๐ October half term is creeping up! See whatโs on across the Peak District.
Pumpkin picking is getting bigger in the Peak District, with two brand-new patches joining the autumn line-up for 2026.
Thereโs been a little pumpkin-patch expansion in the Peak District for 2026, with two new experiences opening within the National Park. That means even more opportunities to embrace the autumn season, whether youโre after a traditional pumpkin patch or a Halloween day out with pumpkin picking included.
The established favourites are back too, including Village Pumpkins just outside the boundary and hopefully Litton Lanterns (we’re eagerly awaiting their announcement. Although sadly, Pumpkin Corner in Ashbourne have made the decision to close their gates for good after an unfavourably dry growing season. Hereโs what to expect from each this autumn, including dates, prices and whatโs on offer.
This article contains affiliate links. Should you click to purchase, it is at no additional cost to you, but we receive a small commission.
And donโt forget your pumpkin carving kit to create spooktacular designs after your pumpkin-picking adventure.
- ใPERFECT 7-IN-1 Pumpkin Carving Kitsใ: 7 PCS useful pumpkin carving kit includes ( 1 ร Big…
- ใHeavy Duty Stainless Steel Kitใ: This pumpkin carving kit use one-piece molding process to make…
- ใ12 Pumpkin Carving Stencilsใ: 12 Pumpkin carving stencils help to inspire creativity and make…
- ใWidely Applicable DIY Toolsใ:These tools can cut out and create realistic 3D facial details…
- ใImpressed Storage Bagใ: Hoshin Halloween pumpkin carving tools are packaged with a zipper…
1. Village Pumpkins (Barlow, near Chesterfield/Sheffield)
READ OUR GUIDE: Village Pumpkins
Open every Saturday and Sunday from 3rd to 18th October, then from Thursday 22nd October until stocks last
Click here for more information and ticket
Village Pumpkins in Barlow is a fantastic choice for families near Chesterfield or Sheffield, and although itโs just outside the Peak District boundary, itโs well worth a visit.
Entry at weekends is ticket-only, so youโll need to book online in advance (ยฃ3 per adult and children over 12; under 12s go free). Weekday visits donโt require booking, but there is a small entry fee.
Tickets include parking, access to the patch, farm animals, play areas, and plenty of photo opportunities, from vintage tractors to giant pumpkin props. Once inside, grab a wheelbarrow and explore the wide selection of pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and even colours, before warming up with hot chocolate, pumpkin cake, or soup.
Prices vary by pumpkin size. Parking is on-site, and the patch is accessible by bus.
2. Enchanted Pumpkin Farm at Hassop Family Farm
24th & 25th October ONLY
FULL DETAILS TBC
Click here for more information and to book tickets
Thereโs a new pumpkin-picking experience coming to the Peak District this October, as Hassop Family Farm launches its Enchanted Pumpkin Farm for two days only, on 24th and 25th October 2026.
Alongside choosing their own pumpkin from the enchanted pumpkin patch, children can make their own wand, create magical potions with a spell master witch, enjoy live storytelling in the Straw Bale Theatre and explore the Pumpkin Playground.
They can also head to Broomstick Academy to train with Wizard Bramblewick and put their flying skills to the test. With more magical surprises still to be announced, this promises to be more than just a pumpkin-picking trip.
3. Halloween Festival and Pumpkin Patch at Matlock Farm Park
Saturday 24th October – Sunday 1st November (or until pumpkins run out)
FREE pumpkin with entry (subject to availability)
Click here for more information and to book
Matlock Farm Park has a pumpkin patch as part of its Halloween season, but pumpkin picking is just one element of a much bigger Halloween event. Families can also enjoy a Spooky Woodland Trail, Ghoul Games, Halloween characters, craft workshops and all the usual farm park attractions.
Every child with a paid park entry ticket receives a free pumpkin, subject to availability. You can choose your pumpkin from the patch and either take it home to decorate or carve it at the onsite carving stations.
4. Pumpkin Patch & Autumn Festival, Castleton
October weekends and all of half term
Bottom of Winnats Pass, Old Mam Tor Road, Castleton
Tickets are ยฃ4 per person aged 3+, with parking included.
Click here for more information and to book
Thereโs another new pumpkin-picking experience arriving in the Peak District this autumn, with The Patchworks in Castleton offering a three-hour family session from 4th October 2026. The pumpkin patch has a huge variety to choose from, including traditional orange pumpkins, ghostly white, speckled and warty varieties, as well as pumpkins ranging from tiny Munchkins to much larger gourds.
Thereโs plenty to keep children entertained beyond pumpkin picking, with activities including pumpkin bowling, treasure hunts, giant puzzles, Quacky Races, a Black Hole Slide and the rather intriguing Needle in a Hay Stack. Activities are included in the ticket price.
You can also pre-book marshmallow sticks for toasting over the fire pit, with coffee, locally brewed beer and freshly prepared sweet treats available on site.
5. Litton Lanterns (Litton, Peak District)
READ OUR GUIDE: Litton Lanterns
Dates have not yet been announced.
Opening Saturday 3rd October (we hope!)
Litton Lanterns, which opened in 2024, was the very first pumpkin picking patch within the Peak District National Park. Set in the scenic valley of Litton Slack, between Bakewell and Buxton, this friendly patch offers a fun autumn day out for families.
Entry is free, and you only pay for the pumpkins you take home, priced between ยฃ2โยฃ12 depending on size.
With wheelbarrows to borrow, spooky hay bales, a vintage tractor, and even some friendly sheep, thereโs plenty to keep little ones entertained while choosing their pumpkins. Refreshments are on hand from Derbyshire Oatcakes, serving warm filled oatcakes, sweet treats, and hot drinks, with picnic benches and a gazebo for enjoying the views.
Parking is free, dogs on leads are welcome, and toilets are available onsite. Itโs best to wrap up warm and bring cash as the card reader can be unreliable.
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:
๐ Clean off all the mud from your pumpkins
๐ Mix 1 tablespoon of bleach with 1 litre of water
๐ Soak your pumpkin in the mixture and let sit for 20 minutes
And thatโs it! The bleach/water mix will prevent your pumpkins from rotting, and keep your pumpkin perfect until you carve it!
