Pumpkin picking is the autumn craze that everyone loves. Whether you’re a Halloween lover, or just like to decorate your home with cosy trinkets and features. You can’t go wrong with a pumpkin! If you’re down south and want to visit a local pumpkin farm, here are the best pumpkin picking patches in Essex!
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Our Top Tips For Pumpkin Picking In Essex
- Wear good shoes: We don’t want any shoes to be ruined here, so we suggest wearing wellies, old trainers or boots. Pumpkin patches can get quite muddy!
- Bring a jacket: You know how the British weather is… it’s not very reliable. That’s why we think it’s best to bring a raincoat or something warm to wrap up in.
- Take a heavy-duty bag: Pumpkins are big and heavy. If the pumpkin patch you go to doesn’t have a wheelbarrow, it’s best to have a strong bag on you to carry them! Makes it a lot easier to take around the farm with you.
- Book your tickets in advance: Most pumpkin patches and farms will require you to book tickets in advance. So, make sure you don’t miss out and turn up without your tickets!
- Leave on time: if you’re travelling from afar or you want to avoid traffic, we recommend you plan in advance and leave as early as you can. Just to avoid any delays or traffic! Especially from big cities.
Pumpkin Picking Essex 2024
1. Hatter's Farm
There are over 100,000 pumpkins and squashes of all different sizes to pluck. From small and medium to serious giants – there will be too many choices!
There’s even a pumpkin night event where you can wander through the pumpkin patch under the glow of the moonlight. Just watch out for the ghouls and vampires of course… Extra spooky, extra fun.
The fun doesn’t stop at pumpkins, though. Why not face your fears and brave the clown-themed spooky maze, the Hatter’s Mad House? Or conquer the 7-acre Maize Maze? And if two mysterious mazes weren’t enough, enjoy a third! The Bale Mountain and Bale Maze are also located at Hatter’s Farm! Which maze are you trying first?
How about testing your aim and trying out the UK’s first Pumpkin Cannon? It’s super fun and exciting!
You’ll be immersed in this fright-fest from the minute you step through the farm’s gates. With live actors dotted around the farm and plenty of wild photo opportunities, you’ll have an unforgettable experience. Just make sure to get a snap with the World’s biggest Welly Boot!
Has all that day and nighttime pumpkin picking made you tired? Warm up your bones with some hearty hot food and delicious drinks in the indoor seating area. The perfect pick-me-up!
There’s even face painting here too! Who will you transform into?
Hatters Farm, Takeley, Essex, CM22 6NP
Pumpkin Picking - 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th of October, and 23rd-31st of October
Pumpkin Nights - 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 29th, 30th and 31st of October 2024
Off Peak tickets from £3.00
Peak Tickets from £5.00
2. Hurley's Pumpkin Forest
From trying to find your way out of the Witches Maze to having a go at pumpkin bowling! There are loads more activities that the family can get stuck into.
They even have a Pumpkin Forest Twilight event, during which you can wander through the pumpkin field when the night is a little darker and spookier…
Woodham Rd, Battlesbridge, Wickford SS11 7QL
5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 25th to 31st October 2024.
Pumpkin Picking: Prices from £3.00
Pumpkin Forest Twilight: Prices from £4.00
3. Cammas Hall Farm
At Cammas Hall Farm’s Pumpkin Patch, you can immerse yourselves in the autumnal beauty of the farm and pick your pumpkins from a wide variety! Did you know there’s over 50 kinds of pumpkins and squash this year?!
Whether you’re looking for a giant or small pumpkin, orange or white or smooth or bumpy! You’ll find the perfect pumpkin to carve for your Halloween decorations right here at Cammas Hall Farm. But wait, the fun doesn’t stop there!
For those seeking an extra thrill, and aren’t afraid of the dark, you can wander around the Maize Maze…in the dark. The tension is rife and the silence is compelling as you creep around the corners, afraid of what’s lurking behind… But don’t worry, it’s all fun and games!
Don’t forget there are themed shows and live music to make the vibes more exciting! Cammas Hall Farm offers a range of exciting activities to make your visit truly unforgettable.
If you’re looking for an autumnal activity, pumpkin picking should be at the top of your list!
Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM22 7JT
Open from 4th October 2024.
Prices from £5
4. Foxes Farm Produce
Bright and orange? Bumpy all over? OR stand out, GREEN! There are pumpkins of all sizes and colours; just take your pick and make the best Halloween decorations! Or maybe you’re thinking of making pumpkin soup? Either way, the world is your oyster!
From large carving pumpkins to cute mini pumpkins, there is something for everyone. But there’s also fang-tastic fun at Foxes Farm for the whole family to enjoy, with a range of activities to get stuck into! Take a scenic tractor ride around the farm, spin round and round with hula hoops, and race against your family with sack racing and the bale mountain climb! Orrrr shoot a pumpkin out of the pumpkin cannon and see how far it flies!
And when hunger strikes, indulge in delicious hot food available on-site! Not to mention spooky treats…
Watch House Farm, Wash Road, Basildon, Essex, SS15 4ER
5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th October - 1st November 2024
Adult and Child from £4.50 per person
5. Hurley's Farm Pumpkin Forest
But Hurley’s Pumpkin Forest is more than just a pumpkin patch… Young adventurers can embark on an exciting Halloween hunt through the witch’s maze! It’s a thrilling experience that will keep the whole family entertained this spooky season. How about wizard welly wanging or snapping pics at all the Halloween and autumnal-themed photo opportunities?
For a day filled with autumnal bliss and family fun, Hurley’s Pumpkin Forest is the perfect destination!
Psst…you can even pumpkin pick at night!
Christmas Tree Farm, Woodham Road (Old Road), Battlesbridge, Wickford, Essex, SS11 7QL
5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 25th to 31st October 2024.
Pumpkin Picking: Prices from £3.00
Pumpkin Forest Twilight: Prices from £4.00
6. Marsh Farm Pumpkin Picking
This year’s Halloween and pumpkin festival is jam-packed with witches, wizards, vampires…maybe even Frankensteins!! Do you know what that calls for? Dressing up in your spookiest costumes too! Scream your hearts out on the fun-tastic funfair rides and adventure play – not forgetting the boo-uncy pillows!
You’ll find all sorts of pumpkins on the patch here! From big squashes and ugly pumpkins to weird and spooky ones! Pick your favourite and create a masterpiece with it. With so much fun ready for you and the family, this Halloween is about to wild!
Marsh Farm, Marsh Farm Rd, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP
27th September - 31st October 2024
Tickets start from £2.99 - £5.99.
Prebooked Pumpkin Village Nights tickets are £9.99
7. Hasty's Adventure Farm, Clacton-on-Sea
Pumpkin lovers will be super happy with the giant selection of pumpkins available for picking! From small and cute pumpkins to giant ones, there’s a variety to suit every preference and purpose. Whether you’re looking to decorate your home or create delicious pumpkin recipes, you’re sure to find your perfect pumpkin here.
Afterwards, the kids can enjoy live shows, and characters roaming around, explore the Autumn Trail and complete the fun activity booklet! There’s also plenty of photo opportunities dotted around the farm to capture that picture-perfect moment!
West Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1AG
5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th to 31st October 2024.
Tickets start from £5pp
8. Old Macdonalds Farm
If you’re in the mood for more Halloween fun? You have to check out the Haunted House! If you’re brave enough, then brave visitors can venture through eerie corridors and encounter creepy creatures along the way… The Ghost Trail adds another spooky layer to the spooky day out as you follow the spooky path and unravel the mysteries that lie within. Then sit tight and enjoy scary stories with Miraiker, attend the Magic School and meet creepy crawly creatures and the meerkats!
Not only that, but you can scream for joy on the unlimited rides, adding even more fun to the day. From exciting roller coasters to gentle carousel rides, there is no shortage of thrills for both kids and adults!
So, get ready to embrace the Halloween spirit and make unforgettable memories at Old Macdonalds Farm’s Halloween Festival. Don’t miss out on the Haunted House, Pumpkin Picking in the Pumpkin Patch, and the Ghost Trail for a truly unforgettable Halloween adventure.
Weald Rd, Brentwood CM14 5AY
26th October - 3rd November 2024
Adult from £18.27
Child from £18.70
9. Cobbs Farm PYO Pumpkins
At Cobbs Farm PYO Pumpkins, there’s no need to book in advance. Simply arrive at the farm and immerse yourself in the vibrant orange sea of pumpkins. With prices starting at just 50p, you can handpick the perfect pumpkin for carving, decorating, or even cooking up some delicious seasonal recipes.
The experience at Cobbs Farm PYO Pumpkins is not only about pumpkin picking. It’s an opportunity for families to spend quality time together in nature, enjoying the fresh air and picturesque surroundings. Capture some memorable moments as you explore the farm, search for the ideal pumpkin, and soak in the festive atmosphere.
Cobbs Farm PYO Pumpkins offers a truly authentic pumpkin-picking experience for everyone. Don’t miss out on this seasonal delight!
A4, Hungerford RG17 0SP
18th - 20th October, 24th - 31st October 2024
Free entry and parking, you just pay for what you pick
10. Lathcoats Farm
Beyond just pumpkin picking, Lathcoats Farm provides an array of activities to make your experience even more enjoyable. Get creative with their pumpkin carving sessions, where you can transform your chosen pumpkin into a spooky masterpiece. And don’t miss the Halloween hunt, where children can search for hidden surprises among the pumpkins.
Lathcoats Farm also offers lots of photo opportunities with its charming pumpkin displays, making it the perfect place to capture some memorable moments with your loved ones! It’s the family day out this autumn.
With its picturesque surroundings and festive atmosphere, Lathcoats Farm is the ultimate destination for families to embrace the Halloween spirit. They also host dedicated SEN sessions! So, gather your family and head over to Lathcoats Farm for an unforgettable day of pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving, and exciting activities.
Beehive Lane, Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 8LX
12th October - 3rd November 2024
£2.00 per person
So, if you’re ready to embody the spooky season that is now upon us, bring the family along for an autumn activity that is simply tradition every Halloween. With the best pumpkin picking patches in Essex, you’ll never have to travel far to find the perfect autumn day out!
Looking for more pumpkin picking places? Check out Pumpkin Picking In Liverpool 2024, Pumpkin Picking Near London 2024, Pumpkin Picking In Essex 2024, and Pumpkin Picking In Manchester 2024. Need some ideas on What To Do With Pumpkins After Halloween? We’ve got you covered! Plus check out our Halloween Pumpkin Ideas to get your carving inspo!