HALLOWEEN is just around the corner which means it’s time to pick your pumpkins!

If you’d prefer to choose your own from a farm than a supermarket shelf, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to visit in Dorset and the New Forest in the run up to October 31.

1. Pumpkin Picking Patch, Fordingbridge

Pumpkin Picking Patch has planted 150,000 seeds of more than 32 varieties of pumpkins and gourds on 50 acres across their four sites including Fordingbridge. On site you’ll find wheelbarrows to push your pumpkins plus Halloween crafts and games such as pumpkin noughts and crosses or gourd draughts. You can also make your own broomstick and wand. This year there will be a number of new attractions including straw bale sculptures and a pumpkin house. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of their friendly witch. There’s free entry and parking. Open October 12-13 and October 19-31 from 9.30am to 4pm.

2. Sopley Farm, Christchurch

This idyllic farm, which sits on the Sopley to Bransgore Road forms part of the Dan Tanner family who are renowned for the quality of their fresh produce. Row upon row of pumpkins are ready and waiting. You just pay for what you pick. Sopley Farm grows nearly 20 different fruits and vegetables. Visitors can choose their perfect pumpkin for Halloween between 10am and 5pm seven days a week during October. Pumpkins cost 90p per kg. There’s also a farm shop, parking, toilets and a picnic area.

3. Cat & Fiddle Farm & Café, Hinton

Perched on the edge of The New Forest, the Cat & Fiddle Farm on Lyndhurst Road at Hinton is part of the Dan Tanner’s brand. It is open between 10am and 5pm throughout October and entry is free. Pumpkins are priced at 90p per kg. On site you’ll find parking, toilets, a picnic area, farm shop and cafe.

Dan Tanner’s says it now has “thousands” of pumpkins for people to choose from and there will be wheelbarrows and sledges to help pickers transport their pumpkins.

4. Lenctenbury Farm, Corfe Castle

This family-run farm in Soldiers Road, Norden, Corfe Castle, was founded by Andrew Carlyle, the third generation of farmers, with the aim of producing high quality fruit and vegetables.

There is no entry fee and you just pay at the end based on what you’ve picked.

The farm is currently open every day between 10am and 5pm throughout October. Pumpkin prices start from 90p per kilo. There are no toilets and no cafe on site but you could tie it in with a trip to see the historic Corfe Castle en route.

5. Goodall’s Strawberries, Lymington

Situated in Lymington, Goodall’s Strawberries will be open for pumpkin picking from 10am to 4.30pm on October 19–20 and also from October 25–31.

They produce one variety of pumpkin which is available at 80p per kilo.

There will be activities and crafts for children throughout the season. Facilities include a sand pit, toys, climbing frame and sailing boat. There is also a grocery store and cafe serving hot food, tea, coffee and cakes.