Pumpkin Picking at Willinghurst Estate

Grown on the estate itself, the pumpkins at Willinghurst sit in the heart of the Surrey Hills south of Guildford, and the estate is upfront about what kind of day this is: pull on your wellies and expect an authentic countryside outing rather than a tidy visitor attraction.

Wheelbarrows are provided so children can push their own haul back from the field. Entry and pumpkins are charged separately, with the pumpkins priced by size. Beyond the patch there is a maize maze to get lost in and arts and crafts running through the event, plus face painting at an extra charge.

Food comes from visiting traders rather than a permanent cafe. Pull & Pour serves hot drinks and snacks and Crepe Salut makes crepes on site through the middle of the day, with Batch Hauss joining the line-up on 24 and 25 October.

Two things to plan around. Every visitor needs an entry ticket bought in advance, with no pay-on-the-gate option advertised, and last entry to the patch itself is mid-afternoon, so an early arrival gives you the run of the field and the traders. Dogs are welcome on a lead at all times but cannot come into the patch. Parking is free in a designated field and is left at the owner's risk.