Pumpkin Picking in Derbyshire 2023

It’s that time of year again! The days are getting shorter, there’s a definite nip in the air, the shops are filling with sweets, spooky costumes, and pumpkins…autumn is well and truly upon us. There are certain events that are always sure to be a hit this time of year, and pumpkin picking is one that has surged in popularity over the last few years. It’s not hard to see why – outdoor, seasonal family fun supporting local farmers? A great time for all! Here’s our roundup of the best places to go pumpkin picking in Derbyshire. We’ll update the list each year with any new places we spot.

Where to go pumpkin picking in Derbyshire?

There are many wonderful spots to go pumpkin picking in Derbyshire, and new locations open each year.

Mr Pumpkin – Derby, DE7 6JU

Mr Pumpkin is an extremely popular pumpkin patch just outside Derby. It first opened in 2017 and has almost 90,000 pumpkins spanning 40 different varieties to pick from! As well as pumpkins, there are hot and cold drinks and food, and family entertainment. Entry is on a ticketed, pre-booked basis, so check out the website if you’re planning to go.

Bluebell Dairy’s Halloween Festival – Derby, DE21 7AR

Bluebell Dairy is well-known around Derby for its delicious icecreams and family fun. Their annual Halloween Festival features pumpkin picking alongside sheep races, fancy dress contests, a trick or treat maize maze, and, of course, tasty Halloween icecreams. Booking is required – see website for details.

Shirley Pumpkins – Ashbourne, DE6 3AT

Situated just outside Shirley, near Ashbourne, Shirley Pumpkins offers a huge selection of pumpkins across two massive fields. There are many different varieties and colours, plus delicious coffee and wood-fired pizzas. No booking required.

Pumpkin Corner – Ashbourne

Between Osmaston and Wyaston, just outside Ashbourne, Pumpkin Corner has been open for 5 years and offers lots of pumpkin props for great photo opportunities, as well as a multitude of pumpkins. Delicious refreshments are also on offer. No booking required.

Curious Cobbles – Ashbourne

New for 2022, this is a themed “village” set up in Darley Moor, just outside Ashbourne. Curious Cobbles promises not only pumpkin picking, but also hot food and drinks, gifts, carnival games, and seasonal treats. No booking required.

Pumpkin Plots – Egginton, DE65 6GU

At Pumpkin Plots, you’ll find competitve pricing and a “find the spooky pumpkin” competition, as well as the usual pumpkin picking. Hot drinks are also available. No booking required.

Village Pumpkins – Barlow

Up in the North of the county, Village Pumpkins offers not only pumpkins, but also farmyard animals, a hay bale slide, milkshakes, and pizzas. No booking required, but you’ll need to pay £1 to park at weekends.

Stretton Hall Farm – Clay Cross, S45 9AP

Stretton Hall Farm shop is a wonderful place to visit at any time of the year, but adding in pumpkin picking makes it perfect for the autumnal months. No booking required.

Ashover Family Farm – Ashover, S45 0BD

This family farm offers over 40,000 pumpkins as well as pony rides and hot refreshments. No booking required.

Garden King Pumpkin Woods – Swadlincote, DE11 0TX

A 300m woodland walk for all, including pets, with pumpkins available for selecting at only £3.50 each, regardless of size, shape, or colour. Booking recommended.

Pumpkin picking – what else to know?

Pumpkin picking is a brilliant way to spend a weekend day with the family. Here are our top tips to make it a happy occasion:

• Take wellies! The majority of pumpkin patches are in fields, which are open to the weather. Ruining nice shoes won’t make your experience a fun one, so definitely dress for mud and prepare for rain.
• Take gloves, too. Some pumpkins and their stems can be quite prickly and hard on the hands.
• Carry pumpkins by their base, not their stem. Sadly, we can say from experience that carrying a pumpkin by the stem risks dropping, breaking, splitting, etc.
• Remember you need to get your pumpkins home. Some of them can be quite muddy from all that growing in a field. Some patches offer hoses to clean the pumpkins. Your best bet is to take an old blanket or sheet to line your car and transport them home with minimal mess.
• To get the best choices, head out earlier rather than last minute. Most patches are open until the end of October.
• Try not to waste too much of the pumpkin if you’re carving your gourds! The flesh can be cooked into many delicious recipes, including stews, soups, curries, pies, bread, cakes… And the seeds can be roasted for a tasty snack, or even replanted in your garden.
• If you are carving your pumpkins, don’t do it too early! 5-6 days pre-Halloween means your pumpkin should last. Any earlier, and you’re risking a wilted, rotting mess.

We hope you’ve found this post about pumpkin picking in Derbyshire in 2023 useful. Happy Pumpkins!