Pumpkins and autumn go hand in hand, especially around popular celebrations such as harvest festivals in September to October and All Hallows' Eve (more commonly known as Halloween), a time dedicated to remembering the dead.
Big and small, round or quirkily shaped, pumpkins add a seasonal touch to doorsteps, homes and gardens. Other traditions include turning pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, where you carve spooky faces and light them up at sunset to ward off bad spirits.
But where can you find the best pumpkin patches in London this autumn?
Many locations featured in our handy list offer more than just pick your own (PYO), turning each visit into an even more memorable experience, with live entertainment, music, food and drink, as well as evening events. Whether you enjoy a fright or love wandering around the pumpkin-lined fields, each option promises gourd-themed adventures.
Where to go pumpkin picking in London?
Find your ideal pumpkin patch in London and its surrounding area below. There are also many other pumpkin farms near London that are easy to reach by public transport or car – many are within one to two hours from the city.
Hobbledown Heath Pumpkin Patch, Hounslow
Take your pick from a variety of pumpkin types at Hobbledown Heath. Dress up for Halloween, roast marshmallows and walk through an enchanting village that's decorated with pumpkins of different shapes, colours and sizes. The grounds surrounding this London pumpkin patch are toddler-friendly and allow for a perfect family day out.
Don't miss the enchanting atmosphere of the popular Pumpkin Nights under the stars... a great idea for a romantic date night this autumn. Just make sure to bring your wellies!
Opening times: 26-28 Sep, 3-5, 10-12 and 16 Oct-2 Nov: 10am-4pm (5pm-8pm on Pumpkin Nights)
Address: Hobbledown West London Ltd, Staines Road, TW4 5DS
Make a day of it by booking a ticket for Hobbledown Heath's gigantic play area, full of themed villages, fun obstacles and all sorts of unusual animals.
Crockford Bridge Farm, Addlestone
Join the Pumpkin Festival at Crockford Bridge Farm and enjoy a week of exciting activities during October half-term. You get to pick your own pumpkins in the first two weeks of October but, if you miss out, you can still purchase pumpkins from the farm shop. Don't miss the Pumpkin Festival (25 October-31 November) for half-term family fun, as you go on the hunt for Willy Wonka's lost chocolate bar and have a go at pumpkin carving.
Opening times: 4-5, 7-12, and 14-19 Oct: 10am-5pm
Address: New Haw Road, Addlestone, KT15 2BU
Garsons Farm, Esher
Take an October wander around Garsons Farm’s Pumpkin Parade, a fantastic event for all ages. Be greeted by scenes from classic children's tales and family movie favourites, and take part in activities and games. Pick your own pumpkins, big or small, and wander among the seasonal decorations and displays that offer some spooky scenes for some perfect pictures.
Opening times: 4-31 Oct: 9am-4pm or 10am-4pm, depending on the day (last time slot 4pm)
Address: Garsons Esher, Winterdown Road, Esher, KT10 8LS
Hewitts Farm, Chelsfield
Hewitts Farm is a family-run business outside of Orpington in Kent which grows various fruits and vegetables for picking, including pumpkins in the autumn, and has a farm shop full of exciting local produce. Pumpkin picking is available from early October – exact dates are yet to be confirmed, so check its website for the latest dates.
Opening times: Tue-Sat: 9am-4.30pm; Sun: 9am-4pm. Closed on Mondays
Address: Hewitts Farm, Court Road, A224, Chelsfield, BR6 9BX
Stanhill Farm, Dartford
Another of the pumpkin patches in Kent, but also still within the M25, Stanhill Farm pumpkin patch first opened its doors more than 12 years ago. It offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to pick their own pumpkins from a variety of small and big pumpkins. So, grab a wheelbarrow and let the picking begin!
Opening times: 4-5, 11-12 and 18-30 Oct: Mon-Sat 9.30am-3.30pm, Sun 10.30am-2.30pm
Address: Stanhill Farm, Birchwood Road, Wilmington, DA2 7HD
Pumpkin picking in Surrey
Priory Farm, Surrey
Visit the Surrey countryside and make a stop at Priory Farm, where you'll be sure to pick up the perfect pumpkin.
Its Halloween trail is packed with mud monsters, illusion tricks and storytelling, creating a memorable adventure for friends and family. Enjoy tractor and trailer rides with games and photo opportunities: tackle the hay bale maze and wander through the fields to pick your own pumpkins.
Opening times: 4-5, 11-12 and 18-31 Oct: 9am-3.30pm or 10am-3.30pm, depending on the day
Address: Priory Farm Estate, Sandy Lane, South Nutfield, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 4EJ
Secretts of Milford, Surrey
Secretts of Milford celebrates Pumpkin Week with a whole lot of fun activities for big and small kids. Follow a spooky trail by joining the Scavenger Hunt, pick your own pumpkins from all sorts of weird and wonderful varieties, and enter the fancy dress and pumpkin carving competitions for a chance to win prizes. But that’s not all... there's even a pumpkin-themed food menu and BBQ to enjoy afterwards!
Opening times: 18-19 and 25-30 Oct: 4pm (last time slot 2pm)
Address: Hurst Farm, Chapel Lane, Milford, Surrey, GU8 5HU
Pumpkin patches in Essex
Hatter’s Farm, Essex
Hatter's Farm offers two exciting pumpkin events each autumn. Grab a wheelbarrow and wander through fields filled with more than 100,000 pumpkins from more than 75 varieties - from giant to miniature, smooth to knobbly, and in every shade. Don't miss a photo with your favourite pumpkins or the giant welly boot! After you're done exploring, tuck into a great selection of food options.
Meet live roaming actors, keep your cool in the Haunted Mad House and find your way through the Hay Bale Maze. There's also a seven-acre Maize Maze, a pumpkin cannon to fire pumpkins at the Halloween Target Range as well as face painting (additional charges apply).
In the evenings, the Pumpkin Nights experience features live musicians and more than 1,000 festoon lights in the courtyard area.
Opening times:
Daytime Patch:
- 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, and 17-18 Oct: 9.30am-4.30pm
- 21-29 Oct: 10am-4pm
Pumpkin Nights: 18-19, 24-26 and 28-31 Oct: 4pm-8.30pm (last time slot 6.45pm)
Address: Hatter’s Farm, Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford, Essex, CM22 6NP
Cobbs Farm, Essex
The family-run Cobbs Farm in Maldon grows all its own pumpkins and opens for Pick Your Own (PYO) days each year. This pumpkin-picking farm is the perfect spot to pick a favourite for Halloween, your autumn décor, or simply tasty pumpkin and squash recipes.
Entry is free, there’s no need to book and you just pay for what you pick. Along the way, you can get tips on which pumpkins are best for cooking, and enjoy homemade cakes with a choice of hot and cold drinks for a light refreshment.
Opening times: 11-12, 18-19 and 24-31 Oct: 10am-4pm
Address: Cobbs Farm, Maldon Road, Goldhanger, Maldon, Essex CM9 8BQ
Pumpkin Festival, Lathcoats Farm, Essex
Make your way to the Pumpkin Festival at Lathcoats Farm for a fun autumn day out. Enjoy a host of outdoor games and a chance to carve some spooky or silly faces into your hand-picked pumpkin. Take lots of pictures and book a workshop to make the most of your visit.
Opening times: From 11 October to the end of the October half-term. Check the website for exact opening hours.
Address: Beehive Lane, Galleywood, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8LX
Foxes Farm, Essex
Visit the Basildon or Colchester Pumpkin Patch from Foxes Farm, home to more than 30 varieties of pumpkins and squash. Alongside picking, there are plenty of quirky photo opportunities - from the Fergie tractor and bale sofas to Instagram frames, gates and more.
Refuel with seasonal teats including hot chocolate, crepes, spooky sausages and loaded chips, or bring your own food and relax in the picnic area.
With a range of activities, this spot will keep the kids entertained until it’s time to head home with your pumpkins.
Opening times:
- 4-5, 11-12 and 18-19 Oct: 9am-4pm
- 20-31 Oct: Weekdays: 10am-3pm, weekends: 9am-4pm
Address: Watch House Farm, Wash Road, Essex, SS15 4ER or Halstead Road, Eight Ash Green, Colchester, Essex, CO6 3PT
Pumpkin Picking Village at Marsh Farm, Essex
Visit the Pumpkin Picking Village in South Woodham Ferrers, which offers a great variety of pumpkins gourds and squashes. Unlike most pumpkin patches, Pumpkin Village is dog friendly with special dog nights allowing you to enjoy the experience with your furry friends.
Pick your own pumpkins, tuck into tasty food and drinks and don’t forget to browse through the Halloween shop.
Parking is free. Advance booking is recommended, but tickets can also be purchased on the day.
Opening hours: 26-28 Sep, and 4-5, 10-12 and 17-31 Oct: 10am-4pm
Address: Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, CM3 5WP.
More pumpkin patches
Tulleys Farm, West Sussex
Visit Tulleys Farm in West Sussex, home to more than 100 acres of pumpkin fields which produce a staggering one million pumpkins. Head to the famous Pumpkin Village, complete with themed photo backdrops, live music and street food. For something extra special, don’t miss Pumpkin Nights, where you can pick your pumpkins by moonlight.
Opening hours:
- Daytime: 9.30am–5.30pm (last time slot 4pm)
- Pumpkin Nights: 5.30pm–10pm (last time slot 8pm)
Address: Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill Road, Turners Hill, West Sussex, RH10 4PD
Cotswolds Farm Park, Gloucestershire
Explore Cotswold Farm Park this autumn and stroll through its pumpkin patch, which is included with farm park entry. Enjoy seasonal October activities, hop aboard the pumpkin train with your family, and pick the perfect pumpkin to take home.
Opening times: 3-5, 10-12, 17-19 and 23-31 Oct: 9.30am-4.30pm (open until 8pm on some Saturdays)
Address: Cotswold Farm Park Limited, Guiting Power, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5FL
Cammas Hall Farm, Hertfordshire
What could be more spook-tacular than watching a tower of pumpkins erupt with fire? The star attraction at Cammas Hall Farm is the unique “Pumpcano.” Alongside it, you’ll find plenty of family activities, from tractor rides and scary tunnels to friendly Halloween characters roaming the farm. Afterwards, enjoy seasonal snacks and pick your own pumpkins and squash from over 50 varieties grown this year.
Opening hours: 4-5, 10-12, 16-19 and 21-31 Oct: 9am-3.30pm
Address: Cammas Hall Farm, Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak, Hertfordshire, CM22 7JT
Where is a dog-friendly pumpkin patch near London?
Dogs are usually not welcome on pumpkin patches for reasons of hygiene and surrounding wildlife. But there is one patch, the Pumpkin Picking Village at Marsh Farm in Essex, that is very dog friendly. They have dedicated days to bring your dog during the day and the evening.
Another dog-friendly pumpkin patch can be found at Cotswold Farm Park, around three hours to the west of London. It even has a selfie station to snap a photo with your canine friends! Here, you can spend some time picking out the perfect pumpkin before exploring the rest of the farm.
What is the best time to go to a pumpkin patch?
The best time to visit a pumpkin patch is when the pumpkins are ripe and ready to be picked, which varies by variety. Most pumpkin patches open from September until to the end of October, ready for Halloween – some pumpkin fields even offer Halloween pumpkin picking events with fun-filled activities included.
What should I wear to a pumpkin patch?
It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before visiting, as pumpkin patches can become muddy after heavy rain. Wellies and comfortable clothing are recommended, since most activities take place outdoors. That said, visitors are welcome to dress up for Halloween — and many patches even host special events, including costume contests.
How expensive is pumpkin picking?
Pumpkin picking is an inexpensive activity in most cases, as many patches charge family-friendly rates and the pumpkins are usually very affordable when picked in person.
Can you eat pumpkins from a pumpkin patch?
All pumpkins that you pick are edible and can be turned into many different dishes. Ask for advice over the most delicious pumpkins from the experts at the pumpkin patch if you're keen to pick one to eat.
Once a pumpkin has been carved it will begin to rot more quickly, so caution is advised if you plan to eat it afterwards.
How long do pumpkins last after picking?
Uncarved pumpkins can last more than a month if stored properly, however once carved they will start to soften and decay after a few days.
What is the point of going to a pumpkin patch?
Visiting a pumpkin patch is a fantastic outdoor activity for families, couples and friends. It's a great way to make memories and even meet new people. Many pumpkin patches offer more than just pumpkin picking - there are lots of other activities such as trails, competitions and selfie spots for the perfect day out in the autumn months.
Is pumpkin picking just for kids?
Although many people might think of it as an activity to do with the kids, pumpkin picking can be enjoyed at any age. The fresh air and chance to walk around the patches is great for physical and mental health and fun to enjoy alone, with friends or even on a date.
Find more autumn activities in London and discover more fun events happening in and around October when the pumpkin picking is in full swing.