As well as a bumper crop of over 15,000 pumpkins, this year, the Arnprior team will be unveiling Scotland’s only pumpkin vending machine.
The vending hut, which was designed by Steven Stanger, will allow visitors at the swimming pool and glamping pods to select a pumpkin, by choosing from a selection through display lockers.
“We’re so excited about this new addition to the farm,” said Arnprior farmer Rebecca McEwen.
“As Scotland’s original pumpkin patch, we are constantly striving to develop new features for our visitors to enjoy, and our vending machine is certainly different.
"The bespoke-designed vending machine can hold more than 25 pumpkins and will enable visitors to pick their own without setting foot in a field.
"It will also offer those who haven’t managed to secure tickets for the pumpkin patch the chance to visit the farm and pick up a locally-grown pumpkin for their Halloween celebrations.
“The conditions have been brilliant this year, and it has been such a pleasure to see the pumpkins growing and ripening on the farm.
"We have a huge array of sizes and colours available, including warty green ones, giant Cinderella orange ones and the
super popular ghost pumpkins too.
"Myself, Duncan and the whole team are really looking forward to opening the gates for 2022 and seeing what everyone thinks of our newest attraction."
Although pumpkins may be the main event at Arnprior Farm this October, plenty of other activities are available for those visiting the patch.
With quad bike rides, potato picking and a bouncy castle, as well as delectable delights such as craft gins, churros and homebaking, Arnprior is the ultimate family day out for those looking to get into the Halloween spirit.
“The tattie picking is always a highlight,” Rebecca added.
“It’s a chance for the kids to get muddy and learn about where their food comes from too.
"As you can imagine, they have a whale of a time, just don’t forget to bring their wellies.”
Arnprior Farm is also home to four luxurious glamping pods, complete with their own private hot tubs, and a heated indoor swimming pool.
“We love being able to welcome visitors and guests to Arnprior,” said Rebecca.
“Duncan’s family have been farming the land here since 1936 and it fills us with joy to see people enjoying this very special place.”
As well as being packed with pumpkins, the vending machine will also be stocked with extras for Arnprior’s glamping pod guests.
From s’mores to firewood, the machine will provide glampers with 24-hour access to everything they need for a luxuriously cosy stay.
The one-of-a-kind machine will also be filled with locally grown produce, including vegetables and potatoes so that visitors can enjoy some of the farm’s bountiful harvest.
“We’re delighted to be able to share more of the amazing produce that we grow on the farm,” said Rebecca.
“The vending machine will be open to pumpkin patch visitors, swimmers, glampers and passers-by so that everyone has can enjoy fresh vegetables at their convenience.”
Arnprior Farm Pumpkin Patch opens to the public on Monday 10th October until Sunday 30th October and tickets must be booked in advance.
Tickets are priced at £9 per car and can be exchanged for one small pumpkin or £5 off the cost of a medium or large pumpkin. For more ticket information and full event details, visit the Arnprior website.
Activities on the farm
● On the patch family photoshoots with Mack Photo
● Chainsaw carving demonstrations from Weir Forestry
● Facepainting
● Pumpkin Cannon
● Quad pod rides
Refreshments
● Loop & Scoop, Churros
● Fries guys, fries with bespoke toppings
● The Gin Thing, offering seasonal special, pumpkin gin fizz, as well as other Scottish craft gins and rum
● Lutis Artisan Food with traditional stone baked pizzas
● Fallen Tree Coffee, offering specialty coffee
● Lou’s Bake Stop with mouth-watering homebaking
● Skinner of Kippen butcher
Additional events:
● Monday 10th October at 9am – Additional support needs pumpkin picking session ● Monday 17th October at 9am – Additional support needs pumpkin picking session ● Saturday 29th October at 7pm – Late Night Date Night
