Pumpkin picking has seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years. Local farms have responded to this demand and there are now a decent range of pumpkin farms and pumpkin patches across Derbyshire. Unsurprising really since it’s good, seasonal, wholesome family fun. What could be better than wrapping up warm and spending some time in the fresh air searching for the perfect pumpkin. Here’s everything you need to know about pumpkin picking Derby and Derbyshire.
As we are coming to the end of the season it’s crucial to double check opening details directly with the patch you are planning to visit.
Where are the best PYO pumpkin patches in Derbyshire?
My advice would be to go early for the best selection. Uncarved pumpkins will last if kept in a cool, dry place. Then carve it closer to Halloween. Pumpkin patches are likely to be open whatever the weather. Wellies (or at least sensible shoes) and waterproofs advised! Although do check before travelling in adverse weather conditions.
If you’re going with kids, check out this cute free printable pumpkin picking journal.
It’s also worth considering what you are going to do with the pumpkins afterwards. Sadly many tonnes of pumpkin go straight to landfill immediately after Halloween each year. The flesh of most varieties can be cooked and eaten in a range of tasty seasonal dishes, and any excess can be composted or left for birds and squirrels to eat.
Best places to go pumpkin picking in Derbyshire in 2022
Our Halloween tradition is to go pumpkin picking at Village Pumpkins (scroll down for full details). We have been every year since my daughter was just a baby. It’s a really fun afternoon out and I love recreating the photos and seeing how much she’s grown.
Pumpkin picking Derby
Mr Pumpkin
Lime Farm, Mansfield Road, Morley, Derby, DE7 6JU
Mr Pumpkin is a much loved option for pumpkin picking Derby. It’s a fourth generation arable farm, located in Morley, approximately 4 miles outside of Derby city centre. They’ve been growing pumpkins since 2017 and are one of the biggest pumpkin farms in the region. This year they have planted almost 90,000 different pumpkins! There are usually over 40 different varieties to choose from. From giant orange pumpkins, to teeny tiny white pumpkin and from the ugliest, wartiest variety to the cutest, most aesthetic, Mr Pumpkin has it all.
There’s also a range of other family friendly entertainment to amuse the kids. There’s a Pumpkin Trail that raises money for the Air Ambulance, bouncy castle etc. Hot and cold food and drinks provided by another local farm, Oakfield Farm who cook freshly homemade burgers, sausages, pumpkin pie, soups etc.
Pre-booking required. Tickets should be purchased online. Tickets cost £2, under 16s free. Pumpkins priced from £2. Cash and card accepted. Dogs are not permitted in or around the pumpkin field.
Pumpkin patches near Chesterfield
Village Pumpkins
Johnnygate Lane, Barlow, Dronfield S18 7SE (easily accessible from Sheffield as well as north Derbyshire).
Village Pumpkins is a delightful pumpkin farm on the outskirts of Barlow near Dronfield and Chesterfield. This is just a well set up field where you can pick your own pumpkins. The field is really picturesque and there are stunning views in every direction. There’s a tractor for kids to sit on, a giant chair to climb on and some photo prop boards to aid with that all important Instagram picture! There’s also farm animals to see and in previous years a small range of local produce on sale, such as eggs and honey.
It gets bigger and better each year. There’s a shepherd’s hut selling teas, coffees, hot chocolates, soup, pumpkin pie and homemade cakes, milkshakes and snacks. And every weekend look out for authentic, artisan pizzas from Pizza Pi.
Free entry, and free parking in the week, or £1 per car at weekends and then just pay for your pumpkins (prices range from £2 to £10 per pumpkin depending on size and variety). Cash and card accepted. No booking necessary. First opening is Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd October. (they do tend to sell out so I would advise going as early as possible).
Dogs are not allowed on the pumpkin patch.
Ashover Pumpkins
Eastwood Lane, Ashover, Chesterfield, S45 0BD
Ashover Pumpkins is a picturesque family farm that has diversified into growing pumpkins and sunflowers. Expect a wide variety of pumpkins to choose from. This autumn they have grown 20,000 pumpkins in a wide variety for cooking or carving. Warm up afterwards with hot food and a hot chocolate or coffee.
Opens Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th of September, 10am to 4pm and everyday in October 2022, 10am to 4pm. No booking required. Free entry.
Stretton Hall Pumpkins
Newmarket Lane, Clay Cross, S45 9AP
This will be the second year of pick your own pumpkins at Stretton Hall Farm Shop near Clay Cross. For 2022, they have planted 15 different varieties including plenty of white and warty pumpkins. In previous years they’ve had dedicated photo areas with prop boards etc, plenty of seasonal refreshments.
Their bijou farm shop is a firm favourite of mine and this is a lovely place to pick your own pumpkin in north east Derbyshire. It’s the one PYO pumpkin place to my knowledge where you can also get a pumpkin spiced latte – and sit in their lovely café area, and where dogs are welcomed.
Opening every day in October. Toilets on site. Overflow car parking. On site BBQ area or visit the beautiful farm shop café area (maybe for a pumpkin spiced latte?). Dogs welcome.
Head here for more seasonal content to make the most of Derbyshire this autumn.
Pumpkin patches near Ashbourne
Pumpkin Corner
Wyaston, DE6 1ND
This will be the fifth year of Pumpkin Corner PYO pumpkin patch. Expect plenty of organically grown pumpkins with lots of different varieties. There are some beautiful photo props for that perfect Instagram post! There’s usually some yummy food options, for example milkshakes and waffles from La Gaufre, and Glutopia coffee van.
Free entry and no booking required. Pumpkins priced according to size. Cash or card accepted.
No dogs on the pumpkin patch but allowed in the seating area.
Pumpkin Corner is now located at a new site between Osmaston and Wyaston near Ashbourne, you can find the exact location using What 3 Words blueberry.prickly.bounded.
Shirley Pumpkins
Shirley, Ashbourne, DE6 3AT
Shirley Pumpkins will be back for the fifth year running with various varieties of pumpkins. Choose from a huge range of colourful, warty and wonderful pick your own pumpkins.
Usually open weekends and half term week in October (weather permitting). No booking required, free entry. Pumpkins available priced according to size and variety. Card or cash accepted.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this round up of where to pick your own pumpkins in Derbyshire. Have a great time at a pumpkin patch near you!
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The Autumn Edit
A landing page of all the seasonal content on Lovely Local Indie – from autumn walks to cosy cafés and the best places to for pumpkin picking. Here’s all the most seasonal content on Lovely Local Indie. The best places to eat, drink and go this autumn in Derbyshire and the Peak District. All blog…
4 replies on “Pumpkin Picking Derby and Derbyshire”
I am so ready for the Fall & I really want to visit a pumpkin patch this year!
Hi, Pumpkin Plots near Egginton will be open in October, we have some lovely white pumpkins, tradition orange ones, green ones as well as warty pumpkins! Hope to see people there 🎃
Hi Laura – would be happy to include you in the blog if you get in touch with opening details, prices etc. Thanks! x
Hi, apologies I’ve only just seen this, appreciate it maybe a bit late now. We do still have pumpkins available and will be open on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th October on the half term and then our final weekend is Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October.