Looking to visit the best pumpkin patches in Sussex? With half term and Halloween on the horizon, pumpkin patches are an undeniably seasonal and fun activity for little ones. Fresh air, wholesome fun and all the Instagram opportunities you can imagine. Pick up a pumpkin to carve, a turks cap for a curry and some cute little squashes for your windowsill. Actually, whether you’ve got kids or not, does it get any more Autumnal? Here’s a round-up of the best pumpkin patches in Sussex.

Poynings Pumpkin Patch

Where? Poynings Roundabout,  Poynings Road, BN45 7AP

When? 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th, 19th & 20th, 25th-31st October

Poynings Pumpkin Patch is back for the second year after their successful launch in 2019. They’ve grown lots of different organic varieties: some for carving; some for cooking. Pick up a carving set at the super cute wooden pumpkin shack where you weigh and pay for your pumpkins when you’re all ‘pumpkin’ out. Food van on-site including locally reared lamb, beef burgers, plenty of pumpkin-based dishes and hot and cold drinks.

*Free entry & parking*

Tulleys Pumpkin Farm, Crawley

Where? Turners Hill Road, Turners Hill, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4PE

 When? Opening dates:* 28th September – 31st October *Opening times:* 10am – 5.30pm

Tulley’s is one of the best pumpkin patches in Sussex if you’re looking for all the extras. With hard-standing parking, food stands galore, sweetie stalls, all the different types of pumpkins to buy and entertainment for the little ones, this patch is spread across 12 acres and apparently, has nearly 75,000 pumpkins to choose from during October. I mean, they’re not running out any time soon. Tulley’s have seating for picnics, so you can BYO food or grab something from the hot food & drink vans. And if your little ones still have wiggles after pumpkin picking, there’s a play area and activities too.

*Free entry & parking*

Rogate Pumpkin Patch

Where? GU31 5EG ( A272, just beyond Rogate eastbound)

When?  *Opening dates: Friday 18th October –  Sunday 3rd November 2024 * *Opening times: 10am – last entry 5pm*

Rogate provides the perfect pumpkin patch for a super fun family day out. Besides pumpkin picking there’s a whole host of cool activities, especially for kids: vintage fair, pumpkin skittles, slime lab, pumpkin slingshot, corn blaster, barrel train, and a maize maze. They’re giving out lots of prizes for the spookiest costumes: witches hats, fake blood and vampire teeth at the ready. And if your little one’s a craft fan, you can hang out in the Pumpkin Pot. A quiet space where you can carve your pumpkin or make crafts with natural materials. I love the sound of the food at this patch. A spoilt-for-choice selection of wood-fired pizzas, barista coffee, homemade cakes, street food and slow-cooked hog roast.

*Free Parking. Entry is £5 per person Under 2s Free.*

Picking Patch, Brighton

Where?  Preston Manor, Brighton

When? 18th-31st October 10am-7pm

Preston Manor, reputed to be the most haunted house in Sussex, is hosting PYO Pumpkins and Pumpkin market with pumpkin carving, spooky Halloween Murder Mystery Trail and Witch Crafts for you to make and take. Come and join us for some marshmallow toasting, alongside some spooktacular photo opportunities. There are over 20 varieties of pumpkins for you to pick, from the Polar Bear to the Goosebump and even the cute Casparita and Munchkins. Make your way around the Mystery Trail and all the spooky photo opportunities along the way! (included in entry price). On arrival you will get your Sleuths Manual which contains suspects list, clues, codes and other information that may help or hinder you on your quest. Decide to work as a team with one manual or compete, in a friendly way.

£5pp (under 2’s go free)

Stonehill Farm, Chiddingly

Where? Horam to Chiddingly Rd, TN21 0JN Heathfield, East Sussex

When? 2024 dates TBC

Stonehill Farm is a pretty PYO fruit farm in Horam, Healthfield. Choose some gorgeous squashes for your autumnal windowsill while the kids find their own classic carving pumpkins. Hot drinks and complimentary mulled wine are on offer. Need I say more. And if you fancy turning your hand to a bit of seasonal floristry they’re running Pumpkin Arrangement Workshops with local florist Ana’s Flowers through October. Check out the Facebook page for more info.

*Free entry & parking*Picking Patch Lewes

Where? Littledene Lane, Glynde, Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 6LA

When? 5-6^th, 12-13^th, 19-20^th, 25-31st October 9.30-5pm

A brand new and exciting Halloween event comes to the Bristol on Bath Road, suitable for all ages. Celebrate a spooky pumpkin season at the Patch with pumpkins all shapes and sizes, a Halloween maze, an Escape Room, Witch Crafts, Hot food and drink and incredible handmade photo opportunities. Picking Patch will be also hosting weekly Twilight evenings, where, if you’re brave enough, you can enjoy getting lost in the maze by torchlight. Picking Patch will be open for PYO Pumpkins, hot food, marshmallow toasting and hot chocolates from 6pm-8pm.

Free entry

South Farm, Rodmell

Where? Rodmell, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 3FE

When? 2024 dates TBC

For a super cute off the beaten track authentic farm experience look no further. South Farm is a dairy farm that grows pumpkins for Halloween. There’s a field; there are pumpkins. It’s free to get in and pumpkins cost between £1 – £8 depending on size. You’ll have to bring a flask with you or head to the nearby Garden Centre for a hot choc if you fancy a drink after toiling the fields. If it’s straight-ahead rural pumpkin picking you’re looking for, this my friend is the patch for you. Just don’t forget your wellies.

*Free entry & parking*

Written by Katie Yarde/ Photos with kind permission from each Patch.