Hurleys Christmas Tree Farm

Hurley’s Farm at Battlesbridge near Wickford grows its own pumpkins, squashes and Christmas trees on site. In October the pumpkin patch opens as the Pumpkin Forest, where you pick your own pumpkins, squashes and gourds from thousands in the field. The patch is open on weekends and during the October half term, and daily in late October. Visits are by booked slot, with main, off-peak, twilight and extra weekend tickets available for entry. A witches maze runs alongside the picking area. Free parking is provided.

From late November throughout December the farm opens daily from 9am to 5pm as a Christmas tree farm, and no booking is needed. You pick your own tree in the field from thousands on offer, choosing from needle-retaining Nordmann fir, fragrant Fraser and Balsam fir, and traditional Norway spruce. Trees range from 3/4ft up to 20ft and are priced by height, with 6ft needle-retaining Nordmann fir starting at £28. The trees are freshly cut and come with care instructions on the label. The farm also sells water-holding and wrought-iron tree stands, handmade wreaths and Christmas decorations. It is a member of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association. The entrance and car park are wheelchair accessible.

What visitors say

There is a huge choice of homegrown Christmas trees in different types and sizes, each clearly labelled with its price and standing with space around it so you can see its true shape. Staff help you choose, take a ticket off your tree so you can pay, then bring it over, trim it if needed and wrap it in netting ready for the car. A 5ft or 6ft tree costs around £50, reasonable for a fresh, locally grown tree, and the trees stay fresh and green for weeks with very little needle drop. Plenty of parking. The staff are friendly and helpful from start to finish.

Kids enjoy it too, with a free Santa grotto, a photo and a good-list certificate, and room to run among the trees. In October the farm also runs a pumpkin patch, where you pay an entry fee and then for each pumpkin.