Claremont Farm in Bebington is set to open its popular 'Pick Your Own' pumpkin patch this Friday, October 3rd, offering an estimated 20,000 pumpkins for families and Halloween enthusiasts. The annual event, which runs daily from 10 am to 5 pm, has become a significant seasonal attraction on the Wirral, often selling out well before October 31st.
Key Takeaways
- What: Claremont Farm's 'Pick Your Own' Pumpkin Patch.
- When: Opens Friday, October 3rd. Daily from 10 am to 5 pm until sold out.
- Where: The PYO Strawberry Field, Claremont Farm, Bebington, Wirral.
- Cost: Entry is free. Visitors pay by weight for the pumpkins they pick.
- Important: No booking is required. The field can be muddy, so appropriate footwear is advised.
Claremont Farm Opens Pumpkin Patch for Autumn Season
A Wirral farm is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors as it opens its pumpkin fields to the public. Claremont Farm in Bebington will launch its 'Pick Your Own' pumpkin event on Friday, October 3rd. The patch will be open seven days a week, from 10 am to 5 pm, until the stock is depleted.
Andrew Pimbley, the farm's managing director, anticipates a high demand for the approximately 20,000 pumpkins cultivated this year. The event provides a family-friendly activity in the run-up to Halloween, complete with seasonal decorations like a large spider statue and various scarecrows dotted around the fields.
In addition to pumpkin picking, visitors can purchase snacks, including spooky-themed brownies, creating a full festive experience. The farm encourages an early visit, as the pumpkins typically sell out before Halloween arrives.
A Growing Tradition on the Wirral
While the pumpkin patch has only been operating for about five years, it builds on a long-standing tradition at Claremont Farm. The farm has successfully run a 'pick your own strawberries' event for over three decades, establishing itself as a key local destination for seasonal produce.
The decision to start a pumpkin patch was a natural extension of this model. "We used to grow our own, then harvest them and sell them through the shop," Andrew Pimbley explained. "Then, obviously, more people wanted to go into the fields and pick them, take their kids and get their pictures next to the pumpkins."
The Rise of Agritourism
Events like pumpkin picking are part of a growing trend known as agritourism, where farms diversify their income by offering recreational or educational experiences to the public. This model helps connect communities with local food sources and provides farmers with an alternative revenue stream beyond traditional agriculture.
The Impact of Social Media
Mr. Pimbley acknowledges the significant role social media has played in the event's rapid growth. The visual appeal of families and children in a field of bright orange pumpkins has made it a popular activity to share online.
"Social media has certainly played a part in its success. It's become a big thing and a lot of farmers are doing similar things. It's a nice experience for kids and a bit of fun; they get in the wheelbarrows and whatnot, get muddy and enjoy themselves."
This online visibility has helped transform the simple act of buying a pumpkin into a memorable family outing, attracting visitors from across the region.
The Challenges of Pumpkin Farming
Growing thousands of pumpkins is a significant undertaking that begins in late spring and is subject to the unpredictability of the weather. Mr. Pimbley detailed the risks involved, recalling one particularly difficult year.
"We did have one year when they all rotted and we had to buy them all in," he said. To avoid cancelling the event, which was already gaining momentum, the farm had to source pumpkins from a major supermarket supplier.
"We had to get a couple of articulated lorry loads to come in... we didn't want to cancel it," he added. Fortunately, such measures have not been needed since.
This Year's Successful Harvest
The 2024 season has been more favorable. Despite initial concerns that required watering the plants early on, a timely period of rain helped the pumpkins grow to a good size. "We got a good dollop of rain that really plumped them up," Mr. Pimbley noted. "The pumpkins gained a lot of their size when we had the rain, which is good."
The farm offers a variety of pumpkins, from the traditional large orange ones ideal for carving to smaller gourds. Mr. Pimbley mentioned that gourds are particularly versatile for cooking and can be used in dishes like curries.
From Venezuela to Wirral
Andrew Pimbley's agricultural career has taken him far beyond Merseyside. After graduating from agricultural college, he worked on tobacco and asparagus farms. His international experience includes a year on farms in Zimbabwe and three years as a cattle rancher on the Colombian border in Venezuela, working for the Vestey family, who owned Dewhurst Butchers. He later returned to the Wirral to manage Claremont Farm.
Visitor Information and Farm Guidelines
For those planning a visit, Claremont Farm has provided clear guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. The event is designed to be accessible, with no entry fee or booking system in place.
How it Works
Visitors can arrive at the farm, pick up a wheelbarrow if available, and head into the fields. The cost is determined by the weight of the pumpkins chosen, with payment made at a dedicated shed on-site. Mini gourds are priced individually.
The specific location is the PYO Strawberry Field, which is situated past the main farm shop and over the motorway bridge. It is the first gate on the left.
Practical Advice for Visitors
The farm has issued a list of recommendations for a successful trip:
- Footwear: The fields can be muddy, even in dry weather. Sturdy boots or wellingtons are highly recommended.
- Transporting Pumpkins: Wheelbarrows are available but are limited and must remain in the field. Visitors should bring their own strong bags or boxes to carry pumpkins back to their cars.
- Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. Owners are asked to ensure their dogs do not foul the pumpkin patch.
- Accessibility: Due to the uneven and potentially muddy ground, access for wheelchairs and prams may be restricted to the edges of the field rather than down the rows.
- Litter: The farm asks that all visitors take their rubbish, including used wipes, home with them to keep the area clean.
For those who prefer not to pick their own, a selection of ready-picked pumpkins is also available for purchase at the main farm shop.