Autumn Magic in Rutland The Ultimate Day Out with Pumpkin Patching, Halloween Spooktaculars & Local Dining
As golden leaves coat the countryside, Rutland transforms into a vibrant autumn destination.
From wheelbarrow trips through bustling farm patches to scenic lake trails and creepy craft activities, the region offers plenty of wholesome family fun throughout October.
To help you plan the ultimate seasonal road trip, here is a complete day-out guide featuring Rutland’s best pumpkin patch, lakeside Halloween activities, and top-rated local pubs to refuel after a day in the fields.
Start your day by embracing the mud and fresh air at Ketton Pumpkins, a family-run working farm nestled between Stamford and Oakham. Visitors can grab a wheelbarrow and stroll across spacious fields filled with traditional orange giants, ghostly white "Casper" varieties, and knobbly heirloom squashes.
Admission & Pricing
Entry and parking are free you simply pay per pumpkin based on size, with prices starting from £1.
Hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes, toilet and hand-washing facilities, and plenty of wheelbarrows on hand.
Well-behaved dogs on leads are also welcome.
Open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM on October weekends and daily throughout half-term week from October 26th through October 31st.
Holmes Farm, Aldgate, Ketton, Rutland PE9 3SX
Plan your trip and check field condition updates directly on the Ketton Pumpkins Official Website.
Local Pubs & Places to Eat Nearby
Complete your day out by tucking into a comforting meal or cozying up by a log fire at one of Rutland’s renowned country pubs and eateries.
The Railway Inn, located right in the village near Ketton Pumpkins, this Grade II-listed pub serves fine local cask ales and hearty, traditional pub classics in a friendly atmosphere.
Check opening hours at The Railway Inn Ketton.
The Horse & Jockey situated directly on the Rutland Water cycle path, this traditional inn features cozy open fires in winter, seasonal menus, and a fantastic veranda overlooking the scenery.
Reserve a table at The Horse & Jockey Manton.
The Finch's Arms, Hambleton Peninsula, a 17th-century country inn offering breathtaking views over Rutland Water, roaring log fires, real ales, and a highly acclaimed seasonal menu.
Explore the menu at The Finch's Arms.
Hitchen’s Barn Oakham, Located a short drive away in Oakham town centre, this award-winning restaurant offers modern British dining made with local seasonal produce perfect for a relaxed evening dinner.
Browse availability at Hitchen's Barn.
Day Out Checklist
Both the farm patch and lake paths can get muddy after rainfall; bring wellies or sturdy walking boots.
Stash a heavy-duty bag or tarpaulin in your boot to protect your car from muddy pumpkins and damp gear.
Outdoor activities and farm fields may adjust hours during extreme rainfall, so double-check venue links before departing on wet mornings.
Afternoon Events, Lakeside Halloween Events at Rutland Water
After picking your haul, head over to Rutland Water Visitor Centre at Sykes Lane for a lineup of lakeside Halloween activities running throughout the spooky season.
Spooky Scavenger Hunt
Gather the family, pick up a clue sheet at the visitor centre, and venture along the banks on a Halloween quest.
This is a free event requiring no advance booking. Once children complete their sheet, they can return it to the visitor centre to claim a spooky treat.
Running daily through 1 November between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
Get event details on the Spooky Scavenger Hunt Page.
Creepy Crafts and a Cuppa
Take a break from the crisp autumn breeze at either the Waterside Café or Harbour Café.
For £6, visitors can enjoy any regular drink paired with a seasonal Halloween craft activity. It’s an ideal way for kids of all ages to relax, create eerie keepsakes, and make haunted decorations while parents enjoy a warm beverage.
Learn more about seasonal café activities on the Anglian Water Parks Family Events Page.
Pumpkin Carving and Broomstick Making
Welcome all young ghouls and goblins for hands-on seasonal crafts right by the reservoir.
Children can carve their own spooky pumpkins or assemble custom broomsticks to take home.
Running from Friday 23 October through Sunday 25 October, with morning sessions from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and afternoon sessions from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Book or view event details at the Pumpkin Carving and Broomstick Making Page.
