Thousands of pumpkins with "stunning" displays for photo opportunities are on offer this Halloween, as a dog-friendly attraction opens up for the spooky season in south Essex.

Pumpkin Village, next door to Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park in South Woodham Ferrers, has opened its doors today.

Photo opportunities - Sheridan Byrne and her familyPhoto opportunities - Sheridan Byrne and her family (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Visitors to the adventure park will get free daytime entry to the pumpkin patch included with their tickets, while exclusive entry is available for those wanting to browse pumpkins - which come in all shapes and sizes.

General manager Lucy Staab said the pumpkin patch offers visitors "an unforgettable and "impressively Instagrammable Halloween".

Wow - Friends Ella Gayle and Khadijah OmerWow - Friends Ella Gayle and Khadijah Omer (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

She added: "Our whole team has gone above and beyond to create stunning displays and incredible photo opportunities.

"Couples, families, and friends can spend a ‘spook-tacular’ day out at Pumpkin Village and make Halloween memories that will last a lifetime.

Adorable - Stevie Southall with her dog NevisAdorable - Stevie Southall with her dog Nevis (Image: Mike Chudley)

"We have got something for everyone - from little ones to grown ups - with a great range of delicious spooky-themed treats on offer."

Dog-friendly sessions mean pawed pals can join their families for some autumnal festivities.

Sweet - Bianca Roman and her daughter Sofia RomanSweet - Bianca Roman and her daughter Sofia Roman (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Lucy added: "Even our four-legged friends can get involved, with props and incredible backdrops to help capture the moment in style."

Meanwhile, visitors can tuck into "monster" burgers, "witch’s finger" topped hot dogs, and loaded fries.

Pumpkins - Bonnie, one, with her twin sisters Aurora and Greyston, both six Pumpkins - Bonnie, one, with her twin sisters Aurora and Greyston, both six (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Those with a sweet tooth can also enjoy specially-made Rossi "ice scream", along with "devilishly decorated" doughnuts for dessert.

Happy - Bonnie, one, with her twin sisters Aurora and Greyston, both six Happy - Bonnie, one, with her twin sisters Aurora and Greyston, both six (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

In addition to its regular open times, Pumpkin Village will welcome guests for "twilight" pumpkin picking sessions under the stars, featuring Halloween-themed fairground rides.

Pumpkin Village opens today and runs daily from 10am to 5pm, until October 31. Evening sessions start at 5.30pm and end at 8pm.

Fun - Twin sisters Aurora and Greyston, both six, on the swings Fun - Twin sisters Aurora and Greyston, both six, on the swings (Image: Ben Shahrabi)

Entry to Pumpkin Village does not include entry to Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park.