PYO pumpkin fields in Kent closing early due to overwhelming popularity
Families planning to pick a pumpkin ahead of Halloween could be left disappointed as fields report having to close early due to overwhelming popularity.
Pumpkin Moon, which has sites in Rainham, Maidstone and Bapchild, was forced to turn away visitors to two of its sites one day into half term.
Despite planning to remain open until Saturday, October 31 the field in Maidstone had to close six days early at 4.30pm on Sunday afternoon (October 25).
In a message on its facebook page, explaining the process for refunds, organisers said: "We are really sorry. This is the first time this has happened in our 5 years of being open.
"This has been caused by the combination of very little rain during the spring and summer at our Maidstone site and Pumpkin Moon having a busy season."
Pumpkin Moon's Rainham field is also now refunding anyone who had a ticket after Monday (October 26), because it too has now run out of pumpkins to pick. It's third site at Bapchild is open to families who have pre-booked a ticket.
Pumpkin pickers have been out early this October, with many families keen to give their children something fun to enjoy outside, following months of lockdown and government restrictions.
Chilton Manor Farm in Sittingbourne has also now closed its fields to visitors after just two weekends of opening.
The Highsted Road site had intended to open throughout half term week and also on Saturday, October 31 but having been inundated with visitors already in the run-up to Halloween it too has run out of pumpkin to pick.
Saffery Farm in neighbouring Faversham is opening to visitors but those keen to come along are being advised to check its facebook page for updates after heavy rain and mud has forced it to close on some days temporarily whilst PYO Pumpkins at Beluncle Farm in Hoo is also telling families to check before visiting as it too battles the weather conditions .
For more suggestions of things to do this weekend in Kent please click here.
