Now that autumn is officially here, things are about to get spooky as Halloween approaches. 

Many will already be looking for decorations and costumes in preparation for the season.

That includes pumpkins, the traditional decorations carved out for jack-o-lanterns so we can spook away the wandering souls that be. 

In recent years, it's become more popular to pick your own pumpkins by heading to a pumpkin patch.

Whilst finding one from a supermarket is useful, many people like the experience of going out to a farm to pick their own out.

So you can swap the supermarket out for a farm, we've rounded up five pumpkin patches near South East London that you can visit.

Pumpkin patches near South East London

Stanhill Farm

Opening on Saturday, October 7, Stanhill Farm's pumpkin patch in Dartford has been massively popular across its nine years of running. 

At the site, there will be wheelbarrows so you can grab as many pumpkins no matter how small or large across their site. 

Plus, the farm is also a great spot to grab a photo, with the area surrounded by a sea of autumnal colours and of course, pumpkins. 

Find out more information via the website.

Hewitts Farm

Just outside of South East London in Orpington, Hewitts is a family-run business set on 78 acres. 

The pick-your-own (PYO) opens on October 1 and there's no booking required, so you can just rock up to the site. 

They have a variety of pumpkins in a range of sizes, colours and styles all ready to be taken home and carved. 

Guests are encouraged to bring their own bags, but boxes are available to buy upon entry. 

Find out more via the farm's website. 

Pumpkin Moon

Just a short drive away from London, Pumpkin Farm near Maidstone has over 100 types of PYO including pumpkins. 

The farm has your traditional orange ones, large warty ones and many more weird and wonderful pumpkins all available to be picked. 

They encourage fancy dress and taking great photos on the site, you can even borrow one of their colourful wheelbarrows. 

Find out more via their website. 

Tulleys Pumpkin Farm

Take in all the fun of pumpkin picking at Tulleys Pumpkin Farm that's just a short drive away in Crawley. 

Over their 90 acres, they have grown over one million Pumpkins and Gourds, so there's plenty for everyone. 

From ones that are perfect to carve spooky faces in, to others that will make yummy fillings in a pumpkin pie, they'll all work a treat.

Across the farm, there is plenty to enjoy from photo opportunities, to live roaming characters including The Queen of the Harvest, Sage the Wizard and more. 

Pumpkin nights start on September 23 and last until October 29.

Find out more via the website. 

Crockford Bridge

Opening on Saturday 30, Crockford Bridge is offering Pumpkin Picking but you need to book first via the website. 

At the site, you will be able to pick your pumpkins with a limited amount of wheelbarrows also available. 

Alongside pumpkins, the farm is hosting a Sausage Fest where they will be serving grilled butcher sausages with all the trimmings.

What pumpkin patch will you be visiting?