Spooky season is finally here which means it’s time to start decorating your house with adorable little ghosts and terrifying zombies.

One of the most popular Halloween activities that’s fun for all the family is carving a pumpkin.

Although they can be messy (and often smelly), once lit with a candle they can provide a cosy ambience through carved-out silhouettes of your favourite TV characters or scary faces.

If you fancy exploring the outdoors across West Yorkshire this year rather than finding the best in a pile at a supermarket, why not head out to a pumpkin patch near you?

Some of the best places to pick your own pumpkins in West Yorkshire

Farmer Copleys – Pontefract

Location: Ravensknowle Farm, Pontefract Road, Pontefract, WF7 5AF

The Pumpkin Festival at Farmer Copleys is back for another year, providing lots of fun and entertainment for the whole family.

The website says: “We expect over 250,000 pumpkins and these are over 40 different varieties including Baby Bear, Munchkin, Atlantic Giant, Racer, Cinderella, Howden, Casperita, Goosebump, Pumpkin Rouge, Polar Bear. Not all of our pumpkins are orange you know!

“TOP TIP: Keep an eye our for the BLUE Crown Princes, they’re the best to eat…”

There will also be tractor rides, fancy dress competitions, storytime, shows and much more.

The event will run until October 31 and you can book your tickets here.

Kemps Farm – Leeds

Location: West End Lane, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5ES

The Kemps Farm website says: “With over 70 thousands pumpkins planted this year and lots of different varieties to choose from, whether you wish your pumpkin mini, regular or even jumbo, white, pink, blue, yellow or of course orange the choice is yours.

“Tractor and trailer rides are included in the ticket price. There are lots of Halloween photo opportunities around the farm and our face painters will be on hand to transform your little ones (for an additional cost).”

Pumpkin picking at Kemps Farm will be available until Halloween and booking is required for all available dates which you can do so here.

Whiteley's Farm – Pudsey

Location: Whiteley's Farm, Hough Side Road, Pudsey, LS28 9JW

According to Whitley’s Farm Facebook page, there is no booking required to attend this pumpkin patch.

In a recent post, the farm said the prices of normal pumpkins start at £1 and go up to £11 depending on size.

It adds: “Warty, whites and yellows £1 extra on normal prices. Squashes £2.25 kilo.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

“Field can be muddy and slippy so please come in suitable footwear and bring gloves.”

This weekend, Whitley’s Farm will be open on Saturday (October 21) from 10am until 3pm and on Sunday (October 22) from 11am until 3pm.

You can keep up to date with the latest opening times and availability on Facebook.

Pumpkins on T'Hill - Sowerby Bridge

Location: Hole Head Farm, Eccles Parlour, Ripponden, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 4NU

This pumpkin patch is open every day until October 31 from 9am, however closing times vary between peak and off-peak times.

If the weather isn’t looking too good, you can hide from the rain in the barn and enjoy coffees, cakes and Craggies pork pies.

For more information and to book your tickets, visit here.

Stockfield Park – Wetherby

Location: Wetherby Road, Wetherby, LS22 4AN

All pumpkin activities at Stockfield Park are free with a purchased ticket which you can buy here.

The Stockfield Park website adds: “Soak up the magic of Halloween this autumn half term! We’ve got thousands of pumpkins in our meadow ready to be picked in one of the biggest and most amazing pumpkin patches near North Leeds!

“That’s not even the big news! The BIG news is that every child with a paid for ticket will get to choose their pumpkin for FREE – up to 31st October. Come along and get hunting for your perfect pumpkin!”

You can also explore the Magical Maze, Tangle Tree Climb, and Woodsands Cove.