Becketts Farm

Becketts Farm at Wythall, just south of Birmingham and off junction 3 of the M42, has been worked by the Beckett family for over 80 years. Pumpkins are what you choose yourself here: each year in late October, ending on 31 October, the farm holds its Pumpkin Extravaganza, open daily from 10am to 3pm.

Children pick their own pumpkin from the indoor pumpkin patch and carve it at the free carving tables, with adults supervising. Entry is £5 per child and includes one pumpkin; adults go free and extra pumpkins cost £5. No booking is needed; you pay on the door. The event space has a photo area and games, and the Blood-Thirsty Goat serves food and drink. The farm shop, coffee shop and restaurant stay open as usual. Dogs are not allowed inside the event space. Parking is free for up to four hours.

In summer the farm opens its sunflower field to visitors for photographs, with donations going to a local charity.

The farm shop is open all year round, Monday to Saturday 7.30am to 5pm and Sunday 10am to 4pm.

What visitors say

In August the sunflower field is free to enter for a walk and photos among the flowers, with goats in a neighbouring field and lawn games for children. The blooms are not for picking. Seasonal events such as the Easter marquee charge a small entry fee. The farm shop sells fresh fruit and veg, bakery goods, butcher’s meat, deli items and hot food like pork baps. The produce is fresh and good quality, but prices run high next to supermarkets and other farm shops, though the quality justifies the cost for some.

The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and a Sunday carvery; portions are generous, booking is advised and food is cooked to order, so waits happen. Parking is plentiful and free once you register your number plate, though time-limited. Staff are friendly and helpful, but a few visits ended with rude service, cold food or slow queues. The bakery also makes celebration cakes to order, and these are excellent.