Read more about our recent visit to Worzals Farm Shop in Wisbech to see their Pumpkin picking patch.
Firstly, why do we go Pumpkin Picking?
Carving pumpkins is considered by most as an American tradition; however, Jack O Lantern decorating originated in Ireland. Typically using, turnips, potatoes, or beet to ward off evil spirits as part of the Pagan festival Samhain (meaning summer’s end). This festival marked the end of summer and the beginning of the Celtic new year. Celts believed that during this transition, the veil between life and death was at its narrowest, allowing spirits to wander easily between both realms.
Jack O Lanterns get their name from the legend of ‘Stingy Jack’. Jack made a deal with the devil, but instead of honouring the agreement, he tricked the devil. When Jack died, due to his evil nature, God wouldn’t allow him into heaven, and because he tricked the devil, hell was out of the question. Jack was then said to be left wandering the earth using only a carved turnip and lump of burning coal as a lantern to find his way.
The Irish and Scottish people began carving their own lanterns and placing them in windows to keep Jack and other wandering spirits away. It was then the Irish immigrants who took this tradition to America. Here, they discovered pumpkins native to America and were better suited to carving.
Why do we celebrate Halloween?
The pagan festival of Samhain dates back over 2000 years and celebrates the Celtic new year. As part of this festival, villagers built large bonfires, using the embers to re-light their hearth fires and offer ongoing protection over winter. The bonfires weren’t just intended to keep evil spirits away but also to offer up sacrifices of crops or animals so that the Druids or Celtic priests could make predictions about the season ahead and offer some comfort over what could be a long and bleak winter.
Food and drink were also important in the festival and used to bribe anything lurking or hiding in the dark. There would then be influence from the Roman goddess of fruit, Pomona, leading to apples becoming part of the festival and eventually used for apple bobbing. It wasn’t uncommon for those taking part to dress up in costumes typically made from animal skins or skulls, created to ward off anything inhuman. We still dress up in scary costumes today, thankfully without using animal skins and skulls, though!
Due to the influence of the Christian religion in A.D. 1000, we began to celebrate All Saints Day, leading to the evening before becoming named All Hallows eve, now more commonly known as Halloween.
Where did we go for Pumpkin Picking?
We visited Rusty’s Indoor pumpkin patch to choose our Halloween carving victims this year. Located within Worzals garden centre, farm shop and bar and grill. The event has been hugely popular, and it’s easy to see why as soon as you walk through the entrance.
What is there to do at the Pumpkin patch?
There isn’t just Pumpkin Picking to keep you busy…
- Children receive an activity sheet to complete on their way around, with five stamps to find, and upon collecting them, all children can exchange them for a little treat on the way out.
Some film favourite themes are running through your journey into the pumpkin patch. First off is a replica of the Byers family’s living room from Stranger Things – the perfect photo opportunity for show fans. - Next up is Hocus Pocus, the staging is fantastic, and you can get some great pictures in the stocks or by the infamous ‘Boooook’.
- Children are encouraged to hop on a vintage tractor and use the multiple photo booths to capture even more fun memories.
- Over the troll bridge takes you on a short trip through a darkened magical woodland which certainly gets you into the festive spirit. You can see so much effort has gone into creating this area, and it will be great to revisit at Christmas.
- The ride-on tractors are fantastic for budding young farmers, and the course layout is great for little ones. The tractors cost £1 a go, and children are supervised by a team member. There are picnic benches nearby, so you can easily watch too.
- You can even drop into Bertha’s Coffee Kiosk for a hot drink, ice cream, waffle or alcoholic beverage.
What about the Pumpkins?
It would be a considerable understatement to say there is a vast selection of pumpkins to choose from; the team grew around 40,000 pumpkins for this year’s event. We spent a good while selecting the ugliest and strangest-looking pumpkins to make it into our wheelbarrow, all at excellent value. The entire patch has been laid out with areas to pick from, meaning queues were managed easier. With the patch being completely inside, it means no rain, no mud and no mess – which in turn means the car doesn’t need to undergo an extensive clean-up operation when you get home; bonus points for this!
Is it pram and wheelchair-friendly?
The entire layout has taken into consideration the need for wheelchairs and prams to make it easily through the patch. When it’s busy, this becomes a little harder, but that’s pretty standard when any attraction becomes popular.
What else is at Worzals?
- Worzals is well known locally for its welcoming and cosy restaurant; they suggest booking in advance. Family-friendly with a play area outside. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner using the finest farm shop ingredients.
- Speaking of the farm shop, there is also one on site. Boasting a selection of local produce, from jams to award-winning pies.
- There is also a garden centre you can take a wander through. The family-owned business has a 50-acre nursery where they grow many plants so that they can offer them at competitive prices.
What’s coming up?
Christmas, of course! After visiting for pumpkin picking and seeing the fantastic effort the team went to, we will definitely be popping by to see what they come up with for Christmas. The Christmas Fayre will be open from 2nd – 24th December from 10 am-4 pm. Santa’s Grotto is open on selected dates only from 9th December. Note that this is a ticketed event purchased via the Worzals website.
Where?
Lynn Road
Wisbech
PE14 7DA
Free parking is available in their large car park. The carpark is gravelled, and paths are paved for wheelchair access.
When?
The Pumpkin Picking event runs from Monday, 3rd October to Monday, 31st October 2022.
9 am – 5.30 pm Daily
9 am – 8.00 pm Thursdays
10 am – 4 pm Sundays
How much?
Entry was free, and no tickets were needed.
Take a £1 coin if you want to use the ride on tractors.
Need more info?
Click Here to find out more about Worzals.