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Where to pick your perfect pumpkin near Ipswich this Halloween

Feature

Grab your wellies and prepare for some autumnal fun – pumpkin picking season is here. We've rounded up the best patches near Ipswich so that you can find that perfect jack-o'-lantern.

The big picture: Four local farms are opening their gates this October, offering everything from tractor rides to silent discos alongside their pumpkin picking. Here's what you need to know.

Farmer John's Pumpkin Patch

Step into autumn at Farmer John's, where pumpkin picking meets family fun. This local favourite offers a patch full of home-grown pumpkins and a giant inflatable bouncy tractor.

Farmer John's Pumpkin Patch
Farmer John's Pumpkin PatchFarmer John's Pumpkin Patch & Maize Maze

Key details:

  • What: Home-grown pumpkins and squash, giant inflatable bouncy tractor, straw pyramid climbing

  • When: Every weekend in October and half-term week

  • Location: Old London Rd, Capel St Mary, Ipswich IP9 2JU

  • Booking: Not required

  • Price: Adults £7, Kids £5, Under 2s free (includes one small pumpkin per person)

https://farmerjohnspumpkinpatchandmaizemaze.co.uk

Akenham Hall Farm

Located just outside Ipswich, this picturesque venue offers more than just pumpkins. With activities ranging from donkey rides to archery, it's a full day of autumnal enjoyment for the whole family.

Akenham Hall Farm pumpkin patch
Akenham Hall Farm pumpkin patchAkenham Hall Farm

Key details:

  • What: Pumpkin patch, seasonal gifts, donkey rides, bouncy castle, archery, hearty food and drink

  • When: Every weekend in October and half term week (28-31 October), 10am-4pm

  • Location: Akenham Hall, Henley Rd, Ipswich IP6 0HL

  • Booking: Not required

  • Price: Free entry, pay for pumpkins

www.akenhamhall.co.uk

Rougham Pumpkin Patch

Prepare for a spooktacular adventure at Rougham Pumpkin Patch, just east of Bury St Edmunds. This popular patch is back for its fourth year, offering a vast selection of pumpkins, gourds, and squashes. With free entry and parking, it's a perfect day out for families looking to embrace the Halloween spirit.

Rougham Pumpkin Patch
Rougham Pumpkin PatchRougham Pumpkin Patch

Key details:

  • What: Vast pumpkin patch with over 20 varieties of pumpkins, gourds and squashes to choose from, straw bale climbing, picnic areas, sandpits, pedal tractors, face painting

  • When: Weekends from 05 October, then daily 26-31 October, 9am-5pm

  • Special events: Late night picking on 12 and 26 October (5:30pm-9:30pm) with silent disco

  • Location: Junction 45 of A14, near Bury St Edmunds (IP30 9ND for nearby industrial estate)

  • Booking: Not required

  • Price: Free entry and parking, pay for pumpkins

www.roughamestate.com

Woodbridge Pumpkin Patch

Nestled in the scenic surroundings of Woodbridge, this pumpkin patch offers a quintessentially Suffolk pumpkin-picking experience. With its affordable entry fee and range of activities, including a mud kitchen and tractor rides, it's an ideal spot for families looking for a more laid-back pumpkin-picking adventure.

Key details:

  • What: Pumpkin picking in a scenic location, sandpit, mud kitchen, tractor rides, face painting, pumpkin house

  • When: 5-31 October (weekends and half term), 10am-4pm

  • Location: Sandy Lane, Woodbridge, IP12 4DW

  • Booking: Not required

  • Price: £1.50 entry, under 16s free

https://jamesfoskettfarms.co.uk/woodbridge-pumpkin-patch

The bottom line: Pumpkin picking has become a cherished autumn tradition for many families and couples. With a variety of activities and price points, there's a pumpkin patch to suit every family this Halloween. Remember to wear sturdy shoes and check individual websites for the latest information before visiting.

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

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