Pumpkin Picking in the Peak District 2025

Here’s your guide to pumpkin picking in the Peak District in 2025.

The autumn air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and there’s a distinct chill that tells you one thing – it’s pumpkin-picking season! 

For many families, this has become a cherished tradition, and what better place to embrace it than in the beautiful landscape of the Peak District?

Grabbing a wheelbarrow, donning your wellies and heading out into a field to find that perfect, misshapen, or enormous pumpkin is a magical way to spend a few hours. It’s a chance to get outdoors, create lasting memories, and support local farmers directly. Plus, a freshly picked pumpkin is the perfect canvas for your Halloween masterpiece.

While pumpkin patches within the Peak District National Park are limited, we’ve put together a guide to the best spots for a memorable pumpkin-picking experience in and around the area.

Litton Lanterns – the Only Patch in the Peak District National Park

If you’re looking for a genuine pumpkin-picking experience within the National Park boundaries, then Litton Lanterns is the place for you. Situated in a stunning, exposed field between Bakewell and Buxton, it offers a relaxed and authentic outing.

There is no entry fee to Litton Lanterns. You only pay for the pumpkins you choose to take home. Prices range from £2 to £12, depending on size, with a helpful chalkboard on-site to guide your decisions. Note: It’s best to bring cash, as the rural location can sometimes make the card reader a bit unreliable.

Wrap Up Warm

The patch and field can be quite exposed to the elements, so it’s wise to wrap up warm and wear your wellies. The experience is laid-back; you can borrow a wheelbarrow and explore at your own pace. While there are some pumpkins on display, the real fun is hunting through the field to find your ideal pumpkin. An hour is a good amount of time to explore and enjoy everything.

Derbyshire Oatcakes

Delicious treats are available from local business Derbyshire Oatcakes, including warm, filled oatcakes and breakfast baps, as well as an array of brownies, cookies, and cakes. Hot drinks are also on offer. You can relax and refuel at the picnic benches or under the gazebo, taking in the beautiful scenery. On-site toilets are also available.

Litton Lanterns is set to open for the 2025 season on Saturday, October 4th. No booking is required. There is ample parking, and plenty of pumpkins (and cake!) to go around.

Dogs on leads are very welcome to join the fun. The large field provides plenty of space for both two-legged and four-legged explorers.

Pumpkin Corner, Ashbourne

Half an hour’s drive from Wheeldon Trees Cottages, Pumpkin Corner near Ashbourne is an excellent choice. 

After being closed last year, they’ve announced their return for 2025, and the owners, Andy and Meg, put a huge amount of heart into the event each year.

Just like Litton Lanterns, there is no need to book in advance or pay an entry fee. You simply pay for the pumpkins you take home.

October Weather

Don’t forget your wellies and warm clothing—it’s a field in October, and it will likely be muddy! Taking gloves is also a good idea, as pumpkin stems can be prickly. You can collect a wheelbarrow at the entrance and follow the clear paths to find your perfect pumpkin.

A price display at the entrance shows the cost of pumpkins, which typically ranges from £1 to £10. You can pay with both cash and card. The selection includes a wonderful variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, from classic orange to white, stripy, and pale blue pumpkins.

Fun Activities

Beyond the pumpkins, there are plenty of fun photo opportunities and props scattered around the patch. Previous years have included fancy-dress characters and a “spot the mummies” trail to keep the kids entertained.

Pumpkin Corner supports local businesses, and you’ll find trailers like La Gaufre serving waffles and hot drinks, and Glutopia with gluten-free treats. There are plenty of benches for a rest, and a portable toilet is available.

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on the pumpkin patch to prevent them from eating the produce. However, they are welcome to wait with you at the picnic benches overlooking the field.

Village Pumpkins PYO, Barlow

Located just outside the National Park boundary on the Chesterfield/Sheffield side, Village Pumpkins in Barlow is another fantastic option for a fun family day out.

Village Pumpkins is very popular, and they use an online booking system to manage visitor numbers, especially on weekends. 

Tickets

Tickets are required for weekend visits, and you won’t be able to get in without one. During the week (Monday to Friday), no booking is necessary, but an entrance fee will be charged upon arrival. Tickets are £3 for adults and children over 12, with children under 12 going free. This ticket includes parking, entry to the pumpkin patch and farm, and access to a range of activities.

Dress for the Occasion

Remember your wellies! The parking field and pumpkin patch can get very muddy, so appropriate footwear is a must. Once you’ve checked in, grab a wheelbarrow and start your quest for the perfect pumpkin. You’ll find a huge variety of sizes and colours, including the classic orange and even some beautiful blue-grey varieties. The farm offers plenty of fun photo opportunities, from a giant chair to a vintage tractor.

Your ticket includes entry to see the farm animals, a sit-on tractor, a hay bale slide, and more. A picnic area with benches and grass is available for a rest. After you’ve picked your pumpkins, you can head back to the entrance hut for a well-deserved hot chocolate, pumpkin cake, or pumpkin soup. Food stalls are also likely to be on site.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to Village Pumpkins is by car, and you’ll see plenty of signs to guide you. Parking is on the field next to the pumpkins. You can also get there via the Stagecoach service 16 bus.

Dogs on leads are welcome in the refreshments field and car park, but not on the pumpkin patch itself.

Stay at Wheeldon Trees this Autumn

Choose Wheeldon Trees Cottages for an unforgettable autumn escape in the Peak District. Our luxurious cottages are set amidst breathtaking scenery and offer the perfect blend of tranquillity and adventure. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a relaxing retreat with friends, Wheeldon Trees provides a haven of comfort and style. Explore charming villages, hike scenic trails, and indulge in the beauty of the Peak District from the comfort of your private cottage. Our exceptional amenities and impeccable service guarantee an unforgettable 2025 holiday experience.

You can view our availability and pick your perfect cottage by following this link – view our availability.