Pumpkin picking is a newly recognized activity.

Are you looking to jump on the pumpkin patch trend and visit one this Halloween? You may be surprised to learn that these destinations are not as they seem. Rather than actually picking the pumpkins from the vines like you would at a fruit farm, pumpkin patches are more like outdoor showrooms. This revelation, shared by @HannahAlOthman on Twitter, has taken the UK by storm.

Hannah's post, where she denounced "pumpkin picking" as a scam, quickly went viral and sparked a discussion among her followers. Some even joked about renaming it "pumpkin picking-up" instead. It seems like this discovery has been made before, as @bertnews shared a similar experience last year. The idea of going to a field where pumpkins are already placed for people to "pick" them up is quite mind-boggling.

However, this popular US tradition has gained a lot of popularity in the UK, with many people flocking to pumpkin patches for the perfect photo opportunity. Some even highlighted that these patches also offer rides and activities for children, making it a fun day out for the whole family. However, some people were not impressed by the fact that these pumpkins are marked up for the "experience," and some even claimed it was all for Instagram.

But before you feel too cheated by this autumnal illusion, it's worth noting that most pumpkin patches pre-harvest their fruit for health and safety reasons. After all, the thick stems of pumpkins require sharp tools to cut, and the sprawling vines can be a trip hazard. So, it's always best to check ahead if you prefer to do the harvesting yourself.

If you're still keen on visiting a pumpkin patch, we have some recommendations for you. The Cairnie Fruit Farm in Cupar, Fife, has over 20,000 pumpkins of various sizes, shapes, and colors. You only have to pay £1.50 for entry and then pay for what you take based on the size of the pumpkin. Pumpkin Pete's in Ledbury, Herefordshire, not only offers 20 varieties of pumpkins and gourds but also has a range of activities for the whole family. And for a fun-filled day out, you can visit Farmer Mark's Pumpkin Patch in West Kennet, Wiltshire, where pumpkins are priced from £2 each, and there are games, mazes, and toddler tractor rides to enjoy.

If you're up for an adventure, you can head to Tulley's Farm in Crawley, West Sussex, where they grow over one million pumpkins each year. This TikTok-famous farm hosts its very own Pumpkin Festival, as well as Pumpkin Nights and the spooky Shocktober Fest. So, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

But before you head out to a pumpkin patch, remember to check if they grow their pumpkins locally or if they pre-harvest them. And if you're not too keen on thinking about the oddity of the situation, just enjoy the seasonal day out and be prepared for the total bill at check-out time. Have a spooky and fun Halloween!

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[Generative AI is experimental.]