involved in.
So whichever walk you fancy, make sure to reward yourself with some seaside fish and chips afterwards. It would be rude not to, after all.
Sophie Smith -
1st October 2023 
