What's included in the ticket?

A £10 ticket gets you a pumpkin to carve and a smaller one for something you won't find at most pumpkin patches: the pumpkin cannon. Yes, a cannon.

You load your pumpkin, take aim at barrels and targets across the field, and fire. It's as fun as it sounds. Children love it. Adults love it more than they'll admit.

If you're coming along to supervise rather than carve, there's a £6 ticket for parents that doesn't include pumpkins. Handy if you've got multiple children and only need one adult carving.

What else is there to do?

The event runs from 10am to 5pm each day, and there's plenty to keep families busy beyond the carving tent.

The storyteller sets up in a bell tent and tells spooky stories tailored to the audience - so no nightmares for the little ones. He's been at previous events, so if you've visited before, you'll know what to expect. Note: the storyteller won't be there on Tuesday 27th October.

Younger visitors get the spooky tunnel. Think hanging spiders, a ghost on the wall, and a cauldron in the corner. It's atmospheric without being frightening.

The straw pit is a simple one, but it works. Soft toys hidden in straw, undercover, and perfect for toddlers who need somewhere to burn off energy.

The farm animals are there to say hello: cows, pigs, chickens and sheep. While you're wandering, look out for the Bowthorpe Oak, the UK's largest girthed oak tree. It's been there for centuries and is worth a visit on its own.

Hungry? Hot and cold food is available from the kiosk: Lincoln Red burgers and Lincolnshire sausages from the farm, plus children's lunch boxes. There's undercover seating if the weather turns, so you won't be eating in the rain.

Do I need to book?

Yes. Pre-booking is required, and you can do it through the link on the Bowthorpe Farm website or their Facebook page. Everyone attending needs a ticket, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

You'll book a 15-minute arrival slot to ease the flow of visitors, but once you're in, you can stay as long as you like. They do reserve some spaces for walk-ins, but if you're planning a visit during half-term, book ahead. These things fill up. Extra pumpkins are available to purchase if you want more than one.

What should we wear?

The carving area, straw pit, and seating are all undercover. But you'll be outside moving between activities, and this is late October in Lincolnshire.

Waterproof coats are sensible. Wellies aren't essential, as there are hardcore tracks around the site. But they're a good choice for children who'll inevitably find a puddle.

The site is fully accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs, and there's a full car park on site.

Why does the farm run this event?

Bowthorpe Farm opened their farm shop and butchery a few years back, and they've been adding seasonal events ever since. They run a lambing experience at Easter. The pumpkin event grew out of the same idea: give families a reason to visit and introduce them to what the farm offers.

It's part of a wider trend. Farms across the country are finding new ways to diversify, and events like this bring people through the door who might not otherwise visit. The farm shop is open during the event, with a butcher's counter selling home-reared beef, pork, and lamb. You come for the pumpkins, you leave with sausages. Everyone wins.

It's worth noting that Bowthorpe Farm tried growing their own pumpkins this year, but the drought made it difficult. The pumpkins come from another local farm instead. And what happens to the carving leftovers? Whatever the farm can use goes to the animals as feed.

The details at a glance

• Dates: Friday 23rd October to Saturday 31st October
• Hours: 10am to 5pm daily
• Tickets: £10 (includes carving pumpkin and cannon pumpkin), £6 for parents without pumpkins
• Booking: Required - via website or Facebook page
• Parking: Free on-site car park
• Accessibility: Pushchair and wheelchair accessible