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The best pumpkin picking spots near Manchester this Halloween

Perfect half-term activities!

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You’re never too old for a bit of pumpkin picking!

How fast has this year really gone!! Physically we are just days away from Halloween, mentally I’m still processing March.

So long the pre-picked pumpkins from the Supermarkets, this year it’s all about supporting your local pumpkin patch from the ultimate Spooktacular experience.

Wrap up, grab yourself a pumpkin spiced latte and get picking!

The Dunham Pumpkin Patch/Facebook

Dunham Pumpkin Patch, Dunham Massey

Three generations of the Hewitt family have come together to make this time of year so special at Dunham Pumpkin Patch. Harvesting pumpkins for over 30 years now head down to enjoy the ultimate picking experience with wood-fired pizzas, award-winning apple juice and cider.

Book Now.

Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream/Facebook

Dunham Massey Farm Ice Cream

Just down the road, there is another three-acre patch full of every type of pumpkin you can imagine. From colour to size they’ve got it all, grown by the guys at Red House Farm.

They’re also offering a variety of autumnal hot chocolates including mint, Ferrero Rocher, and coffee – it’s almost worth going just for that.

There is no need to book here, they’re open every day during half-term from 10am!

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Smithills Open Farm/Facebook

Smithills Open Farm, Bolton

For the first time ever, Smithills Open Farm in Bolton is hosting its new pumpkin picking event. To add to the mood, all farm staff will be dressed up in fancy dress, with a spooky sweet treasure hunt, a super fun event for kids in the half term.

For dates and booking head to their website, booking is essential.

Book Now

Kenyon Hall Farm/Facebook

Kenyon Hall Farm

Kenyon Hall Farm has been planting pumpkins in Greater Manchester for over 30 years, now one of the biggest destinations in the north of England.

Their pumpkin patch is running up until Saturday 31st October, due to Covid restrictions the team are restricting numbers and all visitors to the pumpkin patch areas must pre-book an entry slot in advance.

Create some spooky memories with their unique photo backdrops too!

Book Now.

Lancaster Park & Animal Farm/Facebook

Lancaster Park and Animal Farm, Oldham

The Lancaster Park and Animal Farm has a humongous pumpkin patch, as well as a haunted house, spooky tales with a witch and fancy-dress competitions!

Aside from this, the farm is also open to the public so you can enjoy petting and feeding small animals, riding the caterpillar ride as well as the mini quads and the adventure zip lines!

Book Now

Malpas Pick Your Own Strawberries & Pumpkins, Cheshire/Facebook

Malpas Pick Your Own Pumpkins, Cheshire

Which pumpkin will you choose? Find your way through their spooky maize maze to their hidden pumpkin patch. Transport it back to your car with one of their wheelbarrows before visiting their Halloween shop and cosy café.

Set over 30 acres, I’m sure there are enough pumpkins for just about everyone. No booking required, just check out their website for opening times.

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Ornella’s Kitchen and more coming to Freight Island as part of huge summer programme

There’s something for everyone…

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Freight Island

Freight Island has announced its upcoming spring and summer programme for 2025, and there’s something for everyone.

This includes the arrival of one of the most difficult-to-book restaurants in Manchester, coming to the city centre for the first time.

Denton-based Ornella’s Kitchen will be joining three other new food and drink vendors at Freight, alongside their already comprehensive dining offering.

Freight Island

Ornella’s Little Kitchen will be the Italian spot’s second location, and will be music to the ears of fans, as the original venue is often booked up for months in advance.

Other new additions include authentic ‘shaokao’ Chinese barbecue from MOREJOY, delicious bakes from Gooey, and Hello Dezato, a new offering from Hello Oriental dishing up soft serve ice creams and desserts.

They’ll be joining established Freight Island vendors like Patterson’s, Mia’s Arepas, Burgerism and Voodoo Ray’s pizza.

Freight Island

And if that’s not enough, the ever-popular Kantina supper club series will be returning soon with yet-to-be-announced guest chefs and traders.

Jamie from Ornella’s Kitchen said of the move: “We’re incredibly excited to bring Ornella’s Little Kitchen to Freight Island and be part of such a dynamic food and entertainment space.

“Our pasta-deli specials have found a loyal following in Manchester, and we can’t wait to share our authentic Italian flavours in this new setting.”

Freight Island

You’ll also find a wealth of world-class DJs over spring and summer, including the likes of David Rodigan, DJ Paulette, Congo Natty, A Love From Outer Space, UK garage icon Wookie, Luke Una’s É Soul Cultura, Rich Reason’s Ghosts of Garage, and Huey Morgan.

The Sports Bar will host official takeovers and celebrations across major tournaments, including the UEFA Women’s Euros 2025 and the Woman’s Rugby World Cup, as well as Premier League fixtures, Champions League, Formula 1 and more.

Freight Island

Dan Morris, managing director at Freight Island, said: “Freight Island was always imagined as a place for innovation and pushing boundaries and this year’s update is about taking us closer to that original vision.

“With the incredible new food, a refreshed dining experience and our biggest Spring/Summer festival line-up yet, we’re set for an unforgettable season.”

Freight Island is re-opening on Thursday April 3rd. Get yourself booked in HERE.

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Manchester to transform into HUGE interactive playzone for free family festival this February half term

Manchester will be transformed this half term

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Manchester is launching The Super Duper Family Festival in February, a new free un-ticketed family event spread over four days.

There’ll be various activities that will transform the city into a giant, interactive playground from Saturday February 15th to Tuesday February 18th 2025.

Families can explore unique play zones scattered across Manchester, with everything from giant mazes and steam-powered carousels to retro video games and family raves.

The family festival will feature six key zones across the city, including The Garden in Exchange Square, featuring an 18m x 18m real hedge maze reaching two metres high.

Then there’s The Carnival in St Ann’s Square, a steampunk spectacle of old-school carnival games, including a traditional Victorian Carousel, a mind-bending Hall of Mirrors, and Test of Strength stand.

Other zones include The Playground with Waterloo Road, where popular schoolyard games come to life on New Cathedral Street in collaboration with BBC’s Waterloo Road, gaming at The Arcade in the Printworks, The Sports Hall at Great Northern Warehouse, and The Party at Aviva Studios.

Then there’s The Rave, bringing family raves and parties featuring a world-class sound system and dazzling lighting displays to the Great Northern Warehouse.

Venues like the National Football Museum, Stoller Hall, People’s History Museum and Castlefield Viaduct are also set to host their own exciting activities.

And families can experience the launch of CBBC’s Operation Ouch: Brains, Bogeys and You at the Science and Industry Museum.

Supported by the city’s hoteliers, Manchester Accommodation BID, the festival has been created in partnership with Manchester City Centre Business Improvement District, Manchester City Council, Marketing Manchester, Aviva Studio, Great Northern Warehouse and Printworks.
Manchester Accommodation BID Chairman, Kumar Mishra said, “This festival is a fantastic opportunity to draw families into the heart of Manchester, showcasing the city’s vibrant culture, creativity, and its status as a world-class destination.

“With iconic attractions like the National Football Museum, the Science and Industry Museum, and the breathtaking Castlefield Viaduct, Manchester offers an unparalleled mix of history, innovation, and entertainment.

“By transforming the city into a playground of creative experiences and offering free fun for children of all ages, we’re not only celebrating the best of Manchester, but also inspiring families to explore, stay, and create lasting memories in one of the UK’s most dynamic and exciting cities.”

The festival is a free un-ticketed event, find out more HERE.

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The new FREE Christmas night market with over 40 traders from across our region

Get in the festive spirit!

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Manchester Made Market

Get in the festive spirit with a brand new FREE Christmas makers night market, with over 40 traders and small businesses from across the region.

Brought to you by Renaker, the Manchester Made Christmas night market is coming to New Jackson, Deansgate Square from Friday December 6th to Sunday December 8th.

Following on from a successful summer market in May, the Manchester Made Market is returning bigger and better than before but with a Christmassy twist.

Manchester Made Market

Expect a ‘cosy and magical’ Christmas night market experience, with food, drink, live music and even a grotto for visits to Father Christmas.

There’ll be Christmas trees galore, glittering with lighting, with one huge show-stopping tree taking centre stage.

Bringing together over 40 artisanal traders and small businesses from across the region, the three-day event will showcase a plethora of food produce, homewares, crafts and creations.

Manchester Made Market

Visitors will be sure to find unique Christmas gifts that support local businesses, including from The Cole Men and their award winning sauces, Moon & Sixpence’s handmade jewellery, and fine art photography by Craig Barker.

There’ll be live music from a 20-piece choir, playing Christmas classics, cocktails from Manchester Gin and Gooey’s sweet treats.

The experts from Millington Hall Farm in Altrincham will be bringing a taste of their Wild Grill experience, including live sausage making demonstrations and an array of German sausages served from a festive BBQ trailer.

Manchester Made Market

Families with children can visit the Christmas grotto, where Father Christmas himself will be waiting in a cosy tipi – kids will get a gift from Santa, and bookings can be made online for £8.50 per child.

Manchester Made Market will be open from 4pm to 9pm on Friday December 6th, and 1pm to 9pm on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th – pre-register for a free guest list ticket and 50% off a hot chocolate HERE, or book the Christmas grotto HERE.

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