If you're visiting or living in the Cotswolds and looking for the best autumn activities for your family, pumpkin picking is a must.
It’s not just a fun day out for the kids - pumpkin patches in the Cotswolds are absolutely beautiful for capturing seasonal family moments, too.
As a local Cotswold family photographer, I love photographing families outdoors during this season. The light is soft, the colours are rich, and the pumpkins themselves offer a pop of personality. Whether you’re a Cotswold local or here for a fall break / half-term holiday, here’s my guide to the best pumpkin places - and how you can turn your visit into lasting memories.
Top Pumpkin Picking Spots in the Cotswolds for Families
1. Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power
This is a brilliant full day out for the family - pumpkin patches in the Cotswolds, plus animals to feed, tractor rides and bouncy pillows. Run by Adam Henson, it offers the full autumn experience.
Why families love it:
• Over 50 rare breeds to meet, plus you can feed goats and pet rabbits
• Pumpkin picking included with entry (or separate access-only tickets)
• Tractor rides, adventure barns, and a Halloween trail (think classic pumpkin patch fun!)
• Free face painting on weekends
Family tips:
Arrive early to enjoy the animals before the crowds arrive. Pack snacks for little ones - they’ll need fuel after all that running around!
More info: Cotswold Farm Park
2. Cattle Country Farm Park, Berkeley
Perfect for families with younger children, this Gloucestershire pumpkin patch includes full access to the farm park - animals to feed, ride on tractors, wavy slide and much more!
Family-friendly features:
• Huge indoor play barns
• Outdoor play zones and pumpkin games
• Pumpkin carving and classic marshmallow toasting
Family tips:
If the weather turns, the play barns are brilliant for burning off energy. Don’t forget extra clothes for messy pumpkin activities!
More info: Cattle Country Farm Park
3. Bibury Trout Farm Pumpkin Patch
If you're on vacation in Bibury or Cirencester - this smaller, picturesque pumpkin patch is perfect for a slower-paced day.
Why it’s great for visitors:
• One-hour slots (ideal if you’re sightseeing)
• Feed trout, play mini-golf, enjoy the peaceful riverside setting
• Right next to Bibury’s Arlington Row - instagram goals
Family tips:
This is one of my favourite spots for natural, candid portraits. The autumn colours, the water reflections, and the village charm create a timeless feel. If you’re planning a visit here, I offer holiday photography sessions capturing your family as you explore this stunning area.
More info: Bilbury Trout Farm
4. Hayles Fruit Farm (Winchcombe, Cotswolds)
A lovely spot for a relaxed autumn outing - pick your own pumpkins straight from the field, then stop by the farm shop for local produce, fresh juice, and homemade cider.
Why families love it:
• A more laid-back, charming option with orchard charm
• No booking required, PYO pumpkins, a Halloween trail (20–31 October), farm shop & café open
• Great for combining pumpkin picking with a stroll on their nature trail, visiting the farm shop, enjoying local produce
Family tips:
Stop at the café for a snack or warm drink mid-visit. Bring a blanket for impromptu picnics among the orchard trees.
More info: Hayles Fruit Farm
5. Jolly Nice Farm Shop Pumpkin Field
A must-visit for food lovers as much as pumpkin pickers - wander through the pumpkin paddock, then warm up with a pumpkin-spiced latte or one of their famous treats from the café.
Why families love it:
• A delightful pick-your-own pumpkin patch in the Stroud / Cheltenham / Cirencester region
• Pumpkin patch open during selected October dates; vintage tractors & photo moments
• Marshmallow toasting; autumn activity sheets
Photographer’s tip:
Vintage tractor props, pumpkin clusters, interactive creative zones, kids in action around the field.
More info: Jolly Nice Farm Shop
6. Hadsham Farm Pumpkin Festival (Oxfordshire, near Banbury / north of Cotswolds)
A proper autumn day out with a huge pumpkin patch, a spooky sensory trail, carving and craft zones, and a cosy café for a well-earned slice of cake.
Why families love it:
• A bit further afield but worth it, especially if you’re staying in northern Cotswold or visiting Banbury
• Pumpkin picking, carving kits, spooky sensory trail, scarecrow building, goblin launch, a pumpkin barn, indoor play area
• It’s festival scale, so fun for siblings and extended family
Family tips:
Dress in layers—the festival offers both outdoor and indoor fun. Pack a camera for memorable moments, and let kids explore freely.
More info: Hadsham Farm Pumpkin Festival
Why Pumpkin Patches Are a Photographer’s Autumn Dream
As a Cotswolds photographer, pumpkin patches give me everything I love in a shoot: texture, colour, connection, and story.
Here’s why:
• Natural, unscripted fun - kids running with wheelbarrows, choosing pumpkins, giggling in the mud, it’s real joy
• Incredible light - autumn light is soft, golden, and flattering. It adds warmth and glow to every photo (that magical late-afternoon light Americans love)
• Pop of colour - pumpkins offer contrast against rural backdrops. Even cloudy days are stunning
• Great family memories - these places are just great fun - no need for forced smiles!
Staying in the Cotswolds? Why not capture your vacation in photos?
If you’re visiting the Cotswolds for a fall break, weekend escape, or just craving a slower season, why not book a photography session during your trip?
I offer relaxed, natural family photography throughout the Cotswolds, including at pumpkin patches, sightseeing in cosy villages, or countryside walks. Whether you're staying in a holiday cottage/cabin or just exploring for the day, I can help you plan the best location for you, close to where you're staying
Quick Tips for Planning Your Pumpkin Adventure
• Book in advance - most farms require timed entry in October, especially during weekends and school holidays
• Dress for autumn - think layers, boots, earthy tones
• Go early or late - for the best light, plan your visit around golden hour
• Capture it all – bring your camera, or better still, book a family photoshoot with me and I’ll capture these memories for you for the perfect picture book memories!
