Spilman's Cafe in Hambleton

Great for pumpkin picking - a vast variety of shapes, sizes and colours and well organised with the barrows, washing facilities and play areas. The well organised comment doesn’t stretch to the catering side though - which is crucial, far from home with young children. Tickets were on sale for late afternoon but upon arrival all hot food was sold out (pizzas and pumpkin soup) so we had a couple of family’s of hungry children with only cakes to try and fill them. Far from ideal. Lovely staff, as usual, and great to see a few more games in the barn this year but come on, ensure the catering stretches until the time you sell tickets for.

With a toddler and new baby it's not very often now I get chance to leave reviews! but we had such a wonderful family day out at the weekend that I simply had to come here to leave a few words. We were soo lucky with gorgeous sunshine and the farm was very quiet, as first day of opening. We started with the pumpkin picking, collecting our wheelbarrow enroute plus a small wheelbarrow for the 2 year old! Lots of fantastic photo opportunities as you walk across to the field, unfortunately the toddler lost interest before I did :-) After exploring the pumpkin field and letting our toddler choose a few pumpkins we headed to the activity area. Climbing the giant haystacks was so much fun! and the toddler loved the 2 tractor rides; 1 a big trailer with seats for the whole family to enjoy, looked brand new! the 2nd was little cars pulled along behind a tractor, so I went in car with toddler while husband looked after baby. I added on activity package (7 activities for £8) not really knowing what to expect, but this actually turned out to be great value as most activities were £2 each I think, so would recommend. Tickets vary but £5.50 to £6.50 I think, with a £4 voucher back to spend on pumpkins, which you are going to buy anyway so great value I think. The toddler also loved the fair ground rides, but these are at extra cost and £3 a go, so could quickly become expensive. There are so many different games and activities included in the activity bundle package though, but our kiddies were too small - pipe rolling, corn blasting, shooting, ghost walk etc etc. After our meal we played in the little park for a half hour too, perfect size for 2yrs+. There was also a show and a skeleton disco, but our 26 month old was a little young yet, we will enjoy next year I am sure! The only thing I could think to improve would be the food options at the cafe. If you don't like pizza then there was only not great sandwich options with crisps. Some burgers, chicken nuggets, chips etc would be great for the kids. Food wasn't cheap either, small 4 slice pizzas around £7-8. Another thing we loved was the awesome play area in the cafe tent! We were able to sit and eat in relative peace while the toddler played in the sand pit, wooden houses and with all the blocks and toys etc. We have since recommended to all our friends and family! and we will definitely be making this an annual family day out, plus returning for the strawberries etc next year too. Thank you Spilman's for our best family day out yet!! :-D

We were pumpkin picking as a family it’s the second year we’ve been- it gets better every year. There are so many things to do and the owners are lovely and welcoming.

Can’t fault the strawberry picking, but the cafe had ran out of all sorts by 2pm. Pizza’s totally overpriced for the size of them and took ages to be cooked. I appreciate the are cooked fresh on a pizza oven but waiting over half an hour with small, hungry children is not ideal. Ordered a ‘meat’ pizza which was in fact just pepperoni, why it isn’t just advertised as being pepperoni I have no idea. The pizza edges were burnt to a crisp (inedible) not the best experience overall won’t be in a rush to return.

We went last year, maybe a little later into the season, but much preferred the organisation of the field this year. Only issue, we was with a disabled member, but we was not advised around the area we was going to be picking from. We normally go for the table top ones; however they were not avaliable & it was all ground picking. This meant the disabled member didn't actually pick! We had planned to take out grandparents, which again would not of been suitable for them due to them bending etc. Really good value for money, £4 entry. £4 voucher given and then this can be exchanged again to pay for the fruits or cafe etc. I can't remember exact £per kg, but it was under £7! We will be returning once the table top are open!

We went for the Christmas even as friends who went last year highly recommend I thought for the money it absolutely was not worth what we paid! The Santa was a great Santa and the second room was entertaining but apart from that the show wasn’t the best I’ve seen. There was a couple crafts to do when you went in but you were limited on time so if you didn’t finish it you had to take it home. And when it finished you could roast a marshmallow but there was nothing else to do. I was highly disappointed to be honest My friend returned yesterday and she said compared to last year it was so bad she also didn’t enjoy it. So sad really

Visited this years Santa experience, very disappointed big changes from previous years, all of them bad. Left with two very disappointed grandchildren.

We went to the Halloween fireworks tonight and we were so impressed. Amazing show and great staff - thank you for a great experience.

Spilmans farm shop and cafe in Little Sessay, Northallerton, truly exceeded all expectations with their Halloween-themed pumpkin pick event! The combination of fun rides, live music, and delectable food, all at an affordable price for the whole family, made it an unforgettable experience. Definitely a 5-star outing!

We've had strawberry picking on our list of things to do for a while and went on the off chance today. Good little couple of hours out to be honest. Currently using table top strawberries, a lot not ripe enough yet, but managed to get 4 good tub fulls between us. Could go digging in the mud to find them, but didn't fancy that today, maybe next time when we have the kids. The strawberries are delicious though. Found the "cafe" to only really do cake or pizza outside. Pizza cost £8.25 (plain pepporoni) but has left a taste in my mouth!. Next time we visit, we will be taking a little picnic due to the variety. Could do with a bit more signs / explanation to people turning up as we didnt know the real concept behind the vouchers or what was avaliable to PYO. We have now noticed you could do PYO potatoes too! 🥔 I couldn't believe how big the place was and the variety of things, sunflowers, raspberry, potatoes, maze etc. Definitely going to visit again for potatoes and more fruit. Also do the pumpkin in October. Noone asked you to wash your hands before you entered the fields, but there was hand washing facilities there (not sure if was working)

Enjoyable visit with the family. Surprised how enormous the site actually is. Staff very helpful and pleasant. Strawberries delicious. Will visit again no doubt.

Well sadly I am writing a rather negative review after our weekend visit for strawberry picking. We always come along here at least twice a year for strawberries and pumpkins and always recommend the place highly to others. We live a decent distance from the farm so always make it a family day out where can all enjoy food and drink good atmosphere and plenty for kids of all ages to do. However yesterdays experience was much a different story. To start with we are usually ushered to a car park by staff parking cars sensibility but on this occasion we were advised to simplify go to b or c once there cars were just dumped anywhere with no guidance from anyone. In arriving at the shop we usually find an array of pasties cakes gifts sausage rolls drinks a plenty but this time very little in way of any food to eat unless u wanted a box of strawberries ( which we were there to pick) some hot drinks and a small selection of ice creams. The pizza station was cooking outside on 2 ovens so if you didn't want a pizza you went hungry. Usually there is a burger van at the entrance serving usual chips burgers hot dogs etc but this wasn't there either nor was the usual fun fair or any kind of entertainment for kids. No donuts or coffee vans as in previous years. No real atmosphere at all. On arriving at the fields for picking we were rudely shouted at by a man telling us not to pick from certain areas meaning everyone was using the same section of field to pick. Surely if they are ready they are ready everywhere in the field . After picking the strawberries which I do have to say are lovely and plenty of them we weighed in and cashed out headed to the sink to wash up to find these were not even plumbed in. So nowhere to clean up afterwards. Not sure if a change of hands have taken place here but this visit was very disappointing and unfortunately this is likely our last visit to somewhere we look forward to visiting on all occasions.

It’s with regret that I am having to write this but I do feel I need to provide you with feedback regarding our Santa experience that we had at spilman farm today…. 4 adults and 2 excited children attended today but unfortunately we left feeling very deflated and did not receive the festive magical feeling that we expected. I am aware you mention on your website that Santa will not be dressed in his red suit but I found this to be a very confusing for the children meeting him, I also found the choice of story that he told us was not very Christmas related, it was not appropriate for the younger children including my 2 year old daughter. There was no Santa/Christmas references at all, not even a ho ho ho…..my child feels she has not met Santa today which I do find very upsetting. We had the photo opportunity but again I do feel like I am not satisfied as it could be a picture with anyone and why did Santa feel the need to pull a strange face for every picture. From attending your pumpkin event we really were expecting a wonderful Christmas experience but there was just no magic of Christmas!!

Very disappointed. Came a few years back and it was well planned, well maintained and a nice family day out. Clear that they have decided to exploit as much money as they can and shove as many people in as they can with poor facilities. Won't be coming back and would now choose somewhere else for Santa, strawberry picking and pumpkin picking.

After reading about Spilman’s pumpkin festival online we had high hopes of our day out. We left feeling that although they have the bones of a good event, it was all a bit “amateur”. While we are aware farms can be muddy and it is a wet time of year we weren’t expecting the amount of mud which we were greeted with as soon as we got out the car. Think the last day of a rainy Glastonbury and you are on the right track. Upon entering the festival we headed to the pumpkin field. The outskirts of the field resembled a pumpkin graveyard with rotting and disintegrating pumpkins all over the place. We did eventually find a healthier looking area and selected some good pumpkins. We then spent one of our tokens on the “Spooky Walk”. This involved a 2 minute walk through a dark corridor with fabric witches hanging from the ceiling (and hitting off your face as you walked). They generally looked like something you would pick up in The range or B&M bargains. There were probably around 3/4 more professional looking displays within the walk however we felt they weren’t appropriate to children under the age of 12. This wasn’t great as we had a 4 and 5 year old with us. We also watched the free show. The performers were very professional however we felt that the storyline was lost on its target audience of children. Our children did sit through it but we noticed several families leaving during it. We used a full token (which I think is equivalent to £5) to enter the pumpkin tent. This was the biggest disappointment. We struggled to find a pen that worked which meant that the pumpkins had to be carved free hand by an adult as the children sat and watched… Not really what we had expected. The layout of the tables also resulted in chairs being put on a slant into a stoney service. My 5 year old nearly had a nasty accident because of this. Our children did play on the hay bails tower however we didn’t let them go too far as we were concerned for their safety. A sign also warned that they climbed at their own risk, not great for an advertised activity. We had some pizza from the cafe which definitely was a highlight. All the staff we came across were nice. Food seemed reasonably priced at the cafe. We did struggle to find a table that wasn’t sticky to sit down at. Upon leaving the carpark we noticed the Car park attendants were actually causing more congestion then helping. One in particular was herding in coming cars into a single lane road while other cars tried to leave. We did comment several times throughout the day that the experience probably would have been more enjoyable as adult only and after a bottle of wine. It definitely wasn’t the family event we hoped for. While we don’t regret going (some parts were so bad they were funny and we did laugh ), we definitely wouldn’t be returning anytime soon.

Came here while on holiday from Devon with my son for the Halloween event. We pre paid online and liked the fact that we had cards to use as passes for some of the activities such as the pumpkin carving barn, tractor ride and ghost walk. There were some rides however we were disappointed as online it said there would be bumper cars. There was a good choice of food and drinks and places to sit under cover. The staff were all very friendly. Only thing I would like to mention and sobi hope the organisers read this, the spooky walk was way too scary for somewhere aimed at younger children

Used to be an enjoyable couple of hours. Now a ghastly fairground. Eye watering prices for pumpkins too. Won’t be coming back

We spent the morning at the farm, picking pumpkins.We had a lovely time, the staff were very good and friendly, interaction with our grandson was lovely. The tractor ride, bale mountain, and small extras made the visit great value for money. We loved the show too. A great way for children to spend a morning. We will return thankyou.

Visited last Sunday with the grandchildren to do the pick your own strawberries. The children thoroughly enjoyed it and learn about how fruit is grown for us to eat and enjoy. Then it was over to see the piglets and uphill to pick the sunflowers. Visited the cafe afterwards which was very popular with the visitors. The chocolate ice cream was delicious and reasonably priced as was other fresh items in the shop. Well worth a visit.

Such a lovely morning at Spilman’s Farm for the lambing event. We were lucky to see one lamb be born and then triplets! Such lovely staff, so informative, friendly and very family orientated. Food was lovely and staff very helpful - even had a screwdriver to open the tractor toy we’d bought! Thank you Spilman’s for a fab morning and lunch, we will definitely be returning!

Booked the Dinosaur Experience, which we registered early bird interest for due to the advert making it look incredible. Arrived at the farm with my partner & 2 children (2&4). After parking in a field and walking past 7 green caravans, loads of rubbish, an...

We arrived this morning on our bikes. Firstly the bike stands are situated where people enter the complex area, just the right position so people can easily knock them over. We soon learned that there was only take away food and drink. Not even a...

What an amazing experience- the whole visit was so well organised and made so easy by the staff. From being met at the car park to finally paying for the pumpkins, everyone could not have been more helpful - a special mention needs to be...

What a brilliant idea and very well organised. An opportunity to have 6 family members together outdoors and have fun in these strange times. Lots to do, especially for younger children. They loved the tractor ride and the hay bale stack. If you go dressed...

We visited Spilmans for pumpkin picking today. It was really well organised and COVID safe. We really enjoyed it and loved that the £10 you pay for entry is then used as stamps through out the site for the corn cannon, tractor ride and even...

We visited Spilmans farm for the first time a few weeks ago and were very impressed. We booked online in advance for £10 which then is deducted from your fruit you pick, good little system which works well. Staff were very friendly and helpful, we...

Back from a great day out. We booked online this morning, £10 and that goes towards the fruit you pick. The staff were great, all very cheerful and pleasant. The fields are vast, with an abundance of fresh fruit. It's the start of July, so...

I took my niece strawberry picking here. The booking system was very straightforward and everything was well organised and signed once we arrived. There were also plenty of hand wash stations. I'll definitely be back soon! Tbe strawberries also tasted amazing :)

This is not the first time we have visited spilman’s farm and it won’t be the last, we went to the first ever pumpkin picking festival a few years ago and the first time we loved it but it just gets better every year we...

We visited today, 29th October and had pre-booked “carving barn” tickets. From arrival everything was well organised, staff were friendly, helpful and there were lots of them! We spent 5 hours at the site and loved every minute. We started by selecting our pumpkins from...

We visited the farm on Halloween weekend to pick pumpkins and had great fun despite the fact none of us have children. There were lots to choose from in a variety of different colours and pricing was very fair. There is a lovely cafe on...

What a fantastic time we had today despite the shocking weather!! Took our 18month old grandson to pick a pumpkin! Went into the delightful little cafe first with gorgeous food and coffee! All the staff at the venue were so helpful and couldn’t do enough...

We visited for the pumpkin festival, which was extremely busy. Parking and picking pumpkins is free (although you obviously pay for the pumpkins you keep, but there is an extra charge per child to go into the carving barn to carve your pumpkins and do...

First visit to this venue but hopefully not the last. Before we even set foot in the door we were greeted like long lost friends. Inside the area had a very welcoming feel and the cakes and scones looked delicious. Coffee and scones were served...

Took 7 1/2 year old grandson last weekend to the pumpkin festival. What a fantastic day we had. Even the rain couldn't dampen our spirits. What a great set up for all things Halloween and pumpkin carving. All activities were great and our grandson really...

I've been wanting to go pumpkin picking for ages and finally found this place, just half an hour from where we live. They have a huge field full of pumpkins to wander around and choose the perfect pumpkin! There were varying shades of orange, yellow,...

We came here Pumpkin Picking and decided to pop in for coffee and a cake, we were greeted so nicely by every member of staff we came across and they obviously loved and had a passion for their work. We ordered coffee and tea and...

We initially went to check out the Pick your own pumpkins, which was a lovely experience. Everybody we encountered were so welcoming and gave us lots of information, as it was our first visit. There was a beautiful selection of pumpkins to choose from and...

We were a group of 3 couples looking for a local, family-owned farm shop for lunch. This has so much more! The food was cooked fresh and delicious, Bakewell tart especially nice. Many items on the menu are from this farm or less than 25...

We went using a Groupon voucher which allowed us access to the maize maze. The children were handed a quiz sheet each and we had to look for clues around the maze. We had fun seeking these out then went to the cafe for an...

A wonderfully relaxed place to meet friends with lots to keep the kiddies entertained. Good menu with some vegan options. Decently priced. Staff are pleasant and friendly and shop is quaint. Only areas of improvement would be in a tad more attention to cleanliness: replacing...

First time we have been to a PYO and we loved it. Lots of different fruits to pick. Little shop, cafe, play barn, maize and outside seating area.

A simply incredible farm just outside Thirsk. Went on a Groupon deal for the Unicorn Maize Maze and spent most of the day there. All the staff are superb and really friendly. Food is brilliant, as is the coffee. The produce in the farm shop...

I took the children strawberry picking at the farm today and I was absolutely blown away by the facilities and the friendliness of the staff. Strawberry picking was a lot of fun (and mess as both my children stuffed their faces whilst picking in the...

What a lovely morning! Staff were all lovely and friendly! Price was very good for our picked punnet of strawberries. The strawberries tasted amazing 🙌🏻.

I wouldn’t call it “amazing” like another reviewer, but it was quite good. Tucked away in a tiny rural village it serves very good coffee and some delightful snacks. My sausage sandwIch was pretty good and my wife’s scone was declared very nice. Service was...

Tucked away down a farm lane next to the church and school this was an amazing discovery. Run by the farm's owners and a friendly team there was plenty of fresh home-cooked food. The menu is mainly breakfast, sandwiches and salads but all enjoyable. Also...