As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness enters the air, the quintessential autumn activity of pumpkin picking returns to the outskirts of London. While images of sprawling countryside farms might come to mind, numerous family-friendly locations are easily accessible from the capital, offering a perfect autumnal day out. These patches provide opportunities for carving jack-o’-lanterns or simply enjoying the cosy atmosphere of the season. Some are already open, while others require advance booking, especially closer to Halloween. Here are 12 of the best pumpkin patches in and around London to explore this autumn.
Crockford Bridge Farm
Located in Surrey, Crockford Bridge Farm is a family-owned establishment that opens its pumpkin patch from October 4th through the end of the month. Entry fees begin at £7.50 for adults and older children, with younger ones under one admitted free. For a more immersive experience, the Wonderland Pumpkin Festival, priced at £12 per person, offers storytellers, costumed performers, pumpkin carving stations, and traditional fairground games. Visitors can also enjoy hot chocolate or ice cream, with street food available on weekends.
Hobbledown Heath
In Hounslow, Hobbledown Heath offers a pumpkin picking experience from September 25th to November 1st. Ticket prices start at £7.50 for adults and children over two, with a nominal fee of 75p for toddlers aged one to two, and free entry for infants under one. Beyond selecting pumpkins, the venue features seasonal photo backdrops, marshmallow toasting opportunities, and an indoor play barn for children. Hobbledown Heath also hosts dog-friendly days, with a small charge per pup, allowing canine companions to join in the autumnal fun. It is situated adjacent to the Hobbledown Heath adventure park, which offers further entertainment from £20.
Tewinbury Farm Hotel
For a more boutique autumnal experience just an hour from London, the Tewinbury Farm Hotel in Hertfordshire hosts its pumpkin patch from October 29th to November 1st. Entry costs £8 per person, with children under two admitted free. The event includes street food trucks, face painting, a children’s disco, and a dedicated bar serving seasonal cocktails and hot beverages. Pumpkins are available for purchase, with prices ranging from £2 to £9 depending on size. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Cammas Hall Farm
Cammas Hall Farm in Hertfordshire boasts an extensive selection of approximately 80 varieties of pumpkins and squash. Opening on Saturday, October 3rd, the farm offers standard pumpkin picking with tickets starting from £6.95. Additional attractions include a Halloween maze for £6, alongside live entertainment and character interactions. For adults seeking a unique date night, an adults-only evening event is available for £19.95, featuring spooky tunnels and live music.
Willows Activity Farm
Willows Activity Farm, located in St Albans and less than 30 minutes from London by train, provides a comprehensive family day out. Open on select October weekends (10–11, 17–18, and 23–31), tickets start from £16.95 plus a booking fee. The admission includes pumpkin picking with a complimentary pumpkin to take home, tractor rides, a Halloween maze, arts and crafts activities, adventure play areas, and a live Peter Rabbit show.
The London Pumpkin Patch
Bringing autumnal vibes directly into the city, this pop-up patch in Parsons Green operates from October 24th to November 1st. It offers an accessible option for those seeking pumpkin picking without extensive travel. Tickets are priced from £6 plus a small booking fee. Visitors can enjoy pumpkin picking, seasonal snacks, warm cider, storytime nooks, and a trick-or-treat lane. Special SEN (Special Educational Needs) sessions are also scheduled.
Hertfordshire Zoo
From October 23rd to November 1st, Hertfordshire Zoo transforms part of its grounds into ‘Pumpkin Valley’. This seasonal area features autumn displays, scarecrows, and a Pumpkin Shack for selecting and purchasing pumpkins. Access to Pumpkin Valley is included with general zoo admission tickets, which are priced at £76.49 for adults and £49.78 for children, making it a good option for combining animal encounters with festive activities.
Tulley’s Farm
Tulley’s Farm in West Sussex hosts Europe’s largest pumpkin festival, featuring over 1.5 million pumpkins available every weekend until October 31st. Daytime tickets start at £9.95 and include access to the fields, street performers, and seasonal food stalls. For a different atmosphere, nighttime tickets, beginning at £12.95, offer pumpkin picking under festoon lighting, multiple bars, and live music stages. Individual pumpkins range in price from £1 to £25.
Stanhill Farm
Celebrating its 13th year, Stanhill Farm in Dartford, Kent, provides a traditional harvest experience on selected October dates. Entry is £7.50 for a group of up to eight people. Pumpkins can be picked by hand, or visitors can opt for a wheelbarrow for £39. Individual pumpkins cost between £1.50 and £15. The farm also offers marshmallow toasting, glitter art on select weekends, and a farm cafe serving pastries and hot drinks.
Garson’s Farm
As one of the largest pick-your-own destinations in the UK, Garson’s Farm in Surrey hosts its ‘Pumpkin Parade’ event from October 3rd until Halloween. Entry starts at £6.50, with under-twos admitted free. The event features circus-themed decorations, whimsical displays, and interactive games. Pumpkins are sold separately, but the farm offers numerous photo opportunities and a festive atmosphere.
Springtime Nurseries
Located in Crews Hill, Springtime Nurseries offers a pumpkin patch with free parking and no booking required. Entry is £4.95 per person (under-ones free) on selected October dates. Visitors can choose from a wide selection of pumpkins, participate in a children’s treasure hunt, and receive a festive goodie bag. Daily prizes are awarded for the best costume, encouraging visitors to dress up for the occasion.
Beck Evans Farm
Just under 30 minutes from London, Beck Evans Farm in Sidcup provides a picturesque day out. Entry is £6.23 per person, with children under five admitted free. Visitors can select organic pumpkins and are welcome to bring their dogs. The farm also features a Crazy Cub Adventure Play area and Penelope’s Restaurant. For those visiting on Halloween, an evening firework display is scheduled.
Appleby Street Farm
In Cheshunt, Appleby Street Farm opens its pumpkin barns from Thursday to Sunday each week starting October 1st, with extended hours during half term. No booking is necessary, and the £5 entry fee includes access to photo backdrops, a maze, various pumpkin types, games, and animal encounters. The farm also hosts ‘Haunted Hallow Evenings’ on specific dates, offering nighttime pumpkin picking, an illuminated animal trail, a disco with a resident witch, potion making, and face painting. Prices for these evening events start at £6.14 for adults and £10.46 for children.
These diverse locations offer a range of experiences, from expansive festivals to convenient city pop-ups, ensuring everyone can find their perfect pumpkin this autumn.
