There’s nothing that screams autumn more than a pumpkin patch, and while you might think this is the kind of thing only found near the suburbs of New England (the land of ‘Christian Girl Autumn’ and all its pumpkin-flavoured trimmings), you can find some fields of orange in this corner of the world too. If you’re happy to take a short train trip or hop in your car, there’s a whole world of gourd-themed fun to be had just outside of the city. And, whether in Sussex, Essex or Kent, these farms are usually just over an hour away from home, so you’re never too far away from your nearest pumpkin. Ready to find this year’s jack-o’-lantern canvas (or just take some pics for Insta)? Here are the best pumpkin-picking spots in and around London.
Cowcross Yards
Sadly, it seems like Covent Garden has retired its annual Pumpkin Market, but if you want to shop for pumpkins in London – somewhere other than Tesco – head to Farringdon. For the first time, Cowcross Yards is bringing an Urban Pumpkin Patch to town, so you can nip over on your lunch break. For two days this October, Cowcross will host a pumpkin patch alongside its regular KERB+ street food market where graffiti artists will be handing out FREE spray-painted mini pumpkins inspired by the urban art in the area. These gourds are going on a first come first served basis, so get there early if you don’t wanna miss out.
Wed 25th & Thurs 26th October 2023, 11:30am – 2:30pm
Cowcross Yards, Farringdon, London EC1M
cowcrossyards.co.uk
Secretts of Milford
Every year Surrey based farm Secretts of Milford holds a full week of autumnal and Halloween activities, aptly named ‘Pumpkin Week’. This pumpkin picking spot is just a 50 minute train ride (plus a 20 minute walk on the other side) from Waterloo station and you can enjoy a pumpkin-based menu of soup, curry, hot dogs and cake while you hunt for gourds to take home.
Sat 21st – Sun 29th October 2023
Hurst Farm, Chapel Lane, Milford GU8 5HU
secretts.co.uk
Garsons
Garsons has been doing what they do since 1871. Previously they were suppliers of fresh produce to Borough Market, now they’re known for their garden centre, farm shop, restaurant and (the reason you’re here) pumpkin patch. Garsons not only has some gorgeous gourds, but they go a step further with their ‘Pumpkin Parade’, full of themed displays and photo ops. To get here you’ll only need to take a short 20 minute train from Waterloo to Esher before hopping in a cab or on a bus, so it shouldn’t be too hard to bring your new pumpkin home.
Until Tues 31st October 2023
Garsons Esher, Winterdown Road, West End, Esher, Surrey KT10 8LS
garsons.co.uk
Foxes Farm Produce
Foxes Farm Prodduce operates the largest pumpkin patch in Essex, so if you wanna really have your pick of the crop, here’s where to go. This patch opens at the end of September so you can get your pumpkin shopping in early – which Foxes advises you do. They’ve got two locations – one in Basildon and one in Colchester – and, if you’re driving, Foxes is just over an hour away. Both patches are open during the day, but if you’re in the mood for a truly Halloween-y experience, drop by the Colchester site at night and have a go at navigating the corn maze in the dark.
Until Sun 29th October 2023
Watch House Farm, Wash Rd, Basildon SS15 4ER
Green Lane, Aldham, Colchester CO6 3PR
foxesfarmproduce.co.uk
Cammas Hall
Essex-based Cammas Hall really goes all out for their Halloween festivities – and this year will be no different. Not only do they have a pumpkin volcano, but there’s a ‘Terror Tunnel’ full of Halloween characters and photo ops, a corn maze and lots of seasonal food and drink. The huge pumpkin patch is just over an hour’s drive away from London and, of course, you’ll get to pick your own to bring home, with the choice of over 60 varieties.
Until Sun 29th October 2023
Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak, Hertfordshire CM22 7JT
cammashall.co.uk