With spooky season just around the corner, pumpkin patches across the North East are preparing to welcome families keen to pick the perfect pumpkin ahead of Halloween.
From farm attractions and garden centres to dedicated pumpkin fields, there are plenty of options across Teesside, County Durham and beyond throughout October.
It's a great way to get into the spooky season while spending some quality time with family, friends or the kids.
Here are five pumpkin patches to visit this Halloween.
1. Baydale Farm, Darlington
Baydale Farm. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
Baydale Farm in Darlington is a budget-friendly option for pumpkin picking.
There is no admission charge and no need to pre-book. Visitors simply pay for the pumpkins they pick, with prices starting from £2.
The patch opens on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4, then Thursday to Sunday from October 8 to October 25. It will then be open daily during Halloween week from October 26 to October 31.
2. Newham Grange Farm, Middlesbrough
Newham Grange Farm. (Image: Tees Valley Combined Authority)
Newham Grange Farm is bringing back its popular Middlesbrough pumpkin patch for selected dates throughout October.
Admission costs £5.80 for adults, £4.90 for children and concessions, or £19.50 for a family ticket. Under-twos enter free.
Pumpkins are not included in the admission price, with pumpkins available from £3.75 each.
The pumpkin patch opens on Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18, then daily from October 24 to October 31.
Newham Grange Farm will also host an after-dark Halloween event on October 28, with jump scares, a disco and other seasonal activities.
3. Cherry Hill Garden Centre, Hemlington
Cherry Hill Garden Centre (Image: Cherry Hill Garden Centre)
On the outskirts of Middlesbrough, Cherry Hill Garden Centre's pumpkin patch returns from October 3 and runs right through to Halloween.
Entry costs £4.95 per person or £16.95 for a family ticket. Under-fours enter free.
Pumpkins are priced separately and range from £4 to £10 depending on size.
Its lengthy run makes it one of the easiest options for families looking to fit pumpkin picking into their October plans.
4. Tweddle Farm, Hartlepool
Tweddle Farm. (Image: Tweddle Farm)
Tweddle Farm combines pumpkin picking with a full family day out in Hartlepool.
Admission costs £11.95 for adults, £10.95 for children and £9.95 for concessions, or £42 for a family ticket. Under-ones enter free.
Pumpkins cost an extra £4.50 each.
The pumpkin patch opens on Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, followed by October 17 and 18, then daily from October 24 to October 30.
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5. Pontac Farms, New Marske
Pontac Farms. (Image: Tees Valley Combined Authority)
Pontac Farms offers a slightly different approach, charging per vehicle rather than per person.
Admission is £12 per vehicle, which includes a £2 booking fee and £10 redeemable against pumpkins picked during the session.
The patch in New Marske will be open on October 17 and 18, before returning from October 24 to October 30.
For larger families, the per-car price could make this one of the region’s best-value pumpkin-picking options.
Whether you're after a giant carving pumpkin or simply looking for a family day out during the school holidays, these North East pumpkin patches offer plenty of opportunities to get into the Halloween spirit this October.
Which pumpkin patch gets your vote this spooky season? Let us know in the comments.