Halloween is edging closer now, and what better way to get in the spirit of the season by picking out your own pumpkin.

If you live around Colchester then there are several options that you can go to around North Essex for this task.

These range from simple patches to entire family days out in their own right, so a perfect autumnal activity for the whole family.

Here are a few of the options you can visit in October to get a pumpkin to carve before October 31.

Colchester pumpkin patches for Halloween 2022

Spencer's Farm Shop

Address: Park Road, Halstead CO9 2PX

Over in Halstead, you can find Spencer's Farm Shop, which is around a 35-minute drive away from Colchester.

They'll be running on October weekends up from 10am-4pm until Halloween, with there being no booking or entry fee required.

Booking will be required if you want to sit inside Carter's Cafe on-site and enjoy a bit of food or a hot drink, which can be done by calling 01787269375.

Foxes Farm Produce

Address: Foxes Farm Produce, Green Lane, Aldham, Colchester CO6 3PR

Foxes Farm Produce operates one of the largest pumpkin patches in Essex and will have pick-your-own pumpkins available on October 15-16 and 17-31.

Opening times are from 9am to 5pm, with the last entry to the patch being at 4pm.

Alongside the pumpkins, there will be food stalls, face painting and photo opportunities around the site.

Additionally there will be lots of traditional games including tug of war, drainpipes, giant twister, welly swinging and mini tractors.

Book your ticket via the Foxes Farm website here.

Hasty's Adventure Farm

Address: West Road, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1AG

Over in Clacton Hasty's Adventure Farm will be running a whole pumpkin week during half term, from October 22-30.

As well as being able to pick out your own pumpkin, there will also be activities such as a ghost trail and spooky-themed mini-games.

Alongside this, you can see the farm animals, get access to a play area, and use the various selfie areas around the farm which have been decorated for the season.

Book a ticket for the Adventure Farm for half term on their website here.

Otto's Pumpkin Patch

Address: Long Green, Cressing, Braintree CM77 8DL

Around a 30-minute drive away from Colchester in Braintree, you can find Otto's, Pumpkin Patch.

You'll be able to choose from a variety of pumpkins in the field throughout October from 9.30am to 5pm.

It'll be shut October 10-11 and 17-18 but otherwise, you have free reign of when to visit and you can book a slot via their website here.

Aside from pumpkin picking, the site offers trailer rides on some selected days, a decorated faraway forest with an interactive quiz, a games area, and hot and cold refreshments.