Mudpie Fridays >> Halloween >> Our visit to Sompting Pumpkin Patch

Our visit to Sompting Pumpkin Patch

I still remember the squeals of delight that came from the back of the car when we first drove past Sompting Pumpkin Patch. We were going to see family and had no idea that the Sussex pumpkin picking farm was even there. Despite living reasonably local to this pyo pumpkins. Since then it has become a Halloween tradition, and we have visited a couple of times to go pumpkin picking at Sompting. It’s hard not to miss the bright orange field if you are a Halloween fan.

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Where is Sompting Pumpkin Patch

As I mentioned above you can spot Sompting Pumpkin Patch from the A27. On the right side of the dual carriageway if you were coming along the coast from Brighton. The pumpkin fields are not easy to miss as there are many signs and orange flags. Plus a glimpse of a field full of orange pumpkins. To reach Sompting Pumpkins Patch you turn off the A27 at the traffic lights and as you turn into Halewick Lane you will see the entrance to the car park on the left. You can use the address Halewick Lane, Sompting, BN15 0NE for your sat nav to reach the exact spot.

Parking at Sompting Pumpkin Patch

Parking is located right in front of the pumpkin field and is a field itself which means it is only a short walk to the pumpkins. There is a little slope down into the field which can get quite muddy and a little hazardous especially if your car isn’t best suited for off-roading. Although there were plenty of people on hand to help out if needed. Unless it has changed since we last visited the car park is not the largest and can get very full. I think this is in part due to how popular the Sompting pumpkin patch is. It is free parking so I would suggest arriving early if you can.

Top tips for picking pumpkins at Sompting Pumpkin Patch

- It is Autumn so it goes without saying that many a pumpkin patch we have visited over the years is pretty muddy. So appropriate footwear is a must as it can get quite boggy.
- Remember to bring some sturdy bags or a box to put your pumpkins in while they are in the back of th car. As this will make taking them into the house easier.
- By arriving early you will also get the best opportunity to pose for photos. I would definitely recommend this on the basis that there has been in years gone by a brilliant famous pumpkin house. As pictured it is great for photo opportunities! Unsurprisingly it is very popular so arriving early will mean you can get some photos before the crowds.
- When looking for a pumpkin make sure you pick one which is not damaged in any way. Pumpkins should be hard to the touch. And they should sound hollow when you tap them. Many are grown on their side and can be a bit flat or misshapen for this reason. Check to make sure the side that has been lying on the ground is not soft and mushy. To ensure it is a fresh pumpkin.
- Be prepared to spend some time looking for your perfect pumpkin, especially if you go later in the season.

Different varieties…

Personally, for me, this is what pumpkin picking is all about. One of the things I really like about the Sompting Pumpkin Patch is that it is another one which grows lots of different varieties of pumpkins. Coming in all shapes and sizes and some beautiful colours. Although the classic Jacko Lanterns are there for carving they sell a number of cooking varieties. Something we are trying to encourage the boys to pay more attention to and reduce the waste we create. I particularly like the onion squashes, cinderella pumpkin and crown prince. There are also a number of smaller varieties that always catch the imagination while walking around the PYO field. Charlie found a bottle gourd and is begging to go back this year as he would like to actually make one into a bottle.

The boys also wanted to find a white pumpkin. Harry in particular has a thing about white pumpkins. So we set about trying to find the largest white pumpkin we could find. The patch itself is well spread out and I assume south facing as it was really warm when we visited with plenty of sun and fresh air. Which made for a lovely day out. And because it is so big although it is popular you can still get pictures without anyone else in them! Although we did struggle a little around the house. Which will give you an idea of the wide variety of pumpkins which they grow. It is such a fun-filled day out.

Food and facilities at Sompting Pumpkin Patch

Most pumpkin picking fields in Sussex will come with wheelbarrows. Sompting Pumpkin patch is no different. There were plenty lined up near the entrance, although in busier times you may need to wait. We tend to arrive early to make sure we avoid this. Of course, if you have a wheelbarrow though the temptation is to fill it up! Which you will see from the photos we did! If someone could let me know why kids have such a thing about small pumpkins I would be grateful.

Activities…

Sompting Pumpkin patch also has an area at the front where the children can take part in Halloween crafts and activities. This is not something which I have seen anywhere else and I think it is a nice touch. Especially as they are collecting donations for a local charity. Alongside the craft activities, you can also get some delicious food, including hot food, cold snacks and hot drinks. So the parents can enjoy a coffee while the children play. They have also sourced local ice cream and lots of pumpkin products. There is something for the whole family.

At the weekends it is also possible to hitch a ride around the field in a trailer pulled by a tractor. Which I know the boys would love. Harry especially enjoys a tractor ride. These additional fun activities make it one of the best pumpkin patches in West Sussex.

The pumpkin patch does not allow dogs. If you have an assistance dog or guide dogs then it would be worth checking with them via their social media channels. They also have toilet facilities on site.

Opening times and prices

Sompting Pumpkin Patch has just released their opening times for the month of October in 2023. These are the October weekends of the 7th & 8th and 14th & 15th. Along with open everyday during half term which runs from the 21st to the 29th of October this year. Opening hours are 9.30 am to 4 pm and free entry. Unlike so many other pumpkin patches now. It is best to keep an eye on their Facebook page for up-to-date information.

Generally, pumpkins are sold by size with prices starting from as low as £2 for the small ones. The larger the pumpkin the more expensive it is. There is normally some sort of way of easily measuring the pumpkins. Either with different-sized boxes or holes. They accept both cash and card payments.

I really like the fact that any pumpkins that are not sold are donated to soup kitchens, or used in animal feed. Or they are broken down and used to help fertilise the soil for next year. They also take voluntary donations for their charity events.