Halloween is just days away now and many of us will be looking for decorations and costumes in preparation for the season.

Pumpkins and pumpkin carving are also staples of this time of year, which requires you to go out and find your own.

Whilst finding one from a supermarket is useful, many people like the experience of going out to a farm to pick their own out.

There are quite a few places around Dorset and the New Forest where you can go and do this in October 2022.

Where are the best pumpkin-picking pitches in Dorset and the New Forest?

Sopley Farm Shop

Address: Derritt Lane, Sopley, Christchurch BH23 7AZ

This picturesque farm offers a great pumpkin picking option in Dorset, along with plenty of other fruits as well.

The farm offers seasonal PYO fruits, sunflowers and beans, making it a firm favourite for locals. Additionally, guests can enjoy delicacies from the farm shop and bakery to take home or enjoy at the site’s picnic area.

Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

Address: Wareham Rd, Organford, Poole, Organford, Poole BH16 6EU

If you're looking for a spooky day out for the family then Farmer Palmer's Farm Park would be a great option for some 'Picturesque Pumpkin Picking'.

The whole park will be decorated for the season and tickets for the event are available from October 22-30 through the half-term.

Tickets can be found at Farmer Palmer's website here.

Fordinbridge Pumpkin Pastures

Address: Ringwood Rd, Slip Road, Fordingbridge SP6 1AN

Over in the New Forest area, Fordingbridge Pumpkin Pastures will be offering to pick your own pumpkins throughout most of October.

Days for pumpkin picking include October 8-9 and 15-28 with there being a 'Super Saturday' on October 29 which will involve live music, food & drink and a fireworks display.

No booking is required for pick your own pumpkins except for 'Super Saturday' which can be done at the website here.

Cat & Fiddle Farm & Café

Address: Lyndhurst Rd, Dorset BH23 7DS

Cat & Fiddle Farm grows around 20 different types of fruit and vegetables, with pumpkins being among them in the autumn season.

There is no entrance fee, with the only cost being what you pick out from the farm.

You can also enjoy a cup of tea at their cafe after a busy afternoon in the pumpkin fields.

Dorset Country Pumpkins

Address: Milton Abbas, Blandford Forum DT11 0BB

No booking is required for Dorset Country Pumpkins, which will be allowing pumpkin picking on October 15-16 and from October 22-30.

Pumpkins are priced according to size and there is a display of modern and vintage tractors on the site if you fancied having a look at that.

Additionally ‘Dorset Lamb’ will be returning to sell hot food and drinks every day together with a number of other refreshment vendors.