Pumpkin Patch - Now Closed

 

The Pumpkin Patch has proved very popular since we first opened it ten years ago, and it is lovely to see people of all ages enjoying Halloween and selecting their own pumpkins to take home and carve.

Grab a wheelbarrow and head down to the patch where you will find a huge array of pumpkins in various different sizes. It is also a great chance for a photo opportunity, surrounded by a sea of autumnal, orange colour! We have seen some fabulous pumpkin carvings over the years and welcome any photos of customers’ creations to be posted on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. You can also make use of the pumpkin flesh and create delicious soups, pies and even muffins!

For details on how to find us, please click here.

Please comply with the following rules at all times when visiting the Pumpkin Patch:

PUMPKIN PATCH RULES – PLEASE READ!!

In the event of heavy rain, we may reserve the right to close or refuse entry without prior notification if, in our opinion, we consider the ground has become too wet and muddy to operate the Pumpkin Patch safely.
Dogs are not allowed anywhere on the farm.
Please only touch the pumpkins you wish to pick.
Children under the age of 16 must always be supervised by an adult.
Please do not drop or throw the pumpkins as they may smash and will not be in a sellable condition.
No picnics allowed.
No smoking or vaping allowed.
All rubbish must be removed from the farm.
Thieves will be prosecuted.
We reserve the right to refuse entry and to remove people from the farm.
Please ensure that you do not leave valuables in your car. Stanhill Farm cannot accept any liability for theft or damage (however caused) to vehicles or their possessions whilst in the car park.
Any belongings and other property brought onto the farm are at the customer’s own risk.
 

Please see our FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section below, which you may find useful.

Pumpkin Patch - FAQ

When do you open?

Saturday 7th October & Sunday 8th October
Saturday 14th October through until Saturday 28th October

Pre-booking is ESSENTIAL! 

What are the opening times for the Pumpkin Patch?

Monday to Saturday: 9:30am - 3:30pm
Sunday: 10:30am – 2:30pm

How can I find you?

For details on how to find us, please click here.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, please click the green 'Book now' button above to book your entry ticket. Pre-booking is ESSENTIAL, and entrance will NOT be permitted without presentation of a ticket - either printed or shown on your phone/device.

How much is the entry ticket? 

£3.50 per ticket (One vehicle of up to seven people / walk in group of up to seven people)

Entrance price includes:

  • Parking 
  • Use of wheelbarrow
  • Photo opportunities

PLEASE NOTE: Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-exchangeable, this includes rainy days. Your ticket is only valid for the session you have purchased and cannot be used for any other session. In the event of any cancellations made by us, you will receive a refund in full. Please be aware that when you book your ticket, a small booking fee is taken by the ticket provider.

One ticket admits ONE vehicle of up to seven people. Please note if you are one group but are arriving in two separate vehicles then you will need to book TWO tickets. No coaches or minibuses.

If you are arriving by foot one ticket admits ONE group of up to seven people.

Why are you charging for entrance tickets? 

We had a free ticketing system in previous years, however, we found that so many customers booked multiple tickets on different days and unfortunately failed to cancel the days they no longer needed. In addition, other customers booked tickets and then just failed to turn up – again without cancelling. This meant we had numerous sessions that were half full, resulting in lots of left-over pumpkins at the end of the season. It was also very unfair to the customers who had tried to get tickets but missed out because our system was showing as fully booked.

How much do the pumpkins cost?

  • *£37.00 = 1 x Wheelbarrow full (as many pumpkins as you can fit in, while still being able to push it!)
  • £1.00 = Mini
  • £1.50 = Small
  • £3.50 = Medium
  • £5.50 = Large
  • Giant pumpkins will be individually priced

*PLEASE NOTE: The wheelbarrow deal must consist of a mixture of pumpkins and squashes, it cannot be all squashes or all white pumpkins, however, a wheelbarrow full of orange pumpkins is permitted.

Which payment methods do you accept? 

We accept cash, debit cards and credit cards. 
 

What should I wear?

We are a working farm and care should be taken on uneven surfaces. Please wear suitable footwear such as trainers or outdoor boots in dry conditions and wellington boots when it’s wet as the fields can be muddy. It is also advisable to wear gloves as the pumpkins are muddy and the stalks are prickly.

How does it work?

Your ticket will be checked and scanned upon arrival, and you will then be directed to the parking area. Just collect a wheelbarrow and follow directions to the Pumpkin Patch or field, here you can select your chosen pumpkins where they will already be cut off their vines.

Once you have chosen your pumpkins, please head back to the marquee where a member of staff will take your payment. When you have finished with your wheelbarrow, please return it to the marquee area. When using a wheelbarrow, please ensure you are careful as they can easily tip over.

Do you provide carrier bags?

No, we no longer provide carrier bags. Please bring strong carrier bags with you to accommodate heavier pumpkins or if you plan to buy more than one. Reusable supermarket bags (‘bags for life’) or strong recycling bags are ideal. Bin liners, however, are not strong enough to carry many pumpkins.

Are there lots of pumpkins available?

We always plant thousands of pumpkins so are confident there will plenty available. 

How can I pick a good pumpkin?

Pick it up and tap it! It should feel sturdy. When you tap it, you should hear a hollow sound. Check the colouring! Choose one that has consistent colouring throughout. Look for bad spots! Try to choose a pumpkin without any scratches, bruises, or dark spots. Apply pressure! Turn the pumpkin upside down and apply pressure with your thumbs. If it’s not completely sturdy, the pumpkin isn’t fresh and will rot quickly. Always carry it from the bottom! Don’t carry it by the stem as they can easily break, instead, cradle it from the bottom.

How long will my pumpkin last? 

To get the best from your pumpkin, store it somewhere cool. As soon as the pumpkin is carved and hollowed out it will only last for a few days, after this time, it will start to wilt and smell rotten. The more air circulating around your pumpkin the better, as the less air circulating the faster it will grow mould, so try and hold out carving it as close to Halloween as possible to ensure your pumpkin still looks and smells good!

Do you allow photoshoots on the Pumpkin Patch?

You are welcome to take some photos if you are buying pumpkins, however, we do not allow official photoshoots to take place. 

Can I carve my pumpkin at the farm?

At present we are not able to offer pumpkin carving workshops at the farm as we do not have the facilities or staff available to assist. 

I am having a function/event - can you supply a large quantity of pumpkins?

Yes, please email info@stanhillfarm.co.uk to discuss this further and we can make the necessary arrangements.

Can we walk anywhere on the crops?

No, for your health and safety please only stick to the areas you have been directed to for the Pumpkin Patch or Pumpkin field areas.

Can I take a pram/wheelchair on the Pumpkin Patch?

We put straw down on the Pumpkin Patch, so the ground is cleaner and more pleasant to walk on, therefore, this area would be easier for prams or wheelchairs. We dont advise using the main pumpkin field as it can get very muddy and therefore more challenging for pram or wheelchair users.

Can I bring my dog?

No, we do not allow dogs on the Pumpkin Patch, fields or anywhere on the farm.

Is parking available?

We have plenty of free parking available. Please drive slowly and safely as there will be children about and the ground could be uneven and muddy. Please ensure that you do not leave valuables in your car. Stanhill Farm cannot accept any liability to any customers or other visitors or their children for theft or damage (however caused) to vehicles or their possessions whilst in the car park.

Do you have a café?

Berries & Beans Cafe is back for the 2023 Halloween season! Serving tea, coffee, hot chocolate, slushies, cold drinks, toasties, and cakes. Card and cash payments accepted. Opening on Saturday 14th October through until Friday 27th October.

What are the opening times for Berries & Beans Café? 

Monday to Saturday: 10:30am - 4:30pm
Sunday: 10:30am - 4:00pm

Can I bring a picnic?

We are happy for you to bring a picnic to the farm but we ask that you eat it in the designated picnic area next to Berries & Beans cafe. Please bring blankets to sit on as the picnic tables are for paying customers of the cafe. Picnics are not permitted in the fields or car park. Please take all your rubbish home with you.

Can we have a barbeque on the farm?

No, barbeques are not permitted in the pumpkin fields or anywhere on the farm.

Do you have toilets?

Yes, we have one portaloo and one disabled portaloo. They are located to your right, opposite Berries & Beans cafe as you head down towards the Pumpkin Patch.

Do you have baby changing facilities?

Yes, there is a baby changing unit available in the disabled portaloo.

Do you keep lost property?

Any lost property that is found will be kept until the end of the pumpkin season. Please email us with a full description of the lost item and we will get back to you.

Is smoking permitted?

No, smoking and vaping is not permitted on the Pumpkin Patch or anywhere on the farm.

Is alcohol permitted?

No, alcohol is not permitted on the Pumpkin Patch or anywhere on the farm.

Do you welcome coach parties?

Only for pre-booked school visits and not at weekends.

Do you do children’s parties?

No, unfortunately at present we don’t have the staff or facilities available.

Why can’t I get an answer on your office phone number?

We are a small family business and during the busy season we are all working on the farm. If your request is urgent, please leave a message on our answerphone and we will endeavour to call you back as soon as possible. Alternatively, please email: info@stanhillfarm.co.uk