*Always check with the venue that’s open before you set off.
Abbie Coleman is a Derbyshire-based mum of two and the founder of MMB Magazine and Ey-Up. She creates easy-to-read guides covering what’s on for families in Derbyshire, sharing local events, free activities and tried-and-tested ideas that make planning days out simpler for busy mums. Contact us to work with Ey-UP as a business or as a new blogger.
Best Pumpkin Picking Derbyshire In 2026
Updated October 2026
We went to our first local pumpkin festival patch last year with the kids to celebrate, as the Americans call it, the Fall festival. It was a great day out, and the whole family loved it.
Pumpkin picking in Derbyshire has become one of those traditions that we love and are totally on the pumpkin trail trend, we look forward to every year. What started out as a borrowed American idea has now firmly planted itself into our autumn calendars – and honestly, I don’t think any of us would want it any other way.
By the time September rolls around, kids are already asking when the patches will open, wellies are lined up by the door, and mums and dads are searching for the best spots to make those Insta-worthy memories. Derbyshire really does deliver – from torch-lit trails to cosy farm shops serving pumpkin pie, to family-run patches where the kids can pull their wheelbarrows across muddy fields in search of the one.
For 2025, we’ve rounded up the very best pumpkin patches across Derbyshire – complete with updated dates, ticket info, and top tips for making the most of your day out. Whether you’re after a traditional pick-your-own patch, spooky family activities, or somewhere that throws in hot chocolate and hay bales for good measure, this guide will help you plan the perfect Derbyshire pumpkin adventure.
So grab your wellies, your best spooky jumper, and maybe even a thermos of hot chocolate – here’s our complete guide to the Best Pumpkin Picking in Derbyshire 2026.
Make sure to check out Bonfire Night Derbyshire & Firework Tickets 2026
When is 2026 Pumpkin Picking Derbyshire Season?
The pumpkin patches Derbyshire season in the UK typically begins in late September and extends through to the month of October, with the peak spooky season occurring in October, leading up to Halloween.
Table of Contents
Best Pumpkin Picking Derbyshire 2026
Ashover Pumpkins – Open
Eastwood Lane, Ashover, Chesterfield, S45 0BD, United Kingdom
FREE PARKING FREE ENTRY
Ashover Pumpkins Facebook Page
First on our pumpkin picking Derbyshire list is Ashover Pumpkins. This October, they have over 50,000 pumpkins grown on their local family-friendly farm for cooking or carving! This is one of our favourites for the best pumpkin patches on the Derbyshire list. Hot chocolate and burgers are available, too! You can get some fab photo opportunities and treats available to buy and drinks. Try the maize maze or some marshmellow roasting
Explore the Charm of Ashover Pumpkins: Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Eastwood Lane, Ashover, Chesterfield, Ashover Pumpkins invites you to immerse yourself in the magic of fall. With over 40,000 pumpkins grown locally on their family-friendly farm, this picturesque patch promises an unforgettable pumpkin-picking experience.
We had so much fun here and the kids loved measuring the pumpkins at the end.
Mr Pumpkin
Lime Farm, Mansfield Road, Morley, Derby, DE7 6JU
Welcome to Mr Pumpkin – 2026 – Mr Pumpkin
Mr Pumpkin tickets will be on sale from Monday 24th August 2026 at 9am until the 31st of October book your dates for Mr Pumkins here.
Tickets are priced at £3.50 (16 years and over) on peak dates and £2.50 at other times.
Children aged 3-15 are free entry during off peak dates (when accompanied by someone 16 and over), and £1 each on peak dates.
Children under 3 are free entry and do not require a ticket.
Booking fees of 25p per ticket apply to tickets (excluding free tickets).
We wouldn’t miss Mr Pumpkin from our pumpkin picking Derbyshire list. A Pumpkin Wonderland Awaits! Venture to Lime Farm, Mansfield Road, Morley, Derby, and discover the wonders of Mr Pumpkin’s vast pumpkin kingdom in this best pumpkin patches Derbyshire listing. With nearly 90,000 pumpkins of over 40 varieties, this family-friendly destination guarantees an unparalleled pumpkin-picking extravaganza with acres of pumpkins.
Looking for the perfect pumpkin this Halloween? Head to Mr Pumpkin in Morley, just 4 miles from Derby City Centre, for a fun-filled pumpkin-picking adventure with something for everyone! You’re sure to find your ideal pumpkin – whether it’s orange pumpkins, white pumpkins, giant pumpkins, tiny, warty pumpkins, or even star-shaped!
As a fourth-generation family-run farm, Mr Pumpkin first welcomed pumpkin pickers in 2017. Thanks to the incredible response, they’ve grown even more pumpkins each year. It’s the ultimate pumpkin-picking destination for all generations.
To keep everything running smoothly and minimize queues, Mr Pumpkin operates on a ticket-only basis.
With a fantastic range of pumpkins and a welcoming farm atmosphere, Mr Pumpkin is the go-to place for pumpkin picking near Derby this Halloween!
Village Pumpkins
Johnnygate Lane, Barlow, Derbyshire (Google Maps – Village Pumpkins)
Open 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Every weekend in October
IT’S OPENING WEEKEND! We’re all ready to open our gates for pumpkin picking 2026 
Food Vendors join them on Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th October! 
The shepherds hut will be open from 9am ~ serving drinks, cakes & bakes… including the famous Pumpkin Pie! 
Ticket link below
Is it a pumpkin picking Derbyshire list without Village Pumpkins? For those seeking pumpkin patches in the Peak District, a great destination is Village Pumpkins in Barlow, a mere stone’s throw from the National Park boundaries between Chesterfield and Sheffield. What’s even better? Admission to Village Pumpkins is free; you only pay for your chosen pumpkins. Amidst a picturesque
Location: Johnnygate Lane, Barlow – but don’t rely on the postcode to find them! Instead, use the free app what3words and search for ///chatting.rainwater.brick to get to them easily.
What to Expect: Along with pumpkin picking, there’s plenty of farm fun to enjoy, including:
- A variety of pumpkins to choose from, with wheelbarrows available
- Farm animals like donkeys, goats, and chickens to visit
- Sit-on tractors for the little ones
- Plenty of photo opportunities around the farm
- A hay bale slide and Sheldon the Snail for added fun
- Colouring sheets for kids and a picnic area to relax with your family
Food & Treats: Enjoy food from pop-up vendors throughout the season (check our social media for updates), as well as homemade cakes, pumpkin pie, hot chocolate, and spiced pumpkin soup. Milkshakes and homegrown produce are also available for sale.
Matlock Farm Park – Spooky Fun and Pumpkin Picking
Saturday 25 October – Sunday 02 November 2026 10:00-17:00
A huge hit every year and only seems to get better Matlock Park Farm is a firm entry on our pumpkin picking Derbyshire list. During the October Half Term, head to Matlock Farm Park. It’s one of the best spots for lots of Halloween fun for little ones and the entire family to have fun with lots of different activities, and there is so much more than the play area, pedal cars, pony rides, petting zoo farm animals and jump pad to visit when it’s Halloween.
They always put on a great Halloween event with lots of fun things to do for the little ones. Embark on a journey through the enchanting woodland along a trail with Halloween-themed scenes. With familiar faces of Halloween characters at various prop setups – rest assured, it’s all about enjoyment, no frights, so little ones will have lots of fun and no tears! On select days, you can even engage with friendly live characters scattered across the woodland and throughout the park and all the farm animals, so keep an eye on their Facebook page.
Matlock Farm Park has you covered for a fun and not-too-spooky Halloween adventure! From 26th to 31st October, come enjoy their family-friendly spooky trail through the woodland, where you’ll encounter familiar Halloween characters and participate in the Ghoul Games. It’s all about fun, not frights, and the park’s live characters will even host broomstick-flying workshops!
Pumpkin Patch Fun:
Children can pick up a token to grab a wheelbarrow and head to the pumpkin trail patch. Every paying child gets a FREE PUMPKIN, which they can carve on-site at the carving stations or take home to decorate later.
More Halloween Fun:
Join Witch Wendolyn’s craft workshops to create Halloween keepsakes, and keep an eye out for the Headless Horseman, who might make a late-afternoon appearance just as the light fades.
Farm Park Adventures:
Alongside the Halloween fun, enjoy Matlock Farm Park’s usual attractions, like sheep racing, small animal petting, meerkat talks, wallaby encounters, and ferret racing. Pony rides* for kids are also available, and there are loads of play areas, including the covered Enchanted Hamlet, the indoor Rainforest Centre, and the outdoor Jumping Pillow.
With plenty to do for all ages, Matlock Farm Park is the perfect spot for Halloween fun and pumpkin picking in Derbyshire!
(*Pumpkins are subject to availability, and a small charge applies for pony rides.)
Naturally, the Pumpkin Patch is the highlight with its variety of pumpkins. Acquire a token and accompany your children as they select their wheelbarrow to explore the patch and choose their perfect pumpkin. The fun doesn’t end there – carve your pumpkin at our carving stations or take it home to enjoy later!
Another reason it makes our best pumpkin patches Derbyshire list is the not-to-be-miss Witch Wendolyn, who also makes an appearance…
Sudbury Pumpkin Patch TBA
Address: Main Road, Sudbury, Ashbourne DE6 5HS
This venue is now closed
Swarkestone Nursery and Garden Centre From The October 5th
Address: Swarkestone Nursery, Lowes Lane, Swarkestone, Derbyshire DE73 7GQ
Pumpkin Patch & Spooky Trail Experience From October 5th
The Pumpkin Patch & Spooky Trail Experience is back, opening on October 5th! Take the whole family to pick the perfect pumpkin from our patch, enjoy fun photo spots, and explore the spooky trail—perfect for children of all ages. With mini wheelbarrows and pumpkins of all sizes, there’s something for everyone!
What to Expect:
- This event is partially outdoors, so wear sensible footwear and bring gloves to handle your pumpkins.
- Pumpkins are sold separately. You can buy carving kits or bring your own at the Pumpkin Carving Stations.
Car Parking: They have plenty of overflow parking, but please be aware that it can get muddy in wet weather. Wellies are highly recommended.
Dogs: Please note dogs are not allowed in this experience.
Disabled Access: This is an outdoor event, and the terrain can be muddy, making wheelchair and buggy access challenging.
Children: Children under 1 can attend for free – no ticket required.
Snarestone Pumpkin Farm, Swadlincote TBA
Address: Lodge Farm, Snarestone, Swadlincote DE12 7DA
Awaiting the date announcement for this pumpkin picking Derbyshire entry.
Shirley Pumpkins From 12th Oct
Pick your own Pumpkins at Shirley, Ashbourne. DE6 3AT
From Saturday 18th October we’re going to (weather permitting!) open every day through to the 31st October! 9am – 4pm
NO BOOKING NEEDED
Free Entry
Dogs welcome on leads
Loads of parking
Thousands of Pumpkins
Refreshments by @licbrew (apart from the 23rd Oct)
It’s dog-friendly, has free parking, and offers food and drink. Shirley Pumpkins Facebook Page. doesnt fail to impress on our pumpkin picking Derbyshire list.
Bluebells Torch Lit Pumpkin Picking Selected dates 18th-25th October
Magical Pumpkin Picking – A Night to Remember!
Get ready for an unforgettable autumn adventure and one that’s loved every year on our pumpkin picking Derbyshire list. ! Choose the perfect pumpkin from our vast selection – whether big, small, warty, or white, there’s something for everyone! Pumpkins are not included with tickets, so pick as many as you like.
Evening Entertainment:
Be dazzled by fire performers, who will light up the night with their thrilling acts, adding excitement to your pumpkin-picking adventure. Don’t miss out on our Monster Mash Bash, where kids can dance in their silliest or spookiest costumes!
Lantern-Lit Ghost Trail:
Bring a torch and follow the lanterns through the fields in search of hidden ghosts. It’s spooky fun for the whole family!
Selfie Stations:
Capture every magical moment! Our village is filled with Instagram-worthy selfie spots for the perfect autumn photo.
Play Areas & Food:
The indoor and outdoor play areas will be open and illuminated for endless fun. Warm up with home-cooked food from the café, or indulge in spooky treats like wickedly Spooky sundaes, Muckshakes, and Ice Creams from the outdoor kiosks.
Garden King Pumpkin Wood, Swadlincote From Sat September 28th
Address: Garden King Garden Centre, Park Road, Newhall, Swadlincote DE11 0TX
Pumpkin Woods – A Spooktacular Autumn Adventure!
Get ready for a fab time at Pumpkin Woods; back again this October and on our pumpkin picking Derbyshire list! This fun-filled event welcomes everyone, including your furry friends, for an autumnal woodland walk to pick the perfect pumpkin. Book Pumpkin Woods.
Wander through our 300-metre woodland trail, where pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colours await discovery. Each pumpkin is priced at just £3.50, no matter the size, and you can buy as many as you like!
Remember to snap some photos at the Instagram-worthy spots, which feature fun face cutouts and Halloween-themed inflatables. Kids can also enjoy an activity sheet to complete as they explore the woods.
Important Info:
- Pumpkins are £3.50 each, regardless of size or weight. You can choose your pumpkin along the walk and purchase it in the leading shop.
- The best selection of pumpkins is available at the start of October, so visit early to avoid missing out.
- Wheelchairs and pushchairs may have difficulty on the woodland path. Wear suitable clothing and footwear as the event will advance in all weather conditions.
- Pushchair parking is available.
Bluebells Dairy – Bluebells School of Witchcraft and Wizardry running on selected dates from 19th to 31st October
Locko Road, Derby DE21 7AT
Bluebells School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – A Spooktacular Adventure!
Step into the magical world of Bluebells School of Witchcraft and Wizardry this Halloween, running on selected dates from 19th to 31st October! It’s a spellbinding experience with fun activities for witches, wizards, and families.
Pick the perfect pumpkin from their vast selection – and every paying child gets a FREE pumpkin to take home! (Excludes under 2s). You can take to the skies with Minerva Moon and Bathilda Bristles as your broomstick instructors! Practice all the essential moves and earn your broomstick licence by zooming through the air. Or maybe a Squidditch Tournament, where houses battle for victory. Will your team come out on top by scoring the most goals?
Join the professors in learning all about the enchanted insects on the farm. Answer their questions correctly and win points for your house! And no wizarding school is complete without a bit of unicorn racing! Race your unicorn to the finish line and see who wins. Be sorted into your house by the Cat Hat! Will you join Gredelpaw, Serpentine, Hullaballoo, or Dragonclaw?
The Alchemist’s Adventure: Embark on a magical treasure hunt with a map from our Alchemist! Search the farm for ingredients for his eternal love potion – can you find them all?
Pumpkin Carving: Carve your pumpkin right here on the farm, and leave the mess with us! Take home your spooky masterpiece as a perfect Halloween keepsake.
Herbology Class: Head to the Enchanted Greenhouse and plant seeds to take home and grow. A little green-fingered magic to remember your visit!
Animal Activities: Alongside the magical fun, enjoy our usual farm activities like Small Animal Petting, Pig Apple Bobbing, and the thrilling Sheep Race.
Selfie Stations: Get your cameras ready – the site is filled with Instagram-worthy selfie stations. Every nook of this magical pumpkin wonderland offers a perfect photo opportunity!
How To Preserve Your Pumpkin
Using clear varnish is the method we use to preserve our pumpkins at the gate outdoors and extend their lifespan. Here’s how you can use clear varnish to protect your pumpkin for Halloween:
Prepare the Pumpkin: Clean the pumpkin with water to remove dirt or debris. Let it dry completely, then paint it and allow it to dry; then, you’re ready for your varnish.
Select a Clear Varnish: Choose a clear, outdoor-rated varnish for use on porous surfaces like pumpkins.
Apply the Varnish: Using a clean paintbrush or foam brush, apply a thin, even coat of varnish to the entire surface of the pumpkin, including the stem and cut edges, if applicable. Make sure to cover the pumpkin evenly without leaving any bare spots. We used a spray clear varnish, which was quick and easy to do and got great coverage.
Allow to Dry: Let the varnish dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes a few hours to overnight, depending on the type of varnish and environmental conditions. We left ours outside to dry on a dry day to ensure excellent ventilation.
Repeat if Necessary: If you desire extra protection or a shinier finish, you can apply multiple coats of varnish, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
Display and Store: Once the varnish is dry, you can display your pumpkin as desired. Please keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent premature decay.
Monitor for Decay: Check your pumpkin regularly for any signs of decay, such as soft spots or mould. If you notice any issues, promptly remove the affected areas and reapply varnish if necessary.
Clear varnish is a simple and effective way to preserve your pumpkin and keep it fresh throughout Halloween. Just remember to handle the varnish in a well-ventilated area and follow all safety precautions provided by the manufacturer.
Grow Your Own Pumpkins
In the UK, pumpkins are typically planted outdoors after the last frost date, which in most regions is around late May to early June. This timing ensures that the soil has warmed up sufficiently for optimal germination and growth.
Pumpkins typically take 90 to 120 days to reach maturity from the time they are planted as seeds. However, this can vary depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Creating your pumpkin patch for your fall festivities can be a fun and great way to involve the kids and grow your own pumpkin patch. Here’s how you can get started:
- Select a Suitable Location: Choose a location for your pumpkin patch that receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. Ensure the area is large enough to accommodate your desired number of pumpkin plants.
- Prepare the Soil: Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any weeds and debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
- Choose Pumpkin Varieties: Select pumpkin varieties well-suited to your climate and growing conditions. Consider factors such as size, colour, and maturation time. Popular varieties include Jack-o’-lantern, Sugar Pie, and Cinderella.
- Planting: Plant pumpkin seeds directly into the prepared soil after the last frost date in your area. Space the seeds or seedlings according to the recommendations for each variety, typically about 2 to 3 feet apart in rows spaced 6 to 8 feet apart.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during the early stages of growth. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can increase the risk of disease.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the base of the pumpkin plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Fertilizing: Monitor the growth of your pumpkin plants and fertilize as needed to promote healthy growth and fruit development. Use a balanced fertilizer or one specifically formulated for vegetables, following the instructions on the package.
- Pest and Disease Management: Watch for common pests such as aphids, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles, as well as diseases like powdery mildew and bacterial wilt. Use organic pest control methods and practice good garden hygiene to minimize problems.
- Harvesting: Harvest your pumpkins when they reach full maturity, as indicated by their size, colour, and stem dryness. Cut the pumpkins from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving a few inches of stem attached.
- Enjoy and Share: Once harvested, you can use your pumpkins for carving, cooking, or decorating. Share the bounty with friends, family, or customers, and enjoy the fruits of your labour!
With careful planning and maintenance, you can create a thriving pumpkin picking Derbyshire patch that yields plenty of pumpkins for Halloween and beyond. Have fun and get creative with your pumpkin-growing adventure!
We hope you loved our article on the best Pumpkin Patches Derbyshire. If we have missed nay do let us know. Which is your favourite, which would you like to win an award from Ey-Up Kids in 2027!
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