Pedal to the perfect pumpkin: Top pumpkin-picking places in the UK
- 4 Oct 2024
Autumn has officially arrived! The crisp air, falling leaves, and the excitement of Halloween make it one of the best seasons for family fun. If you're looking for an autumnal activity to enjoy with the kids, why not combine your love of cycling with a visit to one of the UK’s most charming pumpkin patches? It’s the perfect excuse for an outdoor adventure, some exercise, and, of course, to pick the best pumpkin for carving.
Here’s our list of some of the best pumpkin-picking spots in the UK that are also fantastic destinations for a family cycle trip!
PUMPKIN-PICKING NEAR ME:
1. Crockford Bridge Farm – Surrey
Located just outside Weybridge, Crockford Bridge Farm is not only famous for its delicious pick-your-own fruits but also for its amazing pumpkin festival every autumn. The farm features acres of pumpkins to choose from, with themed activities, food stalls, and Halloween fun for the kids.
Open dates: 4-20 October 2024 (Closed on Mondays)
Entry cost: £4.50 (+ cost of the pumpkin) - book in advance
Address: New Haw Road, Addlestone, Nr. Weybridge, Surrey KT15 2BU
Cycling tip: With the farm located near the scenic Surrey Hills, you can plan a gentle bike ride through the countryside before stopping off to select your pumpkin. There are many quiet roads and bike paths nearby, so the whole family can enjoy the ride. Just make sure your bike basket is ready to carry home a gourd or two!
Find out more about pumpkin picking at Crockford Bridge Farm >>
[Photo credit: Crockford Bridge Farm]
FUN FACT
Did you know that pumpkins are actually a fruit? They belong to the gourd family, which also includes cucumbers and squash!
2. Sunnyfields Farm - Southampton, Hampshire
Sunnyfields Farm, located just outside Southampton, hosts a wonderful "Pumpkin Time" event each autumn. This farm transforms into a vibrant sea of orange as families come to pick their perfect pumpkins. Along with the patch, there are creative displays, food stalls, and plenty of photo opportunities to capture your autumn adventure. It’s a fantastic place to bring the family for some seasonal fun.
Open dates: 5-31 October 2024
Entry cost: £5.50 per person - book in advance
Address: Sunnyfields Farm, Jacob’s Gutter Lane, Totton, Southampton, SO40 9FX
Cycling tip: Sunnyfields is close to the stunning New Forest, one of the most picturesque cycling spots in the UK. You can easily turn your trip into a day of adventure by riding through the forest's scenic cycle routes before heading to the farm for some pumpkin-picking fun.
Learn more about the Sunnyfields pumpkin time event >>
FUN FACT
Pumpkins can grow to weigh more than 450kg (1,000 pounds)! The largest pumpkin ever recorded weighed over 1100kg (2,600 pounds). That’s a heavy haul for your bike!
3. Cairnie Fruit Farm – Fife, Scotland
Cairnie Fruit Farm is located in Fife, Scotland and offers a fantastic day out. Famous for its pick-your-own fruits, it boasts a big pumpkin patch with over 20,000 pumpkins of all sizes, shapes and colours. You can pick your own pumpkins, enjoy the mega maze, and even take a tractor ride around the farm.
Open dates: From 5 October 2024
Entry cost: £1.50 (+ cost of the pumpkin) - book in advance
Address: Cairnie, Cupar, Fife, KY15 4QD
Cycling tip: Make it a weekend adventure and bring your bikes along! There are family-friendly cycle routes nearby, like the Kingdom of Fife Cycle Way, which takes you through rolling fields and quiet country lanes. After a fun pumpkin hunt, you can ride along the paths, taking in the beautiful autumn colours.
Learn more about pumpkin picking at Cairnie Fruit Farm >>
[Photo credit: Cairnie Fruit Farm]
FUN FACT
In the UK, pumpkins are usually orange, but they can also be found in shades of white, blue, and even green! So, don't be surprised if you find a colourful surprise in the patch!
4. Piglets Adventure Farm – York
Piglets Adventure Farm in York offers a fantastic pumpkin festival each autumn, complete with a pumpkin patch and carving, ghost trail, spooky maze, seasonal crafts, animal encounters, indoor play barn, outdoor adventure play and family-friendly Halloween shows. It’s a must-visit for those looking for a bit of extra Halloween magic during their pumpkin picking.
Open dates: 12, 13, 19 and 20 October & daily from 26 - 31 October 2024
Entry cost: £15.95 per child (+ FREE pumpkin) + £14.95 per adult - book in advance
Address: Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York, YO32 9ST
Cycling tip: York is well known for its extensive network of cycle paths, so you can easily combine a visit to Piglets Adventure Farm with a ride through the city or the nearby countryside. The nearby Solar System Way offers a flat, easy ride, making it perfect for families with younger children on their Frog Bikes
Discover the pumpkin festival at Piglets Adventure Farm >>
FUN FACT
The tradition of carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns started in Ireland, where people originally used turnips! (although it is a lot harder to do!)
5. Tulleys Farm, West Sussex
Tulleys Farm is a magical autumn destination with its giant pumpkin patch and Halloween-themed festival. From carving workshops, live roaming characters, street food, and an observation wheel to haunted hayrides, it’s packed with activities for children of all ages. The pumpkin patch is vast, as they planted over 600,000 seeds this year and over 100 different varieties, so you’ll have plenty of options for picking your own pumpkins.
Open dates: 5-31 October 2024
Entry cost: Between £7-10 per person - book in advance
Address: Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill Rd, Turners Hill, West Sussex, RH10 4PE
Cycling tip: Situated in the heart of West Sussex, Tulleys Farm is a great stop on a cycle tour of the surrounding countryside. The South Downs National Park is just a short ride away, where you can explore rolling hills, peaceful villages, and woodland trails. If your family loves an outdoor adventure, combine your pick-your-own pumpkin-picking trip with a scenic cycle route for a perfect day out.
Find out more about Tulleys Farm pumpkin festival >>
[Photo credit: Tulleys Farm]
FUN FACT
Pumpkins are a great source of vitamin A and can help improve your eyesight! So when you eat those delicious pumpkin treats, you’re doing something good for your eyes too!
6. Maxey’s Farm Shop – Nottinghamshire
Maxey’s Farm is another excellent pick-your-own destination, with fields full of pumpkins in every shape and size. They also offer fun events during the pumpkin season, like pumpkin picking, a spooky woodland walk, a ride on a pumpkin carriage, BBQs, and bouncy castles.
Open dates: 5-31 October 2024
Entry cost: £2 per person (+ cost of pumpkin. Under 16’s FREE) - booking not required
Address: Brickfield Farm, Hockerton Road, Kirklington, Nottinghamshire, NG22 8PB
Cycling tip: Located in the rural Nottinghamshire countryside, Maxey’s is ideal for those wanting to combine cycling with pumpkin picking. The area offers plenty of flat, quiet country roads that are great for a relaxed family ride. Be sure to stop and admire the autumn foliage on your way!
Learn more about Maxey’s Farm shop pumpkin picking >>
[Photo credit: Maxey’s Farm Shop]
FUN FACT
The world's largest pumpkin pie was made in 2005 in Ohio, USA and weighed over 900kg (2,000 pounds)! That's one big slice of the pie!
Top tips for your pumpkin-picking cycling trip
- Plan your route: Check the cycling paths near your chosen pumpkin patch. Many farms are located in the countryside, so make sure the roads are suitable for children
- Bring a bike basket or trailer: Pumpkins can be heavy, so make sure you have a way to carry them safely back home!
- Dress for the weather: Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so wear layers, bring waterproofs, and make sure everyone stays warm
- Make it fun: Cycling is all about enjoyment, so bring snacks, take breaks, and capture those autumn moments as you pedal through colourful landscapes
Top tips for pumpkin carving
Once you’ve picked the perfect pumpkin, it’s time to get creative!
Here are some tips to make your pumpkin carving fun and safe for the whole family:
- Choose the right pumpkin: Look for a pumpkin with a sturdy stem, a flat base, and a smooth surface for easy carving. A larger pumpkin is often easier for kids to handle!
- Gather your tools: Use child-safe carving kits available in stores or online. Make sure you have spoons for scooping out the insides, a marker for drawing your design, and a small knife for cutting
- Draw your design: Before you start carving, sketch your design on the pumpkin with a marker. Simple shapes like faces, stars, or ghosts are great for beginners
- Scoop out the insides: Carefully scoop out the seeds and pulp using a spoon. This makes carving easier and creates room for your design
- Carve with care: Let adults handle the cutting. If kids want to help, they can assist with scooping or use smaller tools for details
- Preserve your pumpkin: To keep your carved pumpkin fresh longer, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the cut edges
- Light it up: Place a battery-operated tea light or a glow stick inside for a safe, flickering effect. Real candles can be a fire hazard, especially with kids around
- Display your creation: Show off your pumpkin on your porch or window. Take photos to share with family and friends!
This autumn, make the most of the season by combining two amazing family activities, cycling and pumpkin picking. Gear up, head out, and pick the perfect pumpkin!
