ONE of the most popular autumn activities in the UK is pumpkin picking, with many farms offering tickets throughout October.

Pumpkin patches have become increasingly popular among families in the UK, where you can not only pick them but have photoshoots and even decorate them.

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Here are 11 of the best from all over the UK for you to visit this year.

Kenyon Hall, Warrington

Tickets for Kenyon Hall are already on sale, with more than 20,000 pumpkins expected to grow on their patch this autumn.

Family photo shoots with professional photographers can be booked on certain days as well, while there’s also a maize maze and fruit picking on site too.

Entry tickets start from £2.95 for adults and children; infants under 18 months go free.

The patch will be open from September 28 until October 31, although there are limited dates left.

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Balgone Barns, North Berwick, Scotland

Scotland‘s largest pumpkin patch promises to let everyone “experience the countryside and Halloween to its fullest”.

More than 60,000 pumpkins are growing on the site across more than 10 acres. Prices for the pumpkins depend on the weight.

There is also a spooky haunted trail stretching 2km around Balgone Barns’ lake, while visitors can toast marshmallows at the Crooked Cauldron.

Visitors should book ahead online, with tickets range from £12 to £15, with select dates throughout October.

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Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Bristol

Avon Valley has the ” South West’s biggest Pumpkin Extravaganza” this year.

There’s also a small fairground, as well as theatrical performers and fire shows taking place on site.

Pumpkin Paintball, Seasonal Slingshot and an apple cannon add to the Halloween activities available for families to enjoy.

The patch is open on selected days between September 28 and October 31.

Tickets can be booked online for up to £8.99 per person.

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Tulleys Farm, Crawley, West Sussex

Tulleys Farm declares itself to be the UK’s number one pumpkin festival, with more than a million pumpkins grown across 100 acres of farmland.

Live roaming characters ox wizards and scarecrows can be seen mingling among the pumpkins.

Street food stalls and a pumpkin bar serving cocktails and beers enhance the experience, while live music will be performed at Pumpkin Nights shows.

Tickets are available online for selected dates between September 28 and October 31.

Day time tickets range from £5-8, while evening tickets range from £8-12.

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Mr Pumpkin, Derby

Located just outside of Derby in Morely, Mr Pumpkin has become a favourite for pumpkin pickers since it first opened in 2017.

They have more than 90,000 pumpkins planted for visitors this year from more than 40 different varieties.

A pumpkin trail will also be raising money for the air ambulance, with more than £12,000 raised in recent years.

The event is running on most dates between September 29 nd October 31.

Tickets are £2.50 for adults, kids up to the age of 15 go free.

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Spilman’s Farm, Thirsk

This family-run farm in Yorkshire has more than 125,000 pumpkins ready to be picked on the 25 acre patch.

Tickets, which cost £7.50 per person, will grant each guest £5 to spend on either pumpkins or Spilman’s activities.

It also allows visitors to watch the family-friendly show Fright Delight.

Twilight picking evenings are back for another year too, with live music, a bar, street food and cosy fire pits.

The patch is open on weekends from September 30 until October 31.

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Manorafon Farm Park, Abergele, Wales

North Wales‘ largest selection of pumpkins is also home to a pumpkin carving tent for visitors to decorate their veg on site.

A mad scientist’s trick or treat show, creepy crawly handling, walkabout characters and the “horrid hallows” all add to the farm’s spooky Halloween atmosphere.

There’s also street food, a shooting range, a slime lab and special pumpkin festival nights, with a bar for adults and live music.

Tickets are £15.30 for adults and £16.20 for children if you book ahead, with one pumpkin per child’s ticket included.

Pumpkin fest will be running on a select few dates in October.

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Pumpkin Moon, Kent

Pumpkin Moon has three different locations in Kent – Maidstone, Faversham and Rainham.

There is street food and drinks available, while fancy dress is actively encouraged by those who run the patch.

Everyone needs to book before visiting, with prices from £3.75.

It will run for the weekends of September 5-6 only in Faversham, following by all of the farms from September 12 – October 13, and then October 19 – 31.

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Whitehouse Farm, Morpeth

From October 21-19 this Northumberland farm will be changing its name to Frighthouse Farm and running a Halloween ‘spooktacular’.

As well as pumpkin picking, there’ll be Magic Merlin’s School, with Halloween themed games and prizes to be won.

There’s also a walkway of terror a spider’s lair, catacombs, a bat chamber and an eerie grave yard.

A fancy dress contest will see the winner claim a gift voucher to use at the farm, while visitors can get up close and personal with owls and critters.

Tickets are available for £15.45 for adults and children and the event will run from October 12 to October 31.

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Forage Farm, Glamorgan

This South Wales pumpkin patch comes with pigmy goats, pigs, alpacas, tractor rides, pumpkin catapults, an interactive maize maze and face painting among many attractions.

There’s also a hay bale tower and plenty of other picture perfect backdrops to create lasting memories with.

The patch will be open on select weekends – October 5-6, 12-13, 19-20 and 26-30, as well as October 25 and 31. After dark pumpkin picking experiences are also available.

Daytime tickets cost £9 per car, while evening tickets are £6 per person.

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Arnprior Farm, Glasgow

Scotland‘s “original” pumpkin festival will run for more than three weeks in October this year, with more than 20,000 pumpkins to choose from.

As well as pumpkins, they have a quad pod ride, pumpkin cannon, bale mountain, an indoor hay barn, face painting, bouncy castle, lots of photo opportunities and a polytunnel shop.

There’s also a selection of food and drink each day including Loops and Scoops’ infamous churros, Skinners of Kippen burgers and pumpkin soup, pizzas, hot chocolates, Lous home baking and Gin fizz.

The event runs from October 9-29 and tickets start from £15.70, including a pumpkin voucher.

SPAIN’S Costa Daurada simply translates as the Golden Coast.

It’s named after the colour of the sand when the sun shines along its 50 miles of Mediterranean beaches, running south- west from Barcelona.

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I hadn’t taken the time to explain its meaning to my children while sitting in the departures lounge at Stansted Airport.

But it was the first that thing they exclaimed as they dived into the surf three hours later.

“Daddy, there’s gold in the water!”

They weren’t wrong. Tiny grains of sand floating in the crystal-clear sea shone like a golden twinkling disco ball suspended in the sun’s rays.

My two grew up paddling in the familiar dark-grey murk of the North Sea.

So they were certainly thrilled to be snorkelling in 34C sunshine off Platja dels Pilans.

The beach was just a ten-minute walk from our Eurocamp holiday home at the Playa Montroig Resort, in Miami Platja. And that was just as stunning.

Our Ultimate lodge slept six in comfort — with efficient air-conditioning that came into its own on during our scorching summer holiday.

Outside, comfy patio furniture on the shaded decking was perfect for chilling at any time of day, and the dining table and chairs were great for al-fresco meals.

The beachside resort is a 20-minute drive from Reus Airport, and around an hour from Barcelona.

And it lives up to its 5H rating, with immaculate grounds, three restaurants, a beach bar and round-the-clock entertainment for both kids and grown-ups.

On our first night, a magician sawed his glamorous assistant in half to the wonder of watching children.

The same stage hosted intense-looking exercise classes in the mornings, which were definitely not for the hungover.

And by the afternoon it had turned into a kid-friendly Ibiza foam party with huge cannons coating the dancing crowds in clouds of bubbles.

Gigs on the beach, fireworks, and a swimming pool complex with triple-flume action only added to the fun.

The poshest restaurant on site was the Espai Grill, which offered a full three courses of prime meats, with courtyard entertainment from a Beatles tribute band.

Unfussy and simple

Mid-tier was the Terrassa Restaurant, which served traditional Spanish fare and cold lagers, just a stone’s throw from the main square.

Our favourite was the Tucanamar beach bar.

Unfussy and simple, fresh fish and meat were grilled here over woodsmoke and washed down with copious Del Boy cocktails.

You can’t beat tapas and an ice-cold mojito while overlooking the waves with sand at your feet.

There was a bakery for morning baguette runs, and a decent-sized supermarket which offered the wonderful European adventures of 15 types of chocolate spread and tinned olives.

Never has the gulf between a British booze aisle, and alcohol on the Continent, been so vast.

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You could get three bottles of tip-top rioja and a slab of beers for the price of a petrol station chardonnay back home.

For a spot of offsite culture, we headed to the town of Montroig del Camp, which was famed as the rural retreat of the late Catalan painter and surrealist icon Joan Miro.

He began his painting career here at his parents’ farmhouse retreat and the landscape was the inspiration for some of his most famous works.

Montroig del Camp is overlooked by the remarkable 13th-century hermitage of Our Lady of the Rock, which is itself topped by the 19th-century Chapel of Sant Ramon.

Perched on top of a column of eroded red rock, it defies physics while also offering panoramic views all the way to the coast.

Wildlife and waterfalls

Thankfully, you can park at the top before clambering up to the chapel.

We then took the short drive to Cambrils to see the beautiful botanical gardens at Parc Sama.

It’s like a National Trust stately-home experience parachuted into the Med.

The wonderful 35-acre grounds are packed with wildlife and waterfalls.

You can feed the deer and marvel at the terrapins in the lake where fish will nibble your fingertips.

But it’s the peacocks that are the star of the show.

Chicks beside showboating grown-ups, and even their rare white- feathered cousins, strut among the tourists.

The coastal capital is Tarragona, home to the ruins of a magnificent Roman amphitheatre and an amazing 12th century Cathedral.

But it’s human structures that are the modern marvel — the city hosts the Castells competition, the world’s largest human tower contest.

The gravity-defying, centuries-old Catalan tradition sees incredible towers created from the crowds which stand up to 40ft high.

A wonderful life-size city centre-statue pays soaring tribute to their efforts.

There’s no doubt that the Costa Daurada, with all its sun-soaked family fun and Catalonian culture, delivers a gold-star break.

ROBBIE WILLIAMS is in Barcelona with the message, “Let Me Entertain You” – but he’s not singing.

Earlier this summer, he opened his art exhibition in the city more used to displaying masterpieces by Gaudi, Picasso and Dali.

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Here’s how to catch Robbie’s vibrant, weird and wonderful works while enjoying a short break in this cosmopolitan, colourful and creative Catalonian capital.

WHY SHOULD I GO?

TO see the craziest church ever, the stunning 18-tower Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudi.

He put his stamp on Barcelona and his architectural wonders are littered around this friendly city by the Med in northern Spain.

Attractions include museums for all the family, galleries, parks, beaches, all-budget shopping, markets, a zoo, port and aquarium.

There are regular concerts at Estadi Olimpic, where I saw Bruce Springsteen boss the stage for three hours, while football fans can tour FC Barcelona’s Camp Nou where there’s a “Messi Space”, dedicated to the footie great Lionel.

Flamenco shows, operas, theatres and let’s not forget, tapas and sangria are all part of Barcelona’s captivating ch­arm.

STREETS MADE FOR WALKING?

YES, but to save time getting between major attractions, the hop-on, hop-off Bus Turistic is brilliant.

Two routes cost £30 a day for an adult and £40 for two days, while kids are half price.

Or, buy a multi-day metro pass which includes the trams and buses — I had three days for £22.

Stroll down the famous La Rambla with cafes, restaurants and performers and through the narrow, cobbled streets and squares in the Gothic Quarter.

Get panoramic views of the city from Park Guell, where the fabulous gardens are littered with colourful mosaics and sculptures — all down to that man Gaudi again.

For more views, take the cable car up to Parc Montjuic, and wander through the castle dating to 1640.

You can also rent an e-bike — there’s a 125-mile network of cycle lanes.

ANYTHING FOR BUCKET LIST?

AVOID queues and book a fun tour of Sagrada Familia, which after 142 years is still not finished.

But our City Experiences’ guide has news, it will be completed by 2026 to celebrate the centenary of Gaudi’s death.

The huge tower, dedicated to Jesus, will be completed with a 56ft cross that will make it the tallest cathedral in the world.

Marvel at the colourful carvings from religious figures to animals and fruit, columns shaped like trees and spectacular stained-glass windows.

Robbie Williams is in good company at the Moco museum, there’s a few works by Banksy and Andy Warhol.

The singer’s Confessions of A Crowded Mind, featuring 17 originals about mental health, runs until November 20 (from €12.95 per adult and €7.95 per child, see mocomuseum.com).

Add to the list the best dark chocolate ever from one of Torrons Vicens’ many confectionary shops dotted around the city.

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WHERE SHOULD I EAT?

PLACA Reial in the Gothic quarter, close to La Rambla is fringed by restaurants and bars.

And nearby is Aguelo Taberna serving fantastic paella, fish and steak.

Sit overlooking the city at Les Cascades if visiting the National Art Museum or Olympic stadium and eat pizza, fried chicken, chips and free popcorn.

Of course, you’ll find decent tapas joints everywhere.

I FANCY A DRINK…

YOU are in the right place for cheap coffee, beer and wine.

“You’ve got to try my dad’s sangria. It’s the best,” said the welcoming waitress at Gaudi Gelats on Avda Gaudi.

She was right, and at £5 for a jug, you can’t go wrong.

Head for the lively George Payne Irish pub for a pint from £5 or sip a cocktail on a rooftop bar such as La Dolce Vitae at the Majestic Hotel.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

CENTRAL hotels are expensive, so opt for the modern and clean Travelodge Barcelona Fira, just a few stops away on the metro.

The 83 rooms have all you need for a city break — comfy beds, good showers, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV and free wi-fi.

The breakfast buffet costs just £9, there’s a 24-hour bar, lunch, dinner and snack service too and the staff are superbly friendly and helpful.

IF you’re looking to whizz off aboard a Wizz Air flight this summer then you’ll be wanting to select the best seats without any extra cost.

Book wisely using our guide to secure you and your family the best seats aboard the Wizz Air Airbus 320 and 321 aircraft.

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Wizz Air have been dubbed the ‘most sustainable low-cost airline’ four years in a row, but what can passengers expect from their experience aboard the Airbus Airbus 320 and 321.

The budget airline celebrated the arrival of the GTF-powered Airbus Airbus 320 aircraft to its fleet of 153 aircraft in 2022. 

Both the Airbus 320 and 321 operate in short-haul flights with Wizz Air offering snacks and beverages for purchase on most of their flights.

Although the two aircrafts look almost identical, their size and seating plan vary.

The Airbus 320 offers 180 seats, whereas the Airbus 321 is larger, offering 230 seats in comparison.

Your holiday begins the minute you board the plane, so why not make your journey as comfortable as possible by using the SunTravel seating guide map.

Extra leg room

If you’re tall or like to spread out on a flight, then it will be the extra leg room you’re after.

There are specific economy seats that provide the space you need – you just have to know where they are.

According to the flight map for both the Wizz Air Airbus 320 & 321 the seats with extra leg are as follows:

Passengers needing the extra space on either aircraft should opt for any seat between A – F on row 1.

Row 1 seats tend to get booked up fast but there’s plenty more to choose from.

If your aircraft is the Wizz Airbus 320, any seat between A – F on row 13 will provide the extra leg room you need.

Seats A – F on row 12 also offer extra leg room, but these particular seats do not recline.

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If you find yourself allocated a flight onboard the Wizz Airbus 321 then seats B,C,D and E on row 12, and seats A,B,C and F on row 26 will provide extra leg room.

Row 10 also offer extra leg room in seats A – E, but do bare in mind these particular seats have a limited recline which could make napping quite uncomfortable.

Seats to avoid

If your first choice of seats are booked, then your next best bet is to know which seats to avoid.

Onboard the Wizz Airbus 320 passengers should avoid seat A – F on Row 30 – due to their close proximity to the toilets and the cabin -you’re likely to be disturbed throughout your flight.

The seats may also have limited recline for the same reason, and there is no window on the last row of the plane.

It’s also worth noting there is no window available in seats A and F of Row 20.

Onboard the Wizz Airbus 321 passengers should avoid seat A – F on row 39 as your seats will have no recline, and you’re likely to be disturbed by passengers getting up to use the toilet closeby.

Seat A and F on row 26 have legroom but no window.

Best views

Being situated by the wing of the aircraft guarantees the best skyline snaps.

For the best views onboard the Airbus 321 passengers are urged to book seat A or F on row 10.

And if you’re onboard the Airbus 320, seat A and F on row 9 are the seats to look out for.

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Head start on snacks

If you want to be among one of the first passengers to be served refreshments then it’s best to book a seat in either the first two rows or the last two near the back of the plane.

Seat A – F on row 1 or row 30 on the Airbus 320 will get you first dibs on snacks.

With trolley carts circulating from both the front and the back of the aircraft, these seats are your best bet but the downside you’re likely to be disturbed by other passengers using the toilets.

Similarly, for the Airbus 321 any seat on row 1 and 39 will mean you’re close to the gallery where snacks are prepared.

Take a nap

If passengers find themselves on an overnight flight you might like to get some sleep.

Window seats give passengers the best chance at having an uninterrupted snooze.

This is because other passengers won’t need to ask you to move when they take a trip to the toilet.

Check The Sun’s flight map to see where all the window seats are located on both aircrafts.

Getting off the plane first

If you hate waiting around and you’re keen to start your holiday then beat the queues by booking a seat in the front five rows of both the Airbus Wizz 320 and 321.

Failing that, you’re guaranteed to get off the plane quicker by simply booking an aisle seat, because you’ll have a head start at finding your hand luggage.

Flight compensation rules

A look at your rights if a flight is delayed or cancelled, when your entitled to compensation and if your travel insurance can cover the costs.

What are my rights if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Under UK law, airlines have to provide compensation if your flight arrives at its destination more than three hours late.

If you’re flying to or from the UK, your airline must let you choose a refund or an alternative flight.

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You will be able to get your money back for the part of your ticket that you haven’t used yet.

So if you booked a return flight and the outbound leg is cancelled, you can get the full cost of the return ticket refunded.

But if travelling is essential, then your airline has to find you an alternative flight. This could even be with another airline.

When am I not entitled to compensation?

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The airline doesn’t have to give you a refund if the flight was cancelled due to reasons beyond their control, such as extreme weather.

Disruptions caused by things like extreme weather, airport or air traffic control employee strikes or other ‘extraordinary circumstances’ are not eligible for compensation.

Some airlines may stretch the definition of “extraordinary circumstances” but you can challenge them through the aviation regulator the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Will my insurance cover me if my flight is cancelled?

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If you can’t claim compensation directly through the airline, your travel insurance may refund you.

Policies vary so you should check the small print, but a delay of eight to 12 hours will normally mean you qualify for some money from your insurer.

Remember to get written confirmation of your delay from the airport as your insurer will need proof.

If your flight is cancelled entirely, you’re unlikely to be covered by your insurance.

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AS the cost-of-living crisis continues, families may be looking for a fun day out that won’t break the bank.

TripAdvisor has revealed its top attractions to visit in England completely free of charge – and it ranges from a 500ft-high garden to the so-called “museum of the world”.

Natural History Museum

Science and natural history enthusiasts should look no further than the Natural History Museum.

Its dinosaur specimens and replicas are world-famous – and include part of the first Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered.

The building, in South Kensington, London, is one of the city’s most spectacular attractions in itself.

Although some exhibitions may have an entry fee, general admission to the museum is completely free.

Sky Garden

London’s highest public garden, Sky Garden, is perched at the top of a skyscraper in the heart of the city.

On the 43rd floor of the Fenchurch Building in east London, the garden offers panoramic views of the capital from a height of over 500ft.

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As well as the iconic glass-domed landscape gardens, it’s got observation decks and an open-air terrace.

And, if you’re willing to part with a little cash, you can even enjoy a drink or meal at one of the bars or restaurants.

Make sure to book a slot in advance to enjoy this free attraction.

The British Museum

The British Museum has one of the largest collections in the world – of eight million works – and it’s totally free to access.

The museum is 271 years old and located in Bloomsbury, London.

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With relics dating back 1.8 million years, it’s the perfect historical day out for families.

Plus, it is set to have a huge multi-million-pound makeover soon.

The museum is a hit with visitors, with nearly 54,000 five star reviews on TripAdvisor.

The Shambles

The Shambles is a historic street in York city centre, dating back to the medieval times.

It was once a street of butchers shops – and you can still find many original 14th century buildings there.

It is Europe‘s most visited street.

It’s just a twenty-minute walk from York Station and can be explored completely for free.

Victoria and Albert Museum

The V&A is the world’s biggest museum of art and design, founded by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852.

It’s located in Kensington, London, and houses exhibitions for all ages.

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From July to September, it ran a Taylor Swift exhibition, complete with 13 iconic costumes donated by the singer.

It is entirely admission free.