Pumpkins were not a part of the traditional Scottish autumn. Not until people started bringing them back to Europe from the American colonies. Celtic tradition used turnips for carving. Pumpkins were discovered to be much easier to carve and have been a staple for modern-day autumn celebrations. Today, there are many farms growing pumpkins across Scotland. Many of them have patches open to the public. Down below you’ll find a small selection of patches to visit this autumn.
Balgone Estate
Balgone Estate is located in East Lothian, in the town of North Berwick. The farm boasts 27 different varieties of pumpkins and squashes. With 10 acres to explore, you could spend hours here. The Haunted Trail is family-friendly, so put on your walking shoes. Make a stop at the Crooked Cauldron for toasted marshmallows. Book your tickets here.
Arnprior Farm
Arnprior Farm is “home to Scotland’s original and biggest Pumpkin Festival”. It might also be the only pumpkin patch you can camp at! Or should we say “glamp” at? Arnprior Farm offers stays at its luxury glamping pods. Stay in one of their cozy pods and wake up to heated floors. Spend the day exploring the patch for a perfect pumpkin and spend the evening in your private hot tub. Arnprior Farm also has its own heated swimming pool! Sounds like a perfect way to spend an autumn weekend. Located near Stirling.
Photo courtesy of Arnprior Farm. Photograph by Teresa Geissler
Cairnie Fruit Farm
Located in the Fife countryside is Cairnie Fruit Farm. The patch is open from the 4th of October. You can pick the perfect pumpkin. Looking for some spooky fun? Check out their Halloween Torchlight Maze, happening on these dates: the 27th, 29th, and 31st of October! Due to its scariness, it is recommended for visitors over the age of 8. You’ll need to get tickets in advance online here.
Loch Ness Pumpkins
If you’re near Inverness, you’ll want to visit the Loch Ness Pumpkin patch of Corrimony & Buntait Farms. Set amongst the hills of the Highlands you’ll be able to choose from a variety of different colors and sizes of pumpkins, and then enjoy a bale run, barrel train, and suction archery. Enjoy drinks and treats at the tea shed. Get your tickets here.
Craigies
Experience one of Edinburgh’s favorite family farms this October, with Craigies Pumpkin Festival. The festival features bale mazes, axe-throwing, face-painting, and more! If that sounds like too commotion, visit during “Quiet Pumpkin Picking” sessions. These sessions start October 1st-10th, and no activities are happening. It’s just you and the pumpkin field. Grab a hot drink and stroll around in peace. You can find tickets to both events here.
Scotland has so many more wonderful farms offering pumpkin picking and patching. Do you have a favorite not listed?
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