It is that time of year, where the tree leaves start changing colour, mornings are a little colder, daylight is shorter and, we can, almost, start counting down the days until Christmas. But before that, it's time to find our spookiest costumes, light those bonfires, and find the biggest pumpkins to carve.

Over recent years pumpkin picking has become an enjoyable family activity, and there are many patches scattered around Hampshire for people to visit. 

Below are 12 places to pick your own pumpkins in Hampshire:

Bourne Valley PYO 

Where: Egbury Rd, St Mary Bourne, Andover, SP11 6DQ

During October you can come pick pumpkins every weekend from 8am to 5pm and weekdays midday to 4pm. There are different trails to walk and also a farm cafe on site.

Cat and Fiddle Farm and Cafe

Where: Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, BH23 7DS

These pumpkin fields sit in the south of the New Forest and will be available for picking from the end of September. They also have a cafe you can visit whilst your there.

Durleighmarsh Farm Shop 

Where: Rogate Rd, Petersfield, GU31 5AX

At the Durleighmarsh family-owned farm shop there are pumpkins for picking, ready picked pumpkins and a range of local produce available from the farm shop.

Hollam Nurseries

Where: 348 Titchfield Rd, Fareham, PO14 3EU

Pumpkins at Hollam Nurseries will be available for picking during October for picking. The farm is dog friendly and you also don't need to pre book your visit.  

Picking Patch

Where: Salisbury Rd / A338, Fordingbridge, SP6 2HA

Spread across 10 acres, with free parking you can pick your pumpkins between October 8 and 9, October 15 and 16 and finally between October 21 and 30. There is also a Halloween maze that requires pre booking. 

Pickwell Farm

Where: Grange Rd, Bursledon, Southampton, SO31 8GD

Even though it is uncertain when their pumpkins are available to be picked they are normally ready for picking at the end of September and currently have various pre-picked pumpkins and squashes for sale. 

Pumpkin Pastures

Where: A338 Fordingbridge Slip Road, Fordingbridge, SP6 1AN

Available for pumpkin picking on October 8 and 9, between October 15 and 28, and then on October 29, which is also the same day as the farms Super Saturday event that will have live music, food and fireworks. You don't need to book tickets for pumpkin picking, but you will for the Super Saturday.

Rogate Pumpkin Patch

Where: Rogate, GU31 5EG

This family-owned pumpkin farm opens from October 14 throughout to October 30. To visit the pumpkin farm that has 25 different varieties of pumpkins you will need to buy a ticket ahead of your visit on their website. 

Rotherwick Pumpkin Patch

Where: Frog Lane, Rotherwick, RG27 9BE

Available for pumpkin picking on October 15 and 16, and from October 22 to 30. Booking is free but you need to pre-book parking on their website. 

Sunnyfields Farm

Where: Jacobs Gutter Lane, Totton, Southampton, SO40 9FX

A pumpkin experience open throughout October from 9am to 9pm, which dogs on leads are also welcome to visit. All tickets must be booked in advance online. 

Steve Harris Farms PYO

Where: Meon-Bye Farm, Triangle Lane, Titchfield, PO14 4HB 

The Steve Harris Farm opens very soon on October 1 until the very end of spooky season on October 31. They will post updates on their Facebook page.

Wasing Estate 

Where: Wasing Lane, Aldermaston, RG7 4LY 

During the half term between October 21 and 29 you can pick your own pumpkins, follow the woodland trail or enjoy thr available children’s entertainment. You must pre book and choose your entry time. There are also snacks and drinks to choose from, as well as free parking.