Updated By Abbie Coleman October 2026.
Pumpkin Patches Near Me 2026
As the leaves begin to change colour and the air turns crisp, there’s an undeniable sense of excitement in the air as we head into late September and October and pumpkin patches season! We have a complete list of the best spots for your local pumpkin patches with activites from live music, pig races to wagon rides; there is so much fun to be had this autumn.
Make sure to read out Halloween ideas for teens article!
Table of Contents
As the leaves begin to change colour and the air turns crisp, there’s an undeniable sense of excitement in the air as we head into late September and October. It’s autumn, which means as the sunflower field visits draw to a close, it’s time to check out the pumpkin patches and lots of fun activities for Halloween in their place!
Which offers lots of fun things for kids to do in our region and fun experiences for families looking to get involved with activities with their children, so take a look at our pumpkin patches list accross the UK for 2023.
Exploring the acres of pumpkin patches is not just an activity; it’s turning into a tradition that brings families closer, ignites the season’s spirit, and creates unforgettable moments. Alongside, it supports some of the fabulous independent businesses and their families in your region and all the effort that goes into bringing you some amazing memories! We are always proud to support these amazing businesses.
Strolling through fields covered with orange pumpkins and other varieties of weird and wonderful pumpkins, each one uniquely shaped and waiting to be chosen by your little and big ones’ hands. My children’s eyes will always light up as they search for the perfect pumpkin to create their jack-o’-lantern designs or delicious homemade pumpkin treats.
The joy of picking the freshest pumpkin from the vine fosters a sense of connection to nature and the changing seasons, teaching kids about where their food comes from in a hands-on, playful way while having so much fun!
But it’s not just about the pumpkins; these patches are brimming with exciting activities for the little ones. pumpkin patches are a hub of entertainment from a hay ride or tractor rides, hay maze, pony rides, face painting and even a petting zoo or two, along with some great local food trucks at your local farm.
It’s a chance for children to run freely in the crisp autumn air, engage in interactive games, immerse themselves in the season’s magic and get outside again.
So, if you’re looking for the best pumpkin patches for the pumpkin season and a family-friendly adventure this autumn, make sure to visit the delightful pumpkin patches in our list. It’s more than just a fun activity; it’s a heartwarming experience that brings families together, celebrates the beauty of nature, and creates lasting memories for the Halloween season.
Why not make it your family tradition? Check out our straw maze review for more fall festivities or our top 5 festive velvet pumpkins.
Many farms offer u-pick pumpkin activities during Halloween, creating a fun experience for the whole family. Things can change, so please check with the venue to confirm times and details before you set off to avoid disappointment. We do our best to get it right, but things can change or get booked out.
Here is our list of the best pumpkin patches have we missed your favourite? If so, let us know info@mmbmagazine.co.uk
🎃 Best Pumpkin Patches in York & Harrogate – North Yorkshire 2026
Pumpkin season in North Yorkshire has taken on a life of its own. What used to be a quick dash to the supermarket for a carving pumpkin is now a full-on pumpkin picking adventure with tractor rides, face painting, pumpkin bowling and even a corn cannon at some patches. If you’re looking for the best pumpkin patches for 2025 around York, Harrogate, and across North Yorkshire, this guide has you covered.
Expect muddy boots, Insta-worthy photo spots, and children insisting on hauling home a bright orange pumpkin that weighs more than them. Here are the best places in North Yorkshire to find your perfect match this autumn.
🌟 Stockeld Park – Wetherby, North Yorkshire
📍 Stockeld Park, Wetherby, LS22 4AN
The Pumpkin Patch is open every October weekend and daily from the 24th of October until the 31st October.
Entry to the Pumpkin Patch and tractor ride are included in your ticket, but there is an additional charge for pumpkins if you’d like to buy one (or a few!) to take home.
🎃 Birchfield Family Dairies – Summerbridge, Harrogate
📍 Birchfield Farm, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4JS
Adult ( Farm / maize maze admission only )£8.95
Children (2-16) ( Farm / Maize maze admission only )£8.95
Under 2Free
ParkingFree
Pumpkin patch No entry fee just pay for the pumpkins you pick
👉 Top tip: Don’t miss their café – hot drinks and cakes are perfect after an afternoon in the fields.
🎃 The Balloon Tree – Gate Helmsley, York
📍 Stamford Bridge Rd, Gate Helmsley, York YO41 1NB
Entry is £1.50 per person, with children under 2 free. Entry helps us maintain the farm and continue providing a great Pick Your Own experience for everyone who visits.
👉 Top tip: Grab a sausage roll – the excellent selection of pumpkins is matched only by their food.
🎃 Yorkshire Pumpkins – Lodge Farm, Cundall
📍 Lodge Farm, Cundall, North Yorkshire YO61 2RN
They are open 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th and 22nd-31st October.
You must book tickets in advance – they start from £2 per person and everyone needs one except babes in arms.
You can book your tickets here.
🎃 Spilmans Pumpkin Patch – Church Farm, Thirsk
📍 Church Farm, Sessay, Thirsk YO7 3NB
Tickets priced from just £7.95! Advance booking is essential – includes a £5 pumpkin voucher to spend on your pick terms apply.
👩👧 Why North Yorkshire Pumpkin Picking is a Perfect Family Day
Pumpkin patches have gone from niche to mainstream in the last few years. What makes North Yorkshire special is the variety:
- Family farm charm at Yorkshire Pumpkins and The Balloon Tree
- Big festival feel at Piglets and Spilmans
- Historic setting at Castle Howard
- Magical extras at Stockeld Park
Wherever you go, you’ll find pumpkin carving barns, carnival-style games, spooky walks, and fresh autumn air. Add in hot drinks, face painting, pumpkin decor stalls, and even a pumpkin spice latte or two, and you’ve got the makings of a fun family day.
And let’s be honest – you’ll probably come home with more pumpkins than you need, but that’s half the fun.
🌾 Final Thoughts
North Yorkshire really does have some of the best pumpkin patches in the country. From family-run farms with a fantastic farm shop to full-blown pumpkin festivals with cannons, discos, and hay bale mountains, there’s a patch to suit every family.
So grab the wellies, clear some boot space, and head out for your perfect pumpkin-picking experience this autumn. Whether you’re after a perfect carving pumpkin, an Insta-worthy photo spot, or just a warm pumpkin spice latte while the kids play, there’s a patch waiting for you.
👉 Don’t forget to check each farm’s Facebook page or website for event ticket info, entry ticket prices, and extras like free pumpkin offers or additional charges for activities.
One thing’s for sure: when it comes to pumpkin picking adventure, North Yorkshire has nailed it. Entry to the Pumpkin Patch comes at no additional fee for admission. Pumpkins are priced at £3, £5, or £7, depending on their size. For those looking for micro-pumpkins, they are available at £1.50 each.
🎃 Pumpkin Patches in West Yorkshire 2026
Pumpkins are big days out now – they’ve become the centre of whole days out. Across West Yorkshire, farms throw open their gates in autumn and suddenly it’s about wheelbarrows, muddy boots, and kids hunting for the biggest pumpkin they can physically carry.
If you’re planning where to head this October, here’s a proper round-up of what’s on offer in 2025.
Farmer Copleys – Pontefract
📍 Ravensknowle Farm, Pontefract Road, Purston, Pontefract WF7 5AF
Copleys is the one pumkin venue everyone talks about. It’s huge – over 250,000 pumpkins grown each year in every shape and size you can imagine. You don’t just pick a pumpkin here, you spend hours. There’s a maize maze, tractor rides, slingshots that fling pumpkins halfway across a field, and even a climbing mountain made from hay bales.
Kids love the games – pumpkin bowling, bouncy castles, face painting – while grown-ups usually end up drifting toward the farm shop or queuing for coffee. If you’re going close to Halloween itself, check if they’re running evening sessions; they often do something special on 31st October.
Stockeld Park – Wetherby
📍 Stockeld Park, LS22 4AN
Better known for its Enchanted Forest, Stockeld Park also has its own pumpkin patch. A tractor takes you down to the fields where bright orange pumpkins stretch out in neat rows. It’s simple but fun, and they set up wagons and photo spots for families who want that autumn picture.
Just remember, the tractor runs stop around half past four – so don’t leave it to the last minute.
Swithens Farm – Rothwell, Leeds
📍 Swithens Lane, Rothwell, Leeds LS26 0BT
Here you’ve got two choices: daytime picking or the after-dark version. By day, little ones can ride the tractor, wander the fields, and take their pumpkin to the carving barn. At night the place changes completely – glowing pumpkins, lanterns, and a more atmospheric walk around.
Tickets are only online, and October half term goes quickly.
Kemps Farm – Horsforth
📍 West End Lane, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 5ES
Kemps is one of the easier spots for Leeds families. It opens in late September and is more about the pumpkins than the add-ons. Fields full of different sizes, toy tractors for toddlers to race about on, and some nice little displays if you’re after a quick photo.
If you want straightforward picking without a whole day’s worth of queues and noise, this is the one.
Bert’s Barrow – Hillam
📍 Austfield Lane, Hillam LS25 5NQ
A family run farm that’s been farming here for years, Bert’s Barrow grows tens of thousands of pumpkins.
A good old-fashioned farm day out for the family. They’ve got a barn where you can carve (there’s a small fee for this), local food stalls, and often some live music on busier weekends.
Dogs are allowed too – always a bonus.
Eddy’s Pumpkin Patch – Mirfield
📍 Eddy’s Ice Cream, 14 Huddersfield Road, Mirfield WF14 9DL
🔗 eddyspumpkinpatch.co.uk
This one’s smaller but has its own charm. You pick your pumpkin, the kids mess around on the toy tractors, and then you all end up inside for ice cream. Yes, ice cream in October – they even do a pumpkin flavour.
Redwood Farm – Wakefield
📍 Wakefield (check their Facebook for directions)
A newer name, Redwood Farm only opens on certain days through October. They keep it simple: fields, pumpkins, wheelbarrows, and hot drinks. Handy if you’re local to Wakefield and don’t fancy trekking further.
Brookleigh Pumpkins – Menston
📍 Brookleigh Farm, Burley Road, Menston LS29 6NS
Brookleigh runs a smaller patch with free entry, plus a Halloween trail if you want to pay extra. There’s a carving barn and some gentle family activities. Ideal for younger kids who get tired after an hour, rather than needing a whole day.
Thornton Hall Country Park – Skipton Edge
📍 Thornton-in-Craven, Skipton BD23 3TS 3rd October 2026 to 23rd October 2026
Just on the West Yorkshire border, Thornton Hall mixes pumpkin picking with their farm attractions. Expect animals, trails, and on some evenings, discos where kids can come in fancy dress. Fridays during half term usually sell out quickly.
Final word
West Yorkshire’s patches all have their own feel. If you want big and busy, head for Farmer Copleys. If you like things low-key, try Redwood or Brookleigh. And if you’re after atmosphere, Stockeld and Swithens put on the lights and make it magical.
Whichever you choose, remember to bring boots (mud is guaranteed), clear the boot of the car, and expect to carry home more pumpkins than you’ll actually carve.
🎃 Pumpkin Patches in Manchester & Cheshire 2026
Pumpkin picking has gone from a quick stop at the supermarket to a proper family day out. Across Manchester and Cheshire, farms now run pumpkin festivals, maize mazes, and even spooky trails – alongside fields full of bright orange pumpkins.
Here’s the updated list of where to head this autumn.
🌟 Kenyon Hall Farm – Warrington, Cheshire
📍 Kenyon Hall Farm, Winwick Lane, Croft, Warrington WA3 7ED
Advanced booking essential (no walk-ins) | £3.95 per person | infants under 18 months free
One of the most popular patches in the North West. Huge fields, lots of choice, plus a big play area with a sandpit and climbing frames for younger kids. The farm shop is also great for seasonal veg and treats.
🎃 Claremont Farm – Bebington, Wirral
📍 Claremont Farm, Old Clatterbridge Road, Bebington CH63 4JB
💷 Free entry – pay for what you pick 10am to 5pm
A little further out but worth it. Claremont has a big patch and a strong focus on local produce. Their farm shop is packed with breads, jams, and chutneys – easy to overspend here.
🎃 Wheelock Hall Farm – Sandbach, Cheshire
📍 Wheelock Hall Farm, Wheelock, Sandbach CW11 4RE
💷 The entry fee for children is £12.99, £2.99 for adults, under 1’s go free. This includes entry to the pumpkin patch and access to all the facilities; our three large play areas, soft play barn and animals.
Website: Wheelock Hall Farm
Open from Saturday 3rd October, every day, right through to the end of October.
The Pumpkin Patch is within our play area.
🎃 Cockfields Farm Park – Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester
📍 Lees New Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 8AR
Check out all the events, including pumpkin smashing!
🎃 Lymm Pumpkin Patch – Lymm, Cheshire
📍 Stage Lane, Lymm WA13 0TA
💷 Find out more info for Lymm Pumpkin Patch here
🎃 Pye Ash Farm Pumpkin Maze – Bosley, near Macclesfield
📍 Pye Ash Farm, Bosley, SK11 0PN
Pumpkin patch with a maze, plus 50+ varieties of pumpkins and squash.Face painting and marshmellows too!
🎃 Libby’s Patch – Gawsworth, Macclesfield
📍 Gawsworth, Macclesfield SK11
Four pumpkin fields, plenty of wheelbarrows, and straightforward picking. Entry price at just £10 per car
🎃 Seven Sisters Ice Cream (The Secret Pumpkin Patch) – Knutsford, Cheshire
📍 Knutsford WA16
💷 Seven Sisters Pumpkin Patch website
🎃 Magical Malpas PYO Farm – Malpas, Cheshire
📍 Agden, Malpas SY13 4RB
👩👧 Tips for Families
- Wellies and old clothes – even the “dry” farms get muddy by October.
- Check Facebook/Instagram – small farms change opening times depending on weather.
- Cash helps – some smaller stalls don’t always have card readers.
- Weekdays are quieter – if you can avoid weekends, the fields are calmer.
🎃 Pumpkin Patches in South Yorkshire 2026
South Yorkshire is stepping it up this year with its pumpkin game in recent years. From the bigger farms with indoor play barns to smaller, family-run patches, there’s plenty of choice!
🌟 Cannon Hall Farm – Barnsley
📍 Cawthorne, Barnsley S75 4AT
💷 Tickets from £12.95 per person
Cannon Hall is the big one. Around 10,000 pumpkins grow here each year, and kids with tickets get to take one home. But it’s not just about the patch — your ticket covers a full day on the farm: outdoor adventure playground, soft play, sheep and ferret races, animal talks, plus the reptile and mammal house.
🎃 Boston Park Farm – Hatfield, Doncaster
📍 Boston Park Farm, Bawtry Road, Hatfield DN7 6DS
💷 Admission applies | Pumpkins extra
Boston Park Farm runs its Pumpkin Festival all through October. Expect tractor rides, animal handling, a bale pyramid, and the maize maze if it’s still open. Smaller than Cannon Hall but full of charm, it’s especially good for younger kids or families who want a quieter experience.
The Farm Shop, Barnby Dun – Doncaster
There’s plenty more than pumpkin picking happening at The Farm Shop in Barnby Dun this October. Alongside two pick-your-own pumpkin patches, families can explore the maize maze, pick their own corn and enjoy a tractor ride.
A lovely option if you want to make more of a day out rather than simply popping in for a pumpkin.
Dates: 10th–11th, 17th–18th and 24th–29th October 2026.
Where: Well Green, High Street, Barnby Dun, Doncaster, DN3 1DU.
Eastfield Farm Soft Fruit – Tickhill, Doncaster
If you’re looking for pumpkin picking without the fuss of booking tickets, Eastfield Farm is worth adding to your list. There are plenty of pumpkins to choose from, and once you’ve found yours, you can head to the tearoom for a hot chocolate and a slice of cake.
There’s no entry fee and no need to book ahead. Simply turn up and pay for the pumpkins you pick.
Dates: Open from early October 2026.
Where: Doncaster Road, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9JD.
Bell Green Farm – Sykehouse, Doncaster
Bell Green Farm grows its own pumpkins, with everything from traditional orange varieties to pumpkins in different shapes, sizes and colours.
There are carving stations if you fancy getting creative while you’re there, plus hot chocolate and seasonal treats to keep everyone going.
Children can also meet the farm animals, with free entry to see them. Dogs are welcome too, provided they’re kept on leads.
Dates: Weekends throughout October and during October half term 2026.
Where: Bell Green Lane, Sykehouse, DN14 9AL.
Billingley Christmas Tree Farm – Barnsley
Christmas trees might be what Billingley Farm is best known for, but come October, it’s all about pumpkins.
With several varieties available in different shapes and sizes, families can wander around and choose their own to take home. Whether you’re after a big pumpkin for carving or a few smaller ones for an autumn display, there’s plenty of choice.
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays throughout October 2026, 11am–5pm.
Where: Billingley Christmas Trees, Back Lane, Billingley, Barnsley, S72 0JF.
Wentworth Garden Centre Family Farm – Rotherham
A visit to Wentworth Garden Centre can include a little Halloween fun this October. Head over to the Family Farm pumpkin patch, where children can pick out their own pumpkin before taking it to the craft area to carve.
The nice thing is that pumpkin carving is included at no extra charge, so you won’t need to take your pumpkin home and tackle the mess in the kitchen!
Dates: 10th–31st October 2026.
Where: Wentworth Garden Centre, Hague Lane, Wentworth, Rotherham, S62 7TF.
Graves Park Animal Farm Pumpkin Picking – Sheffield
Graves Park Animal Farm is hosting pumpkin picking throughout October, with more than 500 pumpkins available each day. Children can choose a pumpkin and enjoy a Spooky Woodland Walk as part of their visit.
There’s no need to book in advance, and you can pay by cash or card when you arrive.
Prices: £7 per child, including entry to the pumpkin picking area, the Spooky Woodland Walk and one pumpkin. Accompanying adults cost £2, while children under one enter free, although a pumpkin isn’t included.
Dates: Every weekend in October, plus 26th October–1st November 2026.
Where: Graves Park, Hemsworth Road, Norton, Sheffield, S8 8LJ.
Cannon Hall Farm Pumpkin Picking – Barnsley
Cannon Hall Farm certainly doesn’t do pumpkins by halves, with almost 10,000 pumpkins available for visitors to choose from.
One of the big attractions is the straightforward pricing. Every pumpkin costs £3, regardless of size, so there’s no weighing your pumpkin and wondering how much it’s going to cost at the till.
Children can also visit the craft zone to paint and decorate their pumpkins, with the decorating activity included free of charge.
Dates: Selected dates throughout October 2026.
Where: Cannon Hall Farm, Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley, S75 4AT
👩👧 Tips for Visiting
- Wellies and waterproofs are a must in October.
- Book Cannon Hall early — it always sells out.
- Quieter weekdays mean better pumpkin choices and fewer queues.
🎃 Pumpkin Patches in East Yorkshire 2026
These pumpkin farms are packed with atmosphere. Expect family-run farms, spooky trails, and plenty of pumpkins to pick.
🌟 Butt Farm – Beverley
📍 Butt Farm Caravan & Camping Site, Victoria Road, Beverley HU17 8PJ
💷 Entry by donation (supports Yorkshire Air Ambulance) | Pumpkins priced individually
Butt Farm’s patch is open in 2026. It’s a relaxed set-up: pick your own pumpkins, grab a hot drink, and let the kids try the spooky trail.
They also run face painting on weekends and throughout half-term. Free parking is available, and it’s easy to get there by bus (X46/X47 with a 10-minute walk).
🎃 Sledmere House – Driffield
📍 Sledmere, Driffield YO25 3XG
💷 Admission fees apply | Pumpkins extra
Sledmere House transforms for its Spooky Barn Halloween Adventure running 25 October – 2 November 2025. It’s an indoor/outdoor mix with creepy crafts, a petrifying pumpkin hunt in the walled gardens, and trails through the stables and farm park. If you’re after more than just pumpkins, this one’s worth the trip.
👩👧 Tips for East Yorkshire Patches
- Butt Farm: free entry, but bring cash for donations and extras.
- Sledmere House: better for families who want Halloween crafts and trails alongside pumpkins.
- Both are great half-term options if you’re staying local.
Final Word
Between Cannon Hall’s huge festival atmosphere in South Yorkshire and Butt Farm’s more laid-back patch in East Yorkshire, families have a good mix of options for 2025. Whether you’re after a full day out with play barns and animal shows, or just want to grab a pumpkin and a hot chocolate, Yorkshire has you covered.
🎃 Pumpkin Patches in Derbyshire 2026
Derbyshire does autumn properly — muddy fields, wheelbarrows, and barns full of bright orange pumpkins. Whether you want a huge festival-style farm or a simple patch with Peak District views, there are plenty of options across the county this year. Check out our sister site Ey-Up Derbyshire Kids for more pumpkin patches in Derbyshire and events
🌟 Ashover Pumpkins – Chesterfield
📍 Eastwood Lane, Ashover, Chesterfield S45 0BD
💷 Free entry & parking | Pay for pumpkins
Ashover has grown over 40,000 pumpkins for 2025. Open 1–31 October, daily 10am–4pm, it’s a relaxed, family-run patch with free admission and no booking needed. Expect food stalls (burgers and hot drinks) on weekends and during half-term.
🎃 Ashover Family Farm – Chesterfield
📍 Ashover, Chesterfield S45
💷 Free entry | Pumpkins extra
A second patch in Ashover that’s worth a look. Open from 4 October 2025, with a corn maze, food and drink stalls, and lots of photo opportunities dotted around the fields. This one’s good if you’re after a quieter vibe than the main Ashover Pumpkins site.
🎃 Stretton Hall Pumpkins – Clay Cross
📍 Stretton Hall Farm, Newmarket Lane, Clay Cross
🔗https://www.facebook.com/strettonhallfarmshop/
Details for 2025 are still being announced, but expect the usual mix of a welcoming pumpkin patch, farm shop and plenty of seasonal treats. Keep an eye on their socials for the launch.
🎃 Mr Pumpkin – Morley, Derby
📍 Lime Farm, Mansfield Road, Morley DE7 6JU
💷 Tickets required (on sale late August) | Pumpkins extra
One of the largest pumpkin farms in Derbyshire with nearly 90,000 pumpkins across 40 varieties. From giants to mini gourds, you’ll find everything here. Pick up a trail sheet at the gate and follow the pumpkin clues for a sweet treat at the end.
On-site fun includes bouncy castles, teacups, bungy trampolines and food from Oakfield Farm. Always book in advance – half term dates sell out fast.
🎃 Village Pumpkins – Barlow
📍 Johnnygate Lane, Barlow, Chesterfield
💷 Free entry | Pumpkins priced individually | Parking fee at weekends (cash preferred)
Set near the edge of the Peak District, Village Pumpkins is full of charm. Open weekends in early October, then daily 16–31 October, 9am–5pm. No booking needed.
Expect a vintage tractor, pumpkin chair for photos, chickens for kids to visit, plus hot chocolate and pumpkin pie cake on sale. Pack the wellies — the field gets muddy towards the end of the month.
🎃 Matlock Farm Park – Matlock
📍 Jaggers Lane, Matlock DE4 5LH
💷 Admission applies | Pumpkins extra
During October half-term, Matlock Farm Park runs a woodland Halloween trail with fun props and friendly costumed characters. The patch is open daily, and kids can carve on site or take their pumpkin home. Look out for Witch Wendolyn making her rounds too.
🎃 Bluebells Dairy – Torchlight Pumpkin Picking (Derbyshire/Notts border)
📍 Locko Rd, Spondon, Derby DE21 7AR
💷 Tickets required | Pumpkins extra
Something a bit different: from 18–25 October 2025, you can pick your pumpkins by torchlight at Bluebells Dairy. Expect glowing lanterns, fire performers, selfie spots, a spooky ghost trail and plenty of warm drinks. It’s a fun twist on traditional pumpkin picking and makes for brilliant photos.
👩👧 Tips for Visiting
- Wellies & waterproofs are essential by late October.
- Book ahead for Mr Pumpkin, Matlock Farm Park and Bluebells Dairy.
- Cash handy for small weekend parking charges at Village Pumpkins.
- Check Facebook pages on the morning of your trip — weather sometimes changes opening hours.
Final Word
Derbyshire really does pumpkin season well. From Ashover’s free-entry fields to Mr Pumpkin’s 90,000-strong patch, and the new torchlight evenings at Bluebells Dairy, there’s something for every family.
👉 Don’t forget — for even more family days out, trails, and events across the region, check out our dedicated sites:
🎃 Pumpkin Patches in Nottinghamshire 2026
Autumn in Nottinghamshire means its time to pull the wellies on and go in hunt of the perfect pumkin.
🌟 Maxeys Farm Shop – Southwell
📍 Hockerton Road, Southwell NG25 0PJ
💷 Tickets required | Pumpkins extra
Maxeys is the biggest pumpkin patch in Nottinghamshire, planting thousands of pumpkins every year across their fields. Alongside the pumpkins, you’ll find fairground rides, food stalls, and plenty of family fun. This one is busy and lively, so if you want atmosphere, this is your best bet.
🎃 White Post Farm – Farnsfield
📍 White Post Farm, Farnsfield NG22 8HL
💷 Admission fee applies | Pumpkins extra
A long-time favourite with local families, White Post Farm mixes pumpkin picking with animal encounters. You can meet everything from llamas to reptiles before heading into the fields. They usually run themed Halloween activities alongside the patch.
🎃 Village Pumpkins – Gonalston (near Nottingham)
📍 Gonalston, Nottinghamshire (check socials for postcode)
💷 Free entry | Pay for pumpkins
A family-run farm patch that has been growing in popularity each year. No booking needed, just turn up with your wellies and grab a wheelbarrow. Pumpkins are priced individually and there are usually a few props for photos.
🎃 Funkee Monkees – Beeston
📍 Unit 1–2 Old Brickyard Road, Beeston NG9 6QG
💷 Admission to play centre applies | Pumpkins extra
Not your traditional field, but Funkee Monkees transforms part of their indoor play centre into a mini pumpkin patch every October. Good for rainy days when the kids still want the pumpkin experience but without the mud.
🎃 Doddington Hall – Lincoln (Notts border)
📍 Doddington, Lincoln LN6 4RU
💷 Entry applies | Pumpkins priced individually
A little outside Nottinghamshire but popular with local families, the historic Doddington estate offers a pumpkin patch in its gardens every October. It’s more of a scenic, autumnal day out than a farm festival, and great if you like a bit of history with your pumpkin picking.
🎃 Hilltop Farm – Leamington Spa (further afield)
📍 Hunningham, Leamington Spa CV32 1LU
Not strictly Nottinghamshire, but Hilltop Farm often gets visitors from the south of the county. They run a farm shop, café, and seasonal pumpkin picking — a nice option if you’re already in Warwickshire.
👩👧 Tips for Visiting
- Maxeys is the busiest — book early and expect queues on half-term weekends.
- Village Pumpkins is more low-key, perfect for a quick visit without booking.
- White Post Farm works well for a full day out with animals + pumpkins.
- Funkee Monkees is your rainy-day back-up plan.
Final Word
From Maxeys’ huge pumpkin fields to the indoor fun at Funkee Monkees, Nottinghamshire has something for every type of family this October. Whether you want mud, maize, or a quick indoor pumpkin snap, you’re covered.
👉 Don’t forget, we share even more family days out, trails, and seasonal events on our dedicated site:
Online Print Outs for Scavenger Trails and Fall Ideas:
Remember to check the specific event or location websites for any updates on opening times, restrictions, or special arrangements.
This October, let the North West be your playground for cost-free family fun. From artistic adventures to eerie explorations, there’s something for every little adventurer. Embrace the season, make lasting memories, and revel in the beauty of autumn with your loved ones! 🍁🎃
How To Clean And Care For Your Pumpkins
Keeping your pumpkins clean is essential to ensure they last longer, especially if you’re planning to use them for decoration or carving. Here’s how to clean and care for your pumpkins to help them last:
1. Harvest with Care: Handle your pumpkins gently when harvesting or purchasing them. Bruises or cuts can lead to faster decay.
2. Remove Excess Dirt: Use a soft brush or a cloth to gently remove excess dirt and debris from the pumpkin’s surface. Avoid water at this stage, as excess moisture can promote mould growth.
3. Wash with Mild Soap: If your pumpkins are particularly dirty, you can use a mixture of mild dish soap and water to clean them. Fill a bucket with water and add a small amount of soap. Gently scrub the pumpkin’s surface with a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
4. Dry Thoroughly: Make sure the pumpkins are completely dry after washing. You can pat them dry with a clean towel or let them air dry in a cool, dry place.
5. Sanitize with Vinegar Solution: To further prevent mould growth and bacteria, you can create a sanitizing solution using vinegar. Mix one part white vinegar with ten parts water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the pumpkin’s surface and let it air dry. Vinegar helps kill bacteria and mould spores.
6. Avoid Cutting into the Pumpkin: If you’re not planning to carve your pumpkins right away, avoid cutting into them. Once a pumpkin is cut, it begins to deteriorate more rapidly. Instead, keep them intact until you’re ready to use them.
7. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Store your cleaned pumpkins in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures. A garage, basement, or covered porch can be suitable locations.
8. Elevate and Rotate: Place your pumpkins on a piece of cardboard or a wooden pallet to keep them off the ground. This helps prevent moisture from being absorbed through the pumpkin’s bottom. Periodically rotate the pumpkins to ensure even air circulation and prevent flat spots from forming.
9. Monitor for Signs of Decay: Regularly inspect your pumpkins for any signs of soft spots, mould, or decay. If you notice any issues, remove those pumpkins from the group to prevent them from affecting the others.
19. Consider Applying Petroleum Jelly: Some people recommend applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the pumpkin’s surface to help retain moisture and prevent drying. However, opinions on this method vary, so it’s worth trying on a small area first to see if it has the desired effect.
11. Skip the carving until closer to Halloween to keep it fresh.
Halloween Ideas For Days Out
October in Yorkshire offers a treasure trove of family-friendly activities beyond pumpkin patches. Embrace the season with these delightful options:
- Exploring Historic Castles: The Uk boasts a wealth of historic castles, take the kids on a journey through time, letting their imaginations run wild as they discover the secrets of these ancient fortresses.
- Spooky Trails and Ghost Walks: With Halloween just around the corner, spooky trails and ghost walks add an extra layer of excitement. Join guided tours in your local cities, where storytellers share eerie tales of the past.
- Animal Encounters at Wildlife Parks: Treat the little ones to a day at a wildlife park like Flamingo Land or Yorkshire Wildlife Park. They’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with a diverse range of animals, from exotic creatures to local wildlife.
- Creative Workshops and Craft Sessions: Many venues, including museums and art centers, host workshops for children. From pottery to painting, these hands-on experiences are both fun and educational.
- Nature Walks and Scavenger Hunts: With our stunning natural landscapes, taking a family walk in the crisp autumn air can be a magical experience. Create your own scavenger hunt or follow established trails, observing the changing colors of the leaves.
- Festive Food and Drink Experiences: Our culinary scene offers opportunities for kids to get hands-on in the kitchen. Attend family-friendly cooking classes or visit local food festivals to savor delicious seasonal treats.
- Adventure Playgrounds and Parks: Yorkshire is home to a variety of adventure playgrounds, offering endless fun for kids. From zip lines to climbing walls, these parks are sure to keep the little ones entertained.
This October, Yorkshire provides a rich tapestry of family activities that extend beyond the pumpkin patches. Explore history, encounter wildlife, unleash creativity, and embrace the natural beauty of the region, creating lasting memories for you and your children.
#Pumpkin Patches In 2023