Mudpie Fridays >> East Sussex >> 13 Best Places to go Pumpkin Picking in Sussex Updated 2024

13 Best Places to go Pumpkin Picking in Sussex Updated 2024

Updated 2024. It will not be long until the Summer holidays are over and we all start thinking about Pumpkin picking fields and Halloween. I think we have now been going pumpkin picking for the best part of 10 years. I still remember the very first time we took Charlie to find his own pumpkins. He was about four months old and had a skeleton baby grow on! Ever since then, his time of year it has become a family tradition. Each year we go and pick a pumpkin (or several) to carve at home it is a great way to get ready for Halloween. Each year the boys try to find the largest pumpkin they can find. And each year they seem to get bigger and bigger. Living on the Sussex and Surrey border we are spoilt with the number of places we can go for local pumpkin picking.

Top Tips for Going Pumpkin Picking in Sussex

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. These places are popular and if there has been rainfall a lot of people mean mud.
Most pumpkin picking fields in Sussex will come with wheelbarrows. In busy times you may have to wait to have access to one on some of the smaller patches. 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!
The wheelbarrow will obviously need to be returned so I would also suggest bringing some sturdy bags or a box to transport them back into your house when you get home.
By arriving early you will also get the best opportunity to pose for photos. If the pumpkin-picking field you have chosen has any Instagram-worthy shots. Which many do now have?

And More…

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.
Generally, pumpkins are sold by size. The larger the pumpkin the more expensive it is. There is normally some sort of way of easily maturing the pumpkins. Either with different-sized boxes or holes.
It is worth having some cash on you in case they do not accept cards. However I have found more recently that many more do accept cards. There is also normally somewhere to buy a hot drink, snack or Halloween-inspired treat.
Be prepared to spend some time looking for your perfect pumpkin, especially if you go later in the season.

Pumpkin Picking Fields in Sussex

We have visited a number of the best pumpkin patches in Sussex over the years as we live in West Sussex. So many of these are our local pumpkin picking fields. We have had great fun searching the wide variety of pumpkins of all different shapes and sizes. Rarely come home with only one and I’m always tempted by the different varieties of pumpkin, shapes, sizes and colours. We are so lucky to have these fantastic pumpkin patches on our doorstep.

Rogate Farm Pumpkin Patch

Each year Rogate Pumpkin Patch run a special pumpkin picking event which is so much more than just pumpkin picking. With a sunflower trail, merlin’s wood, spooky woods, a haunted house, a bubble-creating witch and so much more. There is also a selection of games to play perfect for the whole family. This is where we are going this year to pick our pumpkins. So I will share a full review ready for the next pumpkin season. There is also an array of delicious food and a shop selling Halloween décor. I have high hopes for this pumpkin-picking field in Sussex and can definitely see why families return year after year. You can read all about our visit this year here – Visiting Rogate Farm Pumpkin Patch

Address – ½ mile east of Rogate Village, A272, Rogate, Petersfield GU31 5EG
Opening Times – Open daily throughout the halloween season from the 8th of October to the Sunday 3rd November
Booking requirements & costs – Booking does need to be made in advance via their website where you select a date and ten-minute time slot for arrival. It is not a cheap option costing £5-£7 per person and that is before you have brought the pumpkin! I will report back on whether it is worth it. Free parking on site and card payments are accepted.
https://rogatepumpkinpatch.com/

Roundstone Farm PYO

If you are looking for a traditional pick-your-own farm then Roundstone Farm is a great option. We have been visiting Roundstone’s for years. As well as picking your fresh pumpkins you can also pick some other veggies for dinner during your visit. You can see the available crops on their website so keep an eye out for when the pumpkins come into season. Or follow their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information. There is also a free tractor ride which will take you from field to field but no spooky goings on or Instagram posing spots if that’s your thing. Free parking is available on-site and a small hut selling refreshments. Offering two varieties of pumpkins this year.

Address – Littlehampton Rd, Angmering, Worthing BN12 6PW
Opening Times – Open all year round 9 am to 4.30 pm. Please check the website for details of when they are open.
Booking requirements & costs – There is no current requirement to book and there are no additional costs other than your pumpkin.
https://www.roundstonefarm.co.uk/

Tulleys Pumpkin Farm

We visited Tulleys Pumpkin Farm a couple of years ago, there is lots of free parking available on site. It was quite a muddy experience but they have over 1 million pumpkins on their 90-acre farm most of them are orange pumpkins. With acres of pumpkins they are unlikely to run out and is probably the biggest Pumpkin Picking field in Sussex. Thought has done into theming offering plenty of different photo opportunities. They also have a number of roaming characters making it a great place to get the really great shots for social media.

By the tills in the Pumpkin Village, you can choose all different shapes and sizes of gourds which capture the boy’s imagination. There is also hot food and drinks available from the food court which is made up of food trucks and delicious street food. As well as a plus a pumpkin bar selling beer and draft cocktails. They also offer various Halloween celebrations, activities and a range of Autumn merch. When we visited there was live music in the evenings. READ MORE about our recent visit to Tulleys Pumpkin Farm and Tulleys Pumpkin Nights

Details

Address – Unit 5, Turners Hill Road, Crawley RH10 4PD. Look out for orange pumpkin signs as we drove straight past when we visited and it is located in a different place to Tulleys Farm.
Opening Times – Open from the 28th of September to the 31st of October. Please note that early in the fall season it is only open at weekends. Time slots from 9.30 am, with last entry at 5 pm. They also offer pumpkin nights if you would like to pick your pumpkin by moonlight. Visit their website for more details of upcoming events.
Booking requirements & costs – You must book online in advance. Ticket prices vary between £4-£8 per person and do not include the cost of your pumpkin. Under 2s are free. Prices vary depending on when you go. If you go earlier then prices are cheaper in September (£7) and early October (£8). The closer towards Halloween and during half term prices are more expensive (£10). Daytime access is cheaper than evening.
https://www.pumpkinfarm.co.uk/

Sompting Pumpkin Picking Patch

Pumpkin picking patch Sompting is still my favourite pumpkin patch in Sussex so far and one of the best places to PYO pumpkins! Family run we chanced on it when driving along the main road to my in laws. Free parking is available but be warned it is a little perilous on the corner of a field. With plenty of wheelbarrows, and they have 20 varieties with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes to choose from. In years gone by there has been a little pumpkin house which was a firm favourite of the boys. There is food and soft drinks, and craft activities to keep the kids entertained. Plus if you visit at the weekend then you can also ride a tractor (in the trailer) around the farm. READ MORE about our most recent visit – Sompting Pumpkin Patch

Address – Sompting Pumpkins, Halewick Lane, Sompting, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 0NE
Opening Times – Opening on the 5th-6th, 12-13th, 19th-20th and over October half term 26th to 31st.
Booking requirements & costs – One of the reasons this is our favourite is that you do not need to book or pay in advance like other Halloween attractions. You just turn up and pick and buy! Although I would recommend going early as it does get very busy since it is so popular. Includes a free car park.
https://somptingpumpkins.co.uk/

Sharnfold Farm

A working farm and a pick your own. Sharnfold Farm offers a little more than your traditional PYO. As well as being able to see animals such as pigs, cows, sheep, alpacas and chickens they have a farm trail and play area. As well as a farm shop and cafe. Seasonal pick your own is also on offer including Pumpkins. They also operate a special Halloween event where children are encouraged to dress up, there is a spooky-themed trail and various Halloween family activities and a maize maze. As well as pumpkin carving in the barn. They also have a maize maze in the Summer.

Address – Hailsham Road, Stone Cross, Eastbourne, BN24 5BU
Opening Times – Open all year round 9.30 am to 4 pm Monday to Saturday and to 3 pm on Sundays. The pumpkin picking season will run on weekends in October – 5th,6th,12th, 13th, 19th and 20th of October and is included in the ticket price. The Halloween event runs for October half term from the 26th of October to the 3rd of November.
Booking requirements & costs – Access to the farm and Halloween event costs £7.95 for anyone over the age of 2. Pumpkin carving will need to be booked in advance and costs £5.20 you can select a booking slot in the booking process.
https://thefamilyparksgroup.co.uk/locations/sharnfold-farm/

Poynings Pumpkin Patch

Another favourite is a relatively new pumpkin patch. So much so that they do not have their own website yet. So I would suggest following Poynings Pumpkin Patch on Facebook for updates on how the pumpkins are getting on and opening times. This is probably our most local pumpkin patch, we visited last year and they had plenty of wheelbarrows, free parking and a van selling hot drinks and butties. There were also a good number of different varieties to choose from as well as a couple of photo opportunities. I can not wait to see how this one develops. READ MORE about our most recent visit – Poynings Pumpkin Patch.

Address – Poynings Rd, BN45 7AP located on Poynings roundabout at the bottom of the South Downs.
Opening Times – various dates throughout October, they have announced their opening weekend as the 5th and 6th of October. This one runs up to the end of October. Keep an eye on their facebook page and social media for updates
Booking requirements & costs – No requirement to pre-book or pay for tickets in advance
https://www.facebook.com/poyningspumpkinpatch/

Stonehill Farm

A family-run pick your own farm near Chiddingly. Operating only when their fruit and vegetables are ready for harvest. They do not have a website, so I would suggest following them on Facebook for updates as to when the pumpkins will be ready.

Address – Horam to Chiddingly Rd, Heathfield, TN21 0JN
Opening Times – Dates for 2024 have not been released yet. Keep an eye on their facebook page for updates.
Booking requirements & costs – No requirement to pre-book or pay for tickets in advance
https://www.facebook.com/stonehill.pyo.farm/

Southend Farm

A family-run farm it is only open to the public in October. Unless you are planning on staying in one of their Bell tents which offer glamping short breaks throughout the Summer months from £90 a night. Unfortunately, it is not possible to go glamping in October otherwise you could turn your pumpkin picking into a weekend-long activity.

Address – South Farm, Cricketing Bottom, Rodmell, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3FE
Opening Times – Dates for 2024 have not been released yet, 10 am to 4 pm.
Booking requirements & costs – No requirement to pre-book or pay for tickets in advance. Pumpkins are priced between £1 and £10 depending on size with most around the £3 mark.
https://www.southfarmrodmell.co.uk/our-pumpkins

Latchetts Farm / Heavens Farms

Latchetts Farm is nestled inside Heaven Farms grounds and is a retailer of the finest gelato, sorbet and freshly pasteurised milk. Each year for one weekend in October they also host pumpkin picking, as well as a sunflower field and a corn maze. You can supplement your pumpkin picking with tasty ice cream from their on-site ice cream parlour. Or you could really make a day of it by trying out the Doves Play Barn, Cow Putt, the nature trails or Stable Tea Rooms at Heavens Farm. What I really like about it is that none of these activities need to be booked in advance. So you can take it as it comes on the day.

Address – Heaven Hill Farm, Furners Green, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3RG
Opening Times – Opening times have not been released yet for 2024. Keep an eye on their website and facebook page for more details. It is promising to be bigger and better this year.
Booking requirements & costs – No requirement to pre-book or pay for tickets in advance
https://www.latchettsfarm.co.uk/ and https://www.heavenfarm.co.uk/

Groombridge Hill Pumpkins previously Birchden PYO

A small pick your-own pumpkin field which offers 18000 pumpkins spread over a 5-acre plot. In 2022 they also had the opportunity of having photos taken by a local photographer. Wheelbarrows are available at the entrance. Pumpkins start from £1 with lots of different varieties to choose from.

Address – Birchden Farm, Broadwater Forest Ln, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells TN3 9NR
Opening Times – Opening times at various times throughout October with the opening day being the 5th of October. Tickets can be booked online at half-hour time slots between 10 am and 4.30 pm.
Booking requirements & costs – Tickets booked online and are done per car at £6 for cars with up to five people.
https://groombridgehill.mhtickets.com/events/87712

Blackberry Farm Park

Offers so much more than just a pumpkin picking field in Sussex. Blackberry Farm Park offers a variety of activities and animal talks to keep little ones interested throughout the day. Including indoor and outdoor play areas, tractor rides, animal handling, pony rides, and a whole host of farm animals. There is something for the entire family.

During October they also offer a whole host of Halloween activities including a pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin and carve it. There are also spooky tractor rides, a mystery maze in the barn, spooky barrel rides, face painting and an egg hunt!

Address – Blackberry Farm, Whitesmith, Lewes, BN8 6JD
Opening Times – 26th October to the 3rd of November, open 9 am to 5 pm.
Booking requirements & costs – Tickets can be booked online in advance up until 9 am on the day of arrival. If not you can take your chances and buy them at the gate. Tickets for Blackberry Farm Park are £15.00 per person for those aged two and above. Save 50p by booking online. This includes access to the Halloween activities. Pumpkins will cost extra at £4.75 each or £9.75 with carving. Pumpkin carving which needs to be booked in advance. Pony rides can be booked at arrival.
https://blackberry-farm.co.uk/halloween/

Dell Quay Chichester

A traditional pick-your-own farm which opens for fruit in the summer and pumpkin season in October. There is plenty of free parking, an onsite cafe with a picnic area and toilet facilities. They accept cash or card.

Address – Dell Quay PYO, Crouchers Farm, Birdham Road, Apuldram, Chichester, PO20 7EQ
Opening Times – Expected opening dates for 2024 is the 17th of October although timings have not been confirmed. Keep an eye on their Instagram account for more announcements nearer to the time.
Booking requirements & costs – With free entry, there is no requirement to book you just turn up.
https://www.dellquaypyo.co.uk/

Camelia Botnar Pumpkin Patch

A small pumpkin patch with so many different varieties to choose from. Some photo opportunities and scare rooms suitable for young children. There is also a Halloween shop with all sorts of decorations and gifts for the children. As it is located right next to the garden centre you can access all the facilities and amenities. There is Pirate themed play area and a cafe on site selling hot and cold food. READ MORE – all about our visit to the Camelia Botnar Pumpkin Patch

Address – Camelia Botnar Garden Centre, Littleworth Lane, Horsham RH13 8NA
Opening Times – October weekends 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th and 20th. Along with open every day during half term which runs from the 26th to 31st of October this year. Opening hours are 10 am to 4 pm and 11 pm to 3 pm on Sundays.
Booking requirements & costs – Entrance is £1.50 per person, no need to book you just turn up. Tiny pumpkins starting at £1 going up to £15 for an extra large.,
For more information see the Camelia Botnar Facebook Page

Slindon Pumpkin Display

There was one other Pumpkin picking field in Sussex we use to go to. Albeit it wasn’t a field it was more a pumpkin festival and display. With a colourful picture made out of pumpkins each year. Slindon Pumpkins had been running for 51 years. And would draw visitors from far and wide. We visited for several years before they were unfortunately shut in 2020 and it is unlikely that they will ever report. But Slindon Pumpkins will always hold a very special place in our hearts.

We are always on the lookout for new places to visit. Do let m know if there are any more pumpkin picking fields in Sussex I have missed. Perhaps there are some local pumpkin picking fields for you.

If you like us you live on the Sussex/Surrey border then you may be interested in reading about 6 places you can pick a pumpkin in Surrey including Garsons PYO Farm and Crockford Bridge Farm.