Litton Lanterns: pumpkin picking in the Peak District National Park (2024)

Peak District Kids writer: Alice Wyatt

Newly opened this year, Litton Lanterns is the first pumpkin picking patch in the Peak District National Park! Set in a stunning location at Litton Slack, half way between Bakewell and Buxton, the pumpkins have been busy growing and are now ready to be picked and enjoyed.

Pumpkin picking in the region is pretty limited, so it was exciting to go and visit this friendly new patch and to enjoy the pumpkins in their many sizes and colours. We had a lot of fun choosing a pumpkin each and were very happy with our selection – some larger pumpkins for carving, and smaller ones that we thought were just very interesting and decorative.

We had a lot of laughs as the kids tried to pick up the heaviest pumpkins they could find, and we really enjoyed being outdoors together on a fresh autumn day.

As it is their first year opening Litton Lanterns are still finding their feet, but it was well organised and there are fun extras to enjoy; spooky hay bales and amusing face-in-the-hole boards. The kids obviously loved the wheelbarrows and enjoyed a fun ride round the patch in a different mode of transport.

The old tractor was also a lovely addition and was perfectly placed in the field for a clamber and a ride. Meeting some sheep was also very sweet and the kids loved giving their thick wool coats a little stroke.

Arriving at Litton Lanterns

Litton Lanterns can be found at Litton Slack, SK17 8SU. Click here for Google Map location or use what3words: family.outings.remainder.

We found the pumpkin field without any problems using the postcode, and Litton Lanterns is well signposted in the local area.

There is plenty of free parking available on the field next to the pumpkin patch.

Your pumpkin picking experience

Litton Lanterns is free entry, so you only pay for the pumpkins you choose to take home (and any tasty treats you may wish to buy). The pumpkin patch and field are quite exposed, so on a cooler day it is definitely worth wrapping up a bit warmer, and wellies would also be best.

It is all quite relaxed and you are free to explore at your own pace and to borrow a wheelbarrow if you desire. There are a number of pumpkins on display, but you will more likely want to get exploring the patch to find your perfect pumpkins. It’s not the hugest of patches, but there was certainly a good selection of pumpkins to choose from.

We spent about an hour there, which felt like a good amount of time to see and do everything and to have a little bite to eat.

Pumpkin Prices

The price of pumpkins depends on size, with a chalkboard by the patch so you can make some decisions beforehand about how many pumpkins you wish to buy.

Prices range from £2 to £12. Do take cash. There is a card reader, but due to the rural location it can be a bit hit and miss.

Refreshments, food and toilets at Litton Lanterns

Local business, Derbyshire Oatcakes, were serving some delicious treats next to the pumpkin patch – warm filled oatcakes and breakfast baps, as well as some mouth-watering brownies, cookies and lemon cake. Hot drinks were also available which went down well.

There are a number of picnic benches as well as a gazebo where you can sit to enjoy food, drinks and the beautiful scenery. Onsite toilets are available.

Opening times at Litton Lanterns

They are now open 10am – 4pm every Saturday and Sunday in October and through the half-term holidays until Thursday 31st October (other dates and times may be added soon).

Do you need to book?

No need to book! There is ample parking and enough pumpkins (and cake) to go around.

Are dogs allowed?

Dogs on leads are very welcome. It is a really large field so there is plenty of room for dogs and kids to enjoy and explore.

Want your pumpkins to last until Halloween?

We tend to pick our pumpkins the first weekend of October. Some may say that’s a little early, but it means we get the best pick, and it’s quieter.

But how to make them last until Halloween? Well there’s a clever trick:

🎃 Clean off all the mud from your pumpkins
🎃 Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1 litre of water
🎃 Soak your pumpkin in the mixture and let sit for 20 minutes

And that’s it! The bleach/water mix will prevent your pumpkins from rotting, and keep your pumpkin perfect until you carve it!