PUMPKIN picking will return to the New Forest this year. 

Picking Patch at Bickton Manor Farm, off the A338 at Fordingbridge, will be hosting several spooky events during all weekends in October. 

There will a murder mystery Halloween maze, pumpkin picking, an escape room, twilight maze, crafts, hot food and drink, marshmallow toasting, a barrel train and photo opportunities.

Entry is free and all activities are priced separately, available to buy on Picking Patch’s website. 

A spokeswoman for Picking Patch said: “A crime has been committed at Bickton Manor Farm and a call has gone out to all detectives, sleuths and nosey parkers to come and assist in finding the culprit. 

“Please come to patch, to help with the search. 

“Come and get your detective’s clue book, the key to following the trail to the jail and see if you can solve this mystifying and baffling case. 

“If crime investigation is not your thing (or you have already solved the case), wander the spooky fields expertly decorated for Halloween, with Picking Patch’s Exclusive handmade props, taking the best Halloween shots whilst exploring. 

“Creep past the witch’s house and avoid her spells, through the poison garden, and into The Patch, for PYO Pumpkins (including over 20 varieties of pumpkin).” 

Events will run on October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and between October 25 and 31 from 9.30am to 5pm.