HALLOWEEN is almost upon us and what better way is there to embrace the spooky spirit than picking your own pumpkin?

If you live in Colchester or around north and mid Essex, there are several pumpkin patches available to choose from.

For an autumnal bonding experience with the family, here are a few of the options you can visit to find a pumpkin for Halloween.

Colchester Pumpkin Patches 2023

Foxes Farm Produce

Address: Green Lane, Aldham, Colchester, CO6 3PR

Operating since 2015, Foxes Farm Produce has two pumpkin patch locations, covering both Colchester and Basildon.

One of the largest pumpkin patches in Essex, the opening times are 9am-5pm with last entry at 4pm.

The Colchester patch has a large acre corn maize game, a giant sandpit and a licensed bar at weekends.

Anyone interested in visiting the pumpkin patch, excluding babies under a year old, will require a ticket.

Booking is online and individual entry costs £5 per person.

No dogs are allowed.

Bullbanks Farm

Address: Halstead Road, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, Essex, CO6 3PT

Bullbanks Farm is bringing back their Twilight pumpkin picking this Halloween.

It will be running until Saturday, October 29 from 6pm to 9.30pm.

Designed for children and adults alike, additional activities include a pedal tractor, slide, sack races, farm obstacles and a giant sandpit.

Photo opportunities with Fergie tractor, an American truck and wooden swing are also on offer.

Light refreshments will be available.

Coxs at Spencer’s Farm Shop and Café

Address: Park Road, Halstead, CO9 2PX

This patch can be found in the nearby town of Halstead and is open all half-term week.

It is running from Wednesday, October 25 up until Sunday, October 29.

Other activities on the site include a children’s play area, nine hole crazy golf course and a bouncy castle, depending on weather conditions.

Visitors are advised to bring wellies.

Booking for the onsite Carters Cafe is required and can be done by ringing 01787269375.

It is free entry and open from 10.30am to 3.30pm.

Otto’s Pumpkin Patch

Address:  Long Green, Cressing, Braintree CM77 8DL

Located in Braintree, this patch’s latest dates cover the half-term period.

Having begun its most recent run at the end of September, Otto’s is currently welcoming visitors to the pumpkin patch until Sunday, October 29.

Opening times are 9.30am to 5pm.