Parkley Eastleigh

12/10/2026

Feel free to share any half term events in the comments.

12/10/2026

Annual trip to get the pumpkins from Pickwell Farm didn't need to book, no entry fee, just turn up borrow a wheelbarrow and pay for what you pick, even have a little washing station to scrub them clean. Good farm shop and pre-picked colourful squashes also available. Plenty left in fields. Was quite dry when we visited but would recommend wellies usually.
(Not an ad we paid for our pumpkins we just like supporting local places).
Pickwell Farm Shop
Grange Rd, Bursledon, Southampton, SO31 8GD.
https://share.google/9oY6dNbDxAov6qVxR

12/10/2026

The New Forest Walking Festival is back! 🚶

Join us and a wealth of local organisations and experts on guided walks between 17 October and 1 November, taking in the wonderful sights, sounds and colours of the New Forest in autumn! 🍂

The Walking Festival is a great chance to learn about why the National Park is so special, as well as enjoying the health and wellbeing benefits of walking or wheeling in nature 💚

Highlights this year include:

Biofluorescent night walks with NPA rangers 🔦

Guided bird watching with Bird Aware Solent 🦆

Fungi identification with experts 🍄

Heathland and wetland explorations with New Forest - Forestry England rangers 🌳

Halloween wildlife explorer sessions for the whole family 🦇

Forest folklore with Haunted New Forest 🐉

Networking walks for local professionals, students and volunteers interested in nature 🤝

Which walk are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments 👇

Book now through the link in the comments 🔗

02/10/2026

It’s Pumpkin 🎃 Picking Time.
We have been growing pumpkins here at Pickwell for over 40 years, and the first ones in the local area to offer Pumpkin picking from the fields(since 2014).

We are a no frills Pumpkin Picking experience.
We don’t offer activities, displays, face painting, street food etc.
Just the joys of picking your pumpkin from the field it was grown in!
There is no entrance fee, and no need to pre book tickets.

So, just turn up, grab a wheelbarrow, go to the fields, pick some pumpkins/take a picture, pay & leave.

We have 10 acres of Pumpkin fields for you to roam around.

There is plenty out there, but keep an eye on our socials for latest availability!
Below are some commonly asked Questions:

1. How much are Pick Your Own Pumpkins
All are £3 each, any size

2. What times are you open?
Monday to Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 9am - 4pm
Obviously allow plenty of time to pick your pumpkin (we recommend at least 45 minutes), so don’t turn up just before closing time.

3. What should I wear?
You are entering fields, so depending on the weather, it maybe muddy & wet. The pathways to the fields are generally flat & firm. Wear solid footwear and old clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

4. Am I allowed to take photos?
Of course, you may take as many photos as you like, and we would love to see them shared on our Facebook & Instagram pages.
Sorry for health & safety/insurance reasons, we do not allow any professional third party photo shoots on the farm.

5. Do we need to book or make an appointment?
Nope, just turn up.

6. Any special rates for bulk amounts/ do you deliver?
Sorry, no.

7. Can we pick now & will they keep until Halloween?
There are plenty of pumpkins ready, so picking now is not a problem. They SHOULD last, as they are all sat in the fields ripened up. However, there is no guarantee they will keep that long, as a small minority can go rotten. Also, once carved they’ll only last a few days.

8. When is the best time to pick?
Obviously don’t leave it too late - there is only a finite amount of Pumpkins & once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Keep an eye on our socials for current availability.

9. Do you have Pumpkins we can buy without going out to the fields
Yes, we do.

10. Are dogs/other animals allowed in the fields?
Sorry, no.

11. Do you accept credit cards
Yes, we do.

12. Do you have toilet facilities on site?
We have portaloos on site.

02/10/2026

If you would like to share any autumn events please add to comments

02/10/2026

🦉🪽 WINGS OVER EASTLEIGH IS COMING! 🪽🦉

Get ready for a fantastic FREE family day in Eastleigh Town Centre on 10th October! ❤️

We’ll be welcoming the wonderful EMS Farm and CSR Falconry, bringing along some very special feathered and furry friends for you to meet! 🦉🐴

And because we LOVE a freebie… 😜

🎨 FREE face painting
✂️ FREE children’s craft stall
🦉 Meet the amazing birds from CSR Falconry
🐴 Meet some gorgeous visitors from EMS Farm
❤️ FREE family fun

And when we say FREE EVENT, we mean it — ALLLLLL FREEEEEE! 🤣🙌

Bring the kids, bring the grandparents, bring your camera and come and enjoy something a little different in the heart of Eastleigh!

📅 10th October
📍 Eastleigh Town Centre
🎟️ COMPLETELY FREE

Wings Over Eastleigh 🪽
Another fantastic free town-centre event brought to you by Eastleigh BID ❤️

16/09/2026

Enjoyed a rare morning out with my bestie this week thanks to Heritage Open Days
You can search the website for free open events near you.
We chose to visit Mottisfont National Trust
It was completely free and we had a lovely walk along the river and looking round the walled garden with a stop off in the café (there is one underneath house, one in old stable area and a kiosk in walled gardens). No fresh gluten free cakes on offer but there were some packaged gf items. There is a play area but we were kid free so just enjoyed the scenery this time.

16/09/2026

I often get asked how I manage to get photos of the parks without kids- it's a mix of getting up at 6am like this morning, waiting for gaps and clever photo angles. Videos are always more tricky though! Which do you prefer seeing videos or photos?
Wherever possible I try to avoid posting any identifying photos of people and focus on the open spaces and play equipment 🛝🌳
Locke Road Play Area, Hedge End, Southampton, SO30 2QD

16/09/2026

So lovely to see some GREEN grass today out on a walk- it's been a while!

Locke Road Play Area, basketball hoop and Berrywood Fields
Play area has all weather surface and path up to football fields. There are a few picnic benches.

Hedge End, Southampton SO30 2QD
https://maps.app.goo.gl/b2MdTKNoDN1uF8VQA

27/08/2026

Lovely gesture from Beaulieu https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1D5oHk9cbB/

We are pleased to invite firefighters and their families for a free day out this August Bank Holiday! ☀️

As a special thank you for their efforts tackling the recent New Forest wildfire, Beaulieu is inviting members of the Fire and Rescue Service and their families to enjoy a free together day out over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

From Saturday 29 to Monday 31 August, members can present their staff ID card on arrival at Beaulieu to receive free admission for themselves and their family*, after what has been an extremely busy and challenging summer for them. 🌿👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Find out more about this special offer – www.beaulieu.co.uk/news/beaulieu-invites-firefighters-and-their-families-for-a-free-day-out-this-august-bank-holiday/

We look forward to seeing you this bank-holiday weekend! ☀️🚗🏰

(*A family consists of 2 adults and up to 3 children or 1 adult and up to 4 children.)