Lillingstone Pick Your Own Pumpkins 2020 Review
Booking, Parking and Toilets
Today we went to Lillingstone Pick Your Own Pumpkin. It was bookable only in advance online and cost £5 per car. It was easy to find and the satnav took us straight there. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a friendly and helpful lady who informed us where to park. We showed her the bar code we had received as this was proof of purchase. It was quick and simple to park and there were people guiding us through. We were then greeted by another helpful lady who informed us of what was on and where we could go. All staff had masks on and there were lots of hand sanitising stations. There was a porta-loo based in the pumpkin field.
Pony Rides
One of the main attractions for my daughters was the pony ride with The Little Shetland Company. There wasn’t a queue just a short wait. It was £5 to ride a pony or £10 to ride and groom.
The girls had a lovely time. The staff were so reassuring and positive; it was a lovely experience. The staff wore masks and again lots of hand sanitiser before and after. Helmets are provided.
Pumpkin Patch
On the way in there are wheelbarrows for adults and for children. The pumpkin costs are on a sign on the way in and it was an additional £1 for white pumpkins. It is worth noting these are more expensive than shops, but it is about the experience of finding and picking your own, something the girls found so exciting!
There were lots of lovely pumpkins and some gorgeous photo opportunity places. Shire horses were in the fields behind which was an added bonus. We had a great time exploring and finding the right pumpkins to take home! When we paid for them, we were also given a free carving kit. There is also a professional photo opportunity outside of the field priced at £15 per family, I didn’t use it but lots of other people did.
Tractor Ride
We went on the free tractor ride back down to the carpark (although it is a very short walk) and the children absolutely loved this. The rides are free as they are a charity raising money for autism. There is a pot for donations in the tractor. The man was so friendly and kind, he really made it a great experience. It was also very helpful to carry the pumpkins straight to the car!
Maize Maze
This was fab! £3 per person and under 3’s free. They had two different levels of quizzes that the children could complete on the way around. We had to find the scarecrows as the clues! The children loved this; it was great fun. You could spend hours in there if you liked!
Food and drink
There was a van outside the pumpkin patch with hot and cold drinks and some hot and cold snacks available. Tea for £1.50. All nice and again COVID safe.
Due to COVID unfortunately the face painting couldn’t happen this year. All in all, this really was a lovely way to spend an Autumn Sunday and you could really spend as much or as little as you liked- depending on budget and time! It was great family fun with lots to do and see.
