tried & tested

This weekend we were kindly invited to Green Barn Farm in Benfleet to their PYO Pumpkin event. Like most people with children, we have visited many of the local pumpkin farms but this was our first visit here. Have a read and see what we got up to!

Getting there...

As the barn itself doesn't have a postcode I was a little worried about finding it. We did come across the entrance very quickly as the main gate is actually in what just looks like a small layby on the A130 in North Benfleet just past Sadlers Farm roundabout! It took us about 35-40 minutes from Romford town centre and that included dealing with the diversion around Gallows Corner. For your SAT NAV you can enter Hall Fisheries North Benfleet or if you prefer to use 'what3words' then it's elite.peanut.people - this should make finding it very easy. The green barn itself is visible from the road. There is lots of free car parking space on site.

Activities...

The obvious activity is pumpkin picking and there are lots of wheelbarrows of various sizes for your use. A pumpkin is included for each person visiting, any size, you just choose the one you like best from the huge field. We went on a tractor ride around the farm, we had fun in the maize maize and also noticed that there was a small maze for little visitors who might not like the full size version. There is a small playground with swings and a climbing frame and lots of straw bales to climb on. Inside the Haunted Barn there was face painting, a piano, baby rabbits and guinea pigs to cuddle or just to look at, grave digging activity (finding bones in the soil!), lots of photo ops and spooky sweets to buy. There was also some pedal tractors and some other baby farm animals to see. 

Photo Opportunities...

All around the venue there were great photo ops! Whether it's with the actors and stilt walkers who are working around the pumpkin field and the maize maze or with the props which are there for you to use yourself. There are also lots more props inside the barn so if the weather lets you down, all is not lost!

Food & Drinks...

Outside next to the farm shop, there is a stall, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, selling hot and cold drinks and some snacks including marshmallows for toasting and smores kits. Inside the farm shop there is a cafe which serves breakfast, lunch and of course coffee and cakes for those in between times. Oh and it's definitely worth a mention that the farm shop is selling lots of produce which is directly from the farm itself. We spotted cakes, fresh meat and rape seed oil!

Booking...

Booking is easy, just click the link below to their website and make your booking. Its open every weekend in October and all of the last week which is when the schools are off for half term. Don't leave it too late to book as it will get busy!   Book here

Our verdict...

We had a fantastic time and even though our 11 year old was a bit reluctant (apparently this isn't a cool activity for an 11 year old these days) he actually had a great time and didn't want to leave! I'll take that as a win! We would definitely recommend a visit to Green Barn Farm this half term!

This visit was very kindly gifted but all the opinions are my own - I am always honest about the places we visit.