Pumpkin Picking, a Party Night and a Ghost Hunt at West Lodge Farm Park
If you’re after a proper autumn day out this October, I’ve got a good one for you.
West Lodge Farm Park in Desborough has three separate Halloween events running this year — a month-long daytime festival, an evening party, and a torchlit ghost hunt. Here’s what’s on with each one.
Pumpkin Patch Festival
Running from 10th to 31st October, this is the daytime version — perfect for younger ones and for fitting around nap times. You collect a Pumpkin Passport on arrival, then set off around the farm to find your favourite pumpkin from the thousands on offer, hop on the fun and bumpy Spooky Tractor Ride (small extra charge applies), and have a go at crafting your own magical wand.
There’s also plenty to spot along the way, including a run through the Scarecrow Patch, a creep through the Cobweb Tunnel, and panto-style ghost stories that are designed to be funny rather than frightening, so should suit even the more cautious little ones.
Pumpkin Patch Festival details
Dates: 10th–31st October
Times: 9:30am–6pm daily
Pumpkins are individually priced, with a small extra charge for the Spooky Tractor Ride
Pumpkin Party Night
If you’d rather do Halloween after dark, the Pumpkin Party Night on 23rd October is a one-off evening event where the farm’s pumpkin patch gets transformed with lighting for the occasion. Expect fire performers, live music, street food, and a wander through the illuminated patch, plus appearances throughout the evening from Bert the Troll.
Tickets also include access to the indoor adventure play, so there’s somewhere to warm up if the evening turns chilly.
Pumpkin Party Night details
Date: 23rd October only
Time: 5pm–9pm
Included: fire entertainment, live music, appearances from Bert the Troll, illuminated Pumpkin Patch, street food, indoor adventure play
Ghost Hunt by Torchlight
For families who want something a little braver, the Ghost Hunt by Torchlight sends you out around the farm after dark, armed with a torch, to track down the Ghosts of West Lodge Past hidden around the site. It’s pitched as full of atmosphere and adventure without being too frightening for younger ghost hunters.
This is one of West Lodge’s most popular events and sells out every year, so if it’s on your list, I’d book sooner rather than later.
Ghost Hunt by Torchlight details
Date: 30th October only
Time: 6pm–9pm
Note: sells out every year — early booking recommended
Good to know
West Lodge Farm Park is at Back Lane, Desborough, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN14 2SH. Tickets for all three events went on sale from 28th August at 7pm, so I’d book ahead rather than risk turning up on the day, particularly for the Pumpkin Party Night and Ghost Hunt, since both run once only.
If you’re after more autumn inspiration, I’ve rounded up a much wider list of things to do in Northamptonshire with the family, and if you’d like events like this landing in your inbox each week, my weekly newsletter is the easiest way to keep on top of what’s on.
