Suffolk pumpkin patches ready to open this October near Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich, Sudbury, Woodbridge, Beccles, Southwold, Eye and Lakenheath
It’s that time of year when thoughts turn to pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes, carved pumpkins… basically all things pumpkin-related.
So it is lucky that pumpkin patches across Suffolk are preparing to open their gates to the public – some from this weekend.
Get your wheelbarrows and Wellington boots at the ready and read on for our list of 13 pumpkin patches to visit this autumn.
Undley Pumpkin Patch and Maize Maze, IP28 8BX
The Undley patch, near Lakenheath, is returning in 2024 following a two-year break.
Established more than 20 years ago, it is one of the original pumpkin patches, with plenty to offer visitors.
The site opens every weekend in October, starting tomorrow on October 5, and throughout the school half-term, from October 28-31, 10am-5pm (SEN session early on October 12).
Undley will have a Hallowe’en-themed maize maze, giant inflatables, pumpkin carving demonstrations, a straw bale pyramid, stalls, walking pet balloons, refreshments and toilet/handwashing facilities.
Entry is free, but tickets are required. Inflatables cost £3 per child, the maize maze costs £6 per adult and £4 per child (£17 family ticket).
Frogs Farm, just off the A140, Thwaite, IP23 7ED
Pumpkin picking, a play area, fully-decorated site, sheltered picnic area, coloured wheelbarrows, ride-on tractors, games for all ages, photo opportunities and more – Frogs Farm, near Eye, is promising lots when it opens from tomorrow.
Frogs Farm will open on October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and from October 26-31, 9.30am-4pm.
Late night pumpkin picking dates are to be announced.
Entry costs £2.50 (under threes free), with no need to book. Food trucks and refreshments will be on site daily.
Rougham Pumpkins, junction 45, A14
Opening this year on October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20 and from October 26-31, 9am-5pm, Rougham Pumpkins, near Bury St Edmunds, has fast established itself as a family favourite when it comes to pumpkin patches.
There is space to run around and picnics are welcome, while there are deckchairs, a sandpit, ice cream, pedal tractors, small pumpkin games for the family, photo opportunities, food trucks and a bar.
Well-behaved dogs on a short lead are welcome in a dedicated doggy pumpkin patch. Parking is free.
This year, there will also be two special evening events: Pumpkins by torchlight and silent disco, on October 12 and 26, when the patch will stay open from 5.30-9.30pm for a night-time pumpkin festival.
Entry is free, but silent disco headsets need to be booked (£5 adults, free for children but do book to reserve).
There will also be twinkly lights, fire pits, s’mores, music and food on offer during the two evening events.
Siam Hall Spooky Pumpkins, Boxford, CO10 5LA
Siam Hall, near Sudbury, will be open October 12, 13, 19, 20 and every day from October 26-31.
Siam Hall pumpkin patch is a small, family-run business which opened for the first time in 2018
Entry is free and there is no need to book. Picnics are welcome and refreshments are available.
The Pumpkin Patch, Hadleigh Road, East Bergholt, CO7 6QU
Boasting thousands of pumpkins, a straw bale mountain, slide, straw sofa, tractor tyres to climb, tractor and trailer for photos, a selfie board, tunnel to climb through and more, the Harris family will open East Bergholt Pumpkin Patch on October 11, 12, 13,and October 18-31, 10am-4pm.
There is no need to book, entry and parking are free. Hot drinks and snacks will be available, along with toilet facilities.
Woodbridge Pumpkin Patch, Sandy Lane, IP12 4DW
Woodbridge Pumpkin Patch will open this year on October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 and from October 28-31, 10am-4pm.
It promises plenty of pumpkins, along with a sandpit, mud kitchen, reide-on tractors, face painting, a pumpkin house and more.
Refreshments and food on site will include hot and cold drinks, toasties and bakes.
Entry costs £1.50 (under 16s free), with no booking required and free parking.
Wrentham Pumpkins, Field Farm, Wrentham, Beccles, NR34 7NB
No details on opening date had been released at the time of publication, but keep an eye on the farm’s Facebook page for more information.
Akenham Hall Pumpkin Patch, Henley Road, near Ipswich, IP6 0HL
With donkey rides, a Hallowe’en-themed bouncy castle, archery and tractors on display, pumpkins are just one of the attractions at Akenham Hall Farm this October.
The patch opened every weekend in October and from October 28-31, 10am-4pm.
Entry is free and no booking is required.
Ruffins Farm pumpkin patch and maize maze, Whepstead, near Bury, IP29 4UD
From pick your own pumpkins to a maize maze, sheep, donkeys, food stalls and children’s games, Ruffins Farm is open this year on October 12, 13, 19, 20, and 26-31, 10am-4pm.
Entry is free, no booking is required and parking is free.
Wellingtons and wet weather clothing are advised, although some farm animals and pumpkins will be under cover.
Pumpkin Barn Redlingfield, near Eye, IP23 7NZ
With a spooky trail, on-site pumpkin carving, a straw bale mountain, face painting, food and drinks, photo opportunities and, of course, pumpkins, the pumpkin barn patch in Redlingfield will be open on October 12, 13, 19, 20 and 26-30, 10am-4.30pm.
Entry costs £2.50 per child, £5 adults (under twos free), no booking required. Car parking is available, while well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads.
Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch and Maize Maze, Boydland Farm, Capel St Mary, near Ipswich, IP9 2JU
Open every weekend in October and daily October 25-31 (10am-4pm), Farmer John’s offers a mini pumpkin maze, mega maze, straw pyramind, giant inflatable tractor, mini ride-on tractors, picnic area, refreshments and photo opportunities.
Entry costs £5 per child, £7 adults, including all activities and a free small Jack O’Lantern pumpkin. No booking is required.
Southwold pumpkin picking and Scaretacular, IP18 6SG
Pumpkin picking will be available daily from October 18-November 3 (9am-4pm, booking not required), alongside the Scaretacular Hallowe’en half-term event from October 25-November 3, 9.30am-4.30pm.
Online tickets cost £8 adults, children (aged two-18) £10.50, with slightly higher on-the-gate prices.
Windolphs Pumpkin Fest, Stansfield – this event is not being held this year
Just over the border in Norfolk:
Mrs G’s Pumpkin Patch, Garboldisham, IP22 2SJ
Mrs G’s will open daily October 19-31, 10am-4pm – no booking required.
