The Best Pumpkin Picking Near You Across the UK
Pumpkin picking tips | Find pumpkin picking near you
There’s nothing that screams autumn quite like the sight of a field full of ready-to-pick pumpkins. Whether you’re looking to carve a masterpiece or make a tasty and warming soup, visiting a pumpkin farm is a great way to support local businesses and enjoy some time in the outdoors. Here are our picking tips and recommendations of the best pumpkin farms across the UK.
Best pumpkin picking in the West Midlands
Pumpkins R Us, Southam
Choose from pumpkins in all sizes and colours before visiting the spooky shop or enjoying delicious pumpkin-based meals in the café.
Nearest campsite: Kingsbury Water Park Club Site or Chipping Norton Club Site
Lower Clopton Farm Shop, Stratford-upon-Avon
Offering pick your own (PYO) year-round, Lower Clopton Farm Shop is making sure there are plenty of pumpkins come October. Pay a small entry free and roam the field to find your perfect pumpkin.
Nearest campsite: Winchcombe Club Site
The Pumpkin Patch, Hereford
Open all weekends in October, the pumpkin patch at New House Farm is a favourite with locals. There are usually food and drink suppliers there to warm your bones too.
Nearest campsite: Hereford Club Site
Clive’s Fruit Farm, Worcestershire
Pick your own pumpkins to get into the spirit of autumn or visit the farm shop to buy them ready-picked. Clive’s Fruit Farm has a coffee shop, butchery and much more to enjoy while visiting.
Nearest campsite: Blackmore Club Site
Best pumpkin picking in the South East
Rectory Farm, Oxford
Rectory Farm offers pumpkin picking from September and puts on plenty of spooky fun for all.
Nearest campsite: Chipping Norton Club Site
Sunnyfields Farm, Southampton
Book in advance to visit Sunnyfields Farm during pumpkin picking season. During your visit, make sure you check out the farm shop to pick up tasty, local ingredients.
Nearest campsite: Verwood Club Site
Priory Farm, Surrey
Boarding a tractor to get to the pumpkin patch is all part of the experience at Priory Farm. The gift barn, farm shop and family nature trail are all added bonuses during your visit.
Nearest campsite: Horsley Club Site
Best pumpkin picking in the North West
Walby Farm Park, Cumbria
Indoor and outdoor play areas, a corn cannon, cute farm animals, and so much more, including pumpkin picking, are ready for visitors come October.
Nearest campsite: Keswick Club Site
Windmill Animal Farm, Lancashire
Head to Windmill Animal Farm for a full day of family fun. 20,000 pumpkins are waiting to be picked, and the other farm attractions are included in your ticket price.
Nearest campsite: Clitheroe Club Site
Best pumpkin picking in the East of England
Secret Pumpkin, Bedfordshire
Five acres of pumpkins and 25 different varieties can be found here, that is, if you don’t get lost in the giant maze along the way.
Nearest campsite: St Neots Club Site
Pumpkin Jim’s, Essex
Pumpkin Jim’s is popular in the lead-up to Halloween with pumpkin picking, potato digging and much more available.
Nearest campsite: Cambridge Club Site
Hatter’s Farm, Essex
Daytime and spooky night-time pumpkin picking is available here as well as a maize maze and pumpkin cannons.
Nearest campsite: Kelvedon Hatch Club Site
Pumpkin House, Norfolk
Visit the Pumpkin House, which is exactly what it sounds like to select a pre-cut pumpkin. There’s plenty of other family fun to keep you occupied during your visit.
Nearest campsite: West Runton Club Site
Best pumpkin picking in the South West
Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park, Bristol
Pumpkin picking and so much more can be expected on a trip to Avon Valley. A licensed bar, spooky characters and fire shows are just a few things to expect.
Nearest campsite: Cheddar Club Site
Cornish Maize Maze & Fun Farm, Cornwall
The pumpkin patch and Halloween maze will be open through October for family fun, ideal for younger kids.
Nearest campsite: Tavistock Club Site
Devon Pumpkin Picking, Devon
Richard, the farmer here, prides himself on growing the most perfect pumpkins. Not only are you sure to find some beautiful pumpkins, the fields here are also ideal for autumn family photoshoots.
Nearest campsite: California Cross Club Site
Thurloxton Pumpkin Patch, Somerset
Over two acres of pumpkins, a carving barn, a spooky walk and lots of family fun and games can be expected at Thurloxton Pumpkin Patch.
Nearest campsite: Cheddar Club Site
Best pumpkin picking in Yorkshire and the Humber
Farmer Copleys Pumpkin Experience, West Yorkshire
Thousands of pumpkins to choose from, tractor rides, bird of prey shows, face painting and much more have become an annual tradition here.
Nearest campsite: Moreton Club Site
Birchfield Pumpkin Festival, North Yorkshire
Visit Birchfield Family Dairies in Harrogate on any day in October to enjoy the pumpkin patch.
Nearest campsite: Boroughbridge Club Site
The Whole Hogg Farm Shop & Tearoom, North Yorkshire
Receive a warm welcome at the traditional working farm shop and tearoom. Through October, there are 100 varieties of pumpkin to pick from.
Nearest campsite: Slingsby Club Site
Redhouse Farm, Lincolnshire
PYO pumpkins has been running at Redhouse Farm since 2017. Pay for what you pick and enjoy a hot drink and cake in the café.
Nearest campsite: Woodhall Spa Club Site
Best pumpkin picking in the East Midlands
Mr Pumpkin, Derby
Borrow a barrow and choose from thousands of pumpkins, brave the bouncy castle and enjoy hot and cold food and drinks.
Nearest campsite: Conkers Club Site
Blackbrook Farm Pumpkins, Leicestershire
In the heart of Leicestershire Blackbrook Farm pride themselves on growing the best pumpkins with 6,000 planted annually.
Nearest campsite: Conkers Club Site
Pumpkin Bumpkins, Lincolnshire
Just nine miles from Lincoln, head to Spridlington for autumn fun and pumpkin picking.
Nearest campsite: Woodhall Spa Club Site
Best pumpkin picking in the North East
East Grange Pumpkin Patch, Durham
Over 50,000 pumpkins are up for grabs at East Grange. Grab a wheelbarrow and dive right in.
Nearest campsite: Barnard Castle Club Site
Best pumpkin picking in Scotland
Loch Ness Pumpkins
The first Highland pumpkin picking patch was at Corrimony Farm. A maze made of kale, a train made of barrels and pumpkin-themed foods await.
Nearest campsite: Loch Ness Shores Club Site
Broadslap Fruit Farm, Perthshire
Enjoy picking from the large selection of pumpkins at Broadslap Fruit Farm and visit the other attractions while there.
Nearest campsite: Scone Club Site
Udny Pumpkins, Aberdeenshire
Visit friendly farm animals, play on hay bales and pick the perfect pumpkin.
Nearest campsite: Tarland by Deeside Club Site
Best pumpkin picking in Wales
Pembrokeshire Pumpkins
Don your wellies and head to this popular pumpkin farm. A woodland play area, a firepit with marshmallows, and plenty of other Halloween fun await.
Nearest campsite: Cardigan Bay Club Site
Porth Farm, Powys
A maize maze, pumpkin picking, and much more can be found at Porth Farm during the spooky season.
Nearest campsite: Wyeside Club Site
How to pick the perfect pumpkin
Take your time choosing which pumpkin to pick. The first decision to make is the colour you’re looking for. Pumpkins come in shades ranging from bright orange to beautiful white. Look at the flesh of your chosen pumpkin and check there are no imperfections like bruises or cracks. A fresh pumpkin will be firm, especially around the top and bottom. If you notice soft areas, it’s likely past it’s best. Like an apple, if you give your pumpkin a firm knock and it sounds hollow inside, you’re good to go.
The best time of year to pick pumpkins?
Pumpkins can last up to two months after picking when kept in dry, cool conditions. If you want a perfect pumpkin for Halloween, the best time to go pumpkin picking is in the first two weeks of October. Pumpkin farms have a limited supply, so make sure you get in there early for the best pickings.
Pumpkin picking tips
- Be prepared to get messy. While pumpkin picking may be Instagram-worthy, it can also be a muddy situation for all involved. Wear sturdy shoes, and if it’s been raining, prepare to get stuck in.
- Dress for the weather which in the UK at the start of October could be anything!
- Once you’ve picked your pumpkin, hold it with both hands, not by the stem. You don’t want it to fall on the floor and go to waste.
- Bear in mind that most pumpkin farms will sell by weight or size and that the smaller ones make better eating.