It is October. Hooray for crisp autumn walks, over indulgence in hot chocolate and pumpkins, pumpkins and more pumpkins.
We love this time of year; so great for outdoor adventuring with the wild ones. Endless places to explore, trees to climb, natural treasures to collect, and amazing days out celebrating the season and picking pumpkins!
Here is our round up of where you can head for autumn fun in Devon this October (with, in all honesty, a heavy focus on pumpkins, Because, you know, they’re pumpkins, and we love them). From pumpkin trails and good places for home made food and drink, to full spooky days out, hopefully there is something for everyone here.
Great places to have some fun this autumn:
- Pennywell Farm, Buckfastleigh
Pennywell’s Pumpkin Festival runs until 29th October 2023. We spent the day there last weekend and absolutely loved it! All the normal fun and endless activities, with something different every 30 minutes PLUS the addition of lots of autumn themed fun, and a fantastic Pumpkin Patch. Great for all ages, and fun whatever the weather, the autumn themed festival includes access to the Pumpkin Patch, a Pumpkin Trail, Live Music, Marshmallow Toasting (extra cost), Pumpkin Games, Spot the Golden Pumpkin, and so many awesome photo opportunities! Great range of pumpkins for sale too. We absolutely loved it.
- Darts Farm, Nr Exeter
Darts Farm will once again have their fab pumpkin patch with a range of pumpkins for you to choose and take home to carve. Open 10 – 4.30. Head to the tipi on the front field for details.
- Strawberry Fields, Lifton
Strawberry Field’s Pumpkin Fest was one of our highlights last year, and it returns for 2023 with just as much fun in store. We loved the range of pumpkins, the live acts and the brilliant maize maze. The boys still talk about it now. We all got truly covered in mud too, which is, of course, always a bonus if you are little and wild! Activities this year include a huge pumpkin patch, numerous photo-worthy moments, an award-winning magician Magic Martin, a barrel train adventure, a Pirate Maize Maze, and a world of whimsical scarecrows! Count us in.
- Crealy Adventure Park, Nr Exeter
Spook Fest at Crealy seems to get bigger year on year! There is so much to do and it is a great option with older children too. This year attractions include the Creaky Hotel, Scare Maze, the Tree House Trolls, live shows and a free pumpkin for every child. Tickets are available online now and cheaper if you book in advance.
- Wildwood, Escot
Legend had it that one hundred years ago, a witch known as Winifred used to live in the woods at Wildwood Devon. She was known as the Witch of Wildwood, and on a full moon could be seen flying over the wolves as they howled, until one cold Halloween day the witch disappeared never to be seen again… until now! EEK. In addition to meeting Winifred, you can create potions, carve pumpkins and complete a pumpkin trail from 21st – 31st October.
- The Jolly Pumpkin Patch
Head to the Jolly Pumpkin Patch in Silverton for an amazing selection of pumpkins this year, plus an array of photo opportunities, Dino Maize Maze and scrumptious food and beverages. Open weekends and through half term. Tickets can be booked online.
- South Devon Pumpkin Patch
A small family run farm nestled in the South Hams, this is a lovely space to spend time picking pumpkins with little ones. Terwhiti Farm in South Milton has over 25 varieties waiting for you on the patch! Free entry. Open weekends of 7/8 and 14/15 October.
- Exeter Pumpkins, Exminster
With 20 varieties of pumpkins, starting at 50p Exeter Pumpkins is a great place to head to if you are looking for a pumpkin patch with the children. There is food and drink on site, plus loads of family friendly activities. Cash and card accepted.
- The Big Sheep, North Devon
An absolute family favourite, the Big Sheep have a fun packed day waiting for you this Autumn. Meet the animals, ride the Rampage roller coaster, zip around on the Twister, and place a bet on the sheep race. Burn off the energy on the slides and obstacles in the indoor Play Zone and watch hilarious live shows! There is plenty of autumn themed fun too with pumpkin carving, and prizes for the best fancy dress.
- Heron Farm, Honiton
A lovely place to head to for combining a fun autumn themed activity with delicious food and drink! Throughout the October half-term, head to the farm for their Pumpkin Trail and gather an Autumn harvest of happy memories navigating your way around Heron Farm to find the hidden Pumpkins, each with a clue to the mystery word. Meet back at the café once you’ve completed the Pumpkin Trail and discovered the word and collect your prize!
