It is nearing that time of year when we welcome the cosy feeling of Autumn. There’s a chill in the air, the jackets are out, the days are shorter and all things pumpkin begin to take over.
From pumpkin-spiced latte mania, pumpkin-themed decorations and the obligatory visit to the local pumpkin patch!
Picking your own pumpkin can make for a fun family day out in Sussex, especially if it is a dry day. Let this be your Pumpkin Picking Sussex guide.
With Halloween and Bonfire night in quick succession of one another, coupled up with half term – it is good to know where the best pumpkin patches in Sussex might be.
Pumpkin Patches have gained traction on this side of the Atlantic. It is a very American tradition, however it is not one I am mad at!
Check out our guide to Halloween Events in Sussex.
Pumpkin Picking Sussex
Pumpkin Picking West Sussex
West Sussex has a variety of pumpkin picking opportunities, from the famous Tulleys Farm to the traditional pick-your-own style pumpkin patch at Roundstone Farm.
West Sussex is has the benefit of the rolling South Downs and beautiful, picturesque landscapes to enjoy your day out picking your favourite gourd.
Sompting Pumpkins
We had a great time at Sompting Pumpkins last year. We went as a family of five, with two little ones and my mother-in-law. Sompting Pumpkins is a family-run pumpkin-picking patch.
We put the little one in the wheelbarrow which she loved. There was a wide variety of different types and colours of pumpkins and munchkins to choose from.
There was also a beautiful display of pumpkins which were very photogenic.
We enjoyed hot drinks from the coffee van and headed home after we chose our pumpkin haul.
There are usually themed crafts available to participate in. Cash and cards are accepted at Sompting Pumpkin Patch. There is also a large car park which is free to park in.
Where: Sompting Pumpkins, Halewick Lane, Sompting, Lancing, West Sussex, BN15 0NE
Rogate Pumpkin Patch
Rogate Pumpkin Patch is set to be an exciting day out. Running for it’s tenth year, there will be entertainment on site with seasonal characters roaming around, such as the pumpkin princess.
There are plenty of shapes and sizes of pumpkins to choose from, with wheelbarrows on site to help you fill up your pickings. Little ones are encouraged to get mucky and dig in the soil!
Explore Merlin’s Wood for a magical adventure, jump giant haystacks and witness the bubble witches magic spells!
From the 1st to – the 3rd of November, there will be the annual “Pumpkin Smash”, where any leftover pumpkins are smashed and chucked – to get prepared to feed the local cattle and wildlife. This helps return important nutrients to the soil.
Tickets range from £5-7. Under 2’s go free.
When: 18th October – 1st November 2024
Where: Rogate, West Sussex GU31 5EG
Tulleys Farm
Tulleys Farm is renowned for its unique seasonal events, with Halloween and pumpkin picking season being no exception!
On their website, they claim to be the UK’s number one pumpkin festival and it is easy to see why!
With over one million pumpkins, 100 acres of farmland and 100 varieties of pumpkins and gourds this is sure to be a great day out.
There are over 30 pumpkin-themed installations for brilliant photo opportunities. Keep an eye out for pumpkin-themed characters and the pumpkin queen to add to the excitement for little ones!
There is street food available on-site, an observation wheel and a pumpkin-themed bar.
There are also night time events called “Pumpkin Nights” where you can pick your pumpkin under the twinkling night sky.
Booking is now open for this incredible, immersive celebration of pumpkins, and I am tempted to book this up already!
Where: Tulleys PYO Pumpkin Fields Turners Hill Road, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, (closest post code for Sat Nav RH10 4PD)
Arundel Picking Patch
Arundel Picking Patch is free, so just turn up and pick your favourite pumpkins! This is another great family-run picking patch.
There will be a large variety to choose from, with hot drinks and sweet treats on hand for when you feel peckish.
There will be some cute pumpkin installations for photo opportunities. There will also be face-painting and seasonal crafts to keep the little ones entertained.
When: 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 25th – 31st October and 1st November 2024.
Where: Arundel, Ford Road, BN18 0BG
Bignor Picking Patch
Set within 6 acres in the beautiful South Downs, Bignor Picking Patch is a popular spot.
Admission is free; there will be refreshments on site.
When: Every weekend in October and throughout half term. 10 – 15:30
Where: Bignor Roman Villa, Bignor, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 1PH
Pick Your Own East Sussex
Being vastly rural, with beautiful landscapes, there are some gems for pumpkin picking in East Sussex. There is a range of pick-your-own pumpkin patches and traditional family farms.
Sharnfold Farm
Sharnfold Farm makes for a great family day out and is popular to visit. They have not yet released dates for the pumpkin patch just yet, however, they do offer lots to do.
With friendly animals, sandpit, woodland farm trail, wildlife garden and hidden playhouse – there is a lot more to do than just pumpkin picking!
There is a large pumpkin patch with lots of pumpkins to choose from. There is also a quaint farm shop with an option to purchase locally sourced produce and a cafe for hot drinks and snacks.
Last year also offered pumpkin carving sessions for families and host other Halloween themed events.
Where: Hailsham Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN24 5BU
Poynings Pumkin Patch
Poynings is a small rural village, just outside of Brighton. There are a large variety of pumpkins on offer, varying in shapes, colours and sizes.
Set in the backdrop of the beautiful, rolling South Downs, this picturesque location is perfect for a family day out.
The Poynings Pumpkin Patch is designed to be family-friendly and the site is often decorated with the seasonal fruit of choice – you guessed it, with pumpkins!
Last year they ran a competition, with some hidden golden pumpkins within the patch, giving the winner a prize of a Halloween goody bag.
There is food and drink on-site and free parking. Entry is free with no booking required. You can access Poynings via the number 17 bus from Brighton.
Where: Poynings Road, Poynings, Brighton BN45 7AP
South Farm
South Farm in Lewes offers a charming and family-friendly day out for pumpkin picking.
There are a variety of pumpkins and gourds available to choose from here – pick the perfect one to carve or cook up when you get home! They even have some great recipes on their website.
This family-run farm is yet to release 2024 dates, however, they are getting prepared to welcome the crowds come autumn time.
The farm is often decorated autumnal style, enabling guests to get into the season spirit! There are some great photo opportunities here to capture your memories of your visit.
South Farm is known for it’s relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, so don’t miss this one out!
They have ample free parking. South Farm is also accessible via the 123 bus from Lewes. Entry is free, customers pay for what they pick.
Where: Cricketing Bottom (on the South Downs Way), Rodmell, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 3FE
Goddenwick Farm
Goddenwick Farm, near Haywards Heath, offers a delightful pumpkin-picking experience. This pick-your-own pumpkin patch draws many visitors throughout the autumn.
Goddenwick Farm offers a picturesque day out in the beautiful countryside of Haywards Heath. This is a great option for a traditional Sussex pumpkin patch.
Dates are yet to be released, but you can keep an eye on the Goddenwick Farm website.
You can book or just turn up here. There is ample parking here right near the pumpkin field.
Unlike most other pumpkin patches, dogs are welcome on leads here.
Where: Goddenwick Farm, Ardingly Road, Lindfield RH16 2QX
Pumpkin Patch Tips – Pumpkin Picking Sussex
If you have not been to a pumpkin patch before, it is helpful to go prepared.
Get There Early in the Season and Day
We previously made the mistake of going to the pumpkin patch towards the end of October. It meant there were not many nice pumpkins to choose from.
There were many pumpkins smashed up and rotting away.
Many people like to get nice seasonal pictures at the pumpkin patch, so getting there sooner in the season means the pumpkins wont be scant!
Getting to your chosen pumpkin patch for opening time will allow you the extra choice of parking and pumpkins.
Prepare for the weather
With sometimes wet weather in Sussex, it is helpful to check the weather forecast. Most likely it could rain or be chilly. You could pack an umbrella for any forecasted rain.
With little ones, I would always recommend putting them in a puddle suit, rain or no rain. Pumpkin patches can still be quite a mucky visit even if it is not raining.
Welly boots are a must when it is raining due to mud and puddles.
If it is not raining, wear sturdy shoes or walking boots as the ground can be very uneven on the pumpkin patch.
Consider Budget
Sometimes pumpkin patches can really capitalise on the season that’s in it. Do take a look at how many pumpkins you’d like to take home. Is there an entrance fee? or simply a fee for the pumpkins picked?
Be aware that the pumpkins are often sold by weight, so the bigger, the more costly.
Also setting expectations with little ones, who may be over ambitious with loading the cart up with pumpkins. This can prevent big emotions whilst out!
Bring Snacks and Drinks
Packing your own snacks or hot drinks can help bring the cost down. Snacks are always a good idea if you have a little one who might not be in the best mood, or like mine, constantly hungry.
If you are heading to a farm with more activities for the day, then bringing a picnic or packed lunch helps bring costs down, and sometimes home made food is better, right?
I love brining a big thermos flask of hot chocolate for the family on autumn and winter days out.
Getting Around
If you are visiting with small children, that are not quite steady on their feet, perhaps consider baby carrying. It is difficult to predict what the ground surface might be like for pushchairs and buggies.
Many pumpkin patches have trailers or wheelbarrows that can offer the little ones some fun being pushed around in.
I hope you have found this pumpkin picking Sussex guide helpful.
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