Pumpkin Picking in Devon ft. Exeter, Plymouth & Bideford
Whether you live in or are holidaying in the southwest this October, you might be wondering where to go pumpkin picking in Devon!
I’ve put together this extensive guide to help you find your perfect pumpkin.
Whether you’re in Plymouth in West Devon, Exeter in East Devon, or in places like Barnstaple and Bideford in the north, there are plenty of Devon pumpkin patches and I guarantee that you’ll find the ideal one for you!
Plus, plenty of these pumpkin farms have special events like spooky Halloween activities, farm animals and nature trails!
If you’re in Devon with kids, there’s plenty to enjoy here – but even if you’re not, picking a pumpkin is great fun – I drag my boyfriend to a patch every single year!
Due to the hottest and driest summer on record, some of these patches haven’t opened for 2022. Some of the crops just haven’t grown as much as desired!
Some other Devon pumpkin fields are TBC about when they will open and what dates. I will keep this blog post udpated as I hear news.
But if you want shiny pumpkins, activities like a bouncy castle or coconut shy and the chance to try locally grown produce in Devon, these patches are all well worth visiting.
Not based in Devon? Check out my guides for Bath, Bristol and Cornwall as well.
Pumpkin picking near Exeter
If you’re looking for the best pumpkin picking in Exeter, this section of the blog post details some of the highlights!
Pick Your Own Exeter
Dates on: From 15th October
If you’re looking for a real family day out right by Exeter, pick your own is located in Exminster, just four miles from the city centre.
With free entry and parking, plus entertainment on some days (especially at the weekend and during October half term), this event is an extravaganza for all!
If you’re looking for a budget-conscious day out in Devon, this festival is ideal, with homegrown pumpkins costing as little as 50p!
Plus, enjoy extra activites and affordable seasonal food.
Darts Farm
Dates on: 19th – 31st October
Please note, these are anticipated dates at the moment, as they depend on how well the pumpkins grow! You can check their website for up-to-date information.
Located in Topsham, between Exeter and Exmouth, sits Darts Farm.
This is a popular farm to visit any time of year, but turns into a thriving pumpkin patch when the spooky season arrives!
This pumpkin patch is a labour of love, beginning in June when the team start to sow the seeds. They begin growing and flowering in August, and reach their prime at the end of October, when guests are welcome to come and pick their spooky Halloween decoration!
Darts Farm boast many varieties of pumpkin, including Harvest Moon, Magic Lantern and Racer pumpkins.
Booking is not required. The pumpkin field is free to enter, you just pay for what you pick.
It’s the ideal day trip from Exeter!
Crealy Adventure Park and Resort
Dates on: October half term
Crealy Theme Park & Resort is the place to be during the spooky season!
Ideal for families and with a mix of rides, this action-packed theme park guarantees a spooktacular time!
The annual spook fest runs from 22nd – 30th October and incorproates a range of scary attractions like the scarecrow maze, the spooky street circus and escape the creaky hotel!
While it’s not so much pumpkin picking, every child will receive a free gourd to take home, and you can also take part in their pumpkin carving competition while you’re there!
Jolly Pumpkin
Dates on: October 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd – 30th
Jolly Pumpkin is located in Silverton near Exeter, and they have an epic selection of gourds this year! Whether you want a knobbly pumpkin with creepy features or a shiny smooth squash, it’s all on offer at this pumpkin patch.
There are lots of photo opportunities available on-site, perfect for the family photo albums.
Tickets cost £1.25 (it’s the same cost for both an adult and child ticket) and pumpkins start from as little as two for £1.
Tickets are available now and must be pre-booked in advance.
Pumpkin picking in Torbay
Searching for pumpkin patches in Paignton or Torquay? This list details where to find pumpkins in the whole Torbay (South Devon) area.
Pennywell Farm
Dates on: 23rd to 29th October
Located just outside of Buckfastleigh, the ever-popular Pennywell Farm offers half-term fun for all the family.
This is a bit different to the other Devon pumpkin patches; instead of picking your own pumpkin, you’ll enjoy a day of entertainment with Pennywell Park’s adorable pigs!
There are plenty of activities and shows from entertainers like Mr Phil and pottery demonstrations are on with Jeremy Leach.
Tickets to the invent include a pumpkin, which you can carve there and then, so you don’t need to worry about messy pulp at home!
Tickets must be pre-booked in advance, and you can do so by clicking here.
Caton Farm
This Ashburton farm is a small pumpkin patch with free entry. Choose from the variety of gourds, with wheel barrows to transport them, and pay for whatever you pick.
There are also some refreshment opportunities available on-site.
Shute Fruit
Dates on: TBC
Shute Fruit is a PYO far offering tonnes of seasonal vegetables throughout the year. You can have plenty of family fun throughout October by picking runner beans, french beans, sloe and chard.
They are open during the autumn, but they haven’t yet makde an annoucement about their pumpkin patch for 2022.
You can stay updated on their website.
Pumpkin picking near Plymouth
Pips Pick Your Own
Dates on: 2nd October every day until they sell out!
Located in Yealmpton, just to the east of Plymouth, Pip’s Pick Your Own offers strawberry fields in the summer and chances to pick your perfect pumpkin in the Autumn!
No booking is required, just pop by and choose your gourd. There’s plenty here – whether you want the biggest pumpkin you can carry or a minute squash that’ll fit on your mantlepiece.
While there, you can also visit Ben’s Farm Shop, where you can purchase locally made goods.
Click here for more information.
Strawberry Fields Pumpkin Fest at Lifton Farm
Dates on: 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd – 30th
The annual pumpkin fest at Strawberry Fields at Lifton Farm is predicted to be bigger and better this year, with the legendary maize maze, Magic Martin the entertainer, and a 10-acre patch with loads of pumpkins.
Entry is £2.50, and then you’ll need to pay for your pumpkin or pumpkins on top.
Dogs are permitted but should be kept on a short lead at all times.
You can also enjoy the Lifton Farm Shop and restaurant, which serves lots of local products.
Click here to purchase tickets.
Terawhiti Farm
Dates on: October 8, 9, 15 and 16, from 10am to 4pm.
Terawhiti Farm has an amazing pumpkin patch each year, and 2022’s is set to be more of the same!
With over 25 types of pumpkin, this is the one to visit if you’re looking for a unique squash! Perhaps you want some ghost pumpkins this year?
It’s free to enter the event, but attractions – like a giant striker and the pumpkin express – cost a fee. And of course, you’ll need to pay for whatever pumpkin you pick!
Surfing Cow Ice Cream
Dates on: October half term week
Surfing Cow Ice Cream near Plymouth usually opens in October for pumpkin PYO.
Unfortunately, due to the drought this summer, the crops didn’t do as well as they hoped, and they only have a few limited pumpkins on offer.
However, They’re planning on opening during October half term week for the limited pumpkins they do have, plus to give guests the chance to try some of their autumnal and wintery ice cream flavours (think apple crumble and gingerbread!)
Stay updated on their Facebook page to see when they’ll be open.
Pumpkin picking in North Devon
The BIG Sheep
Dates on: 15th, 17th – 21st October and October half term
One of the only pumpkin patches in North Devon, The BIG Sheep near Bideford has plenty on offer for little and bigger kids!
Visiting The BIG Sheep is one of the best things to do in North Devon if you have a family any time of year, but it’s especially fun in the spooky season.
First up, there’s a little monster’s ball on 15th and 17th – 21st October. This event runs from 10am – 2pm each day and is for toddlers and pre-schoolers who live in the EX postcode.
With fancy dress competitions, spooky music and the chance to buy and take home pumpkins, this is a fantastic event while the big kids are at school!
During October half term, school-age kids can enjoy the range of rides (they all get a spooky makeover!), dress up and take part in pumpkin carving competitions!
It’s not a pumpkin patch per se, but everyone can take one of the gourds home to display proudly!
You can pre-book park admission by clicking here.
Pumpkin picking in Mid Devon
Thorne’s Farm Shop
Dates on: October 26th – 29th
Located in Crediton near Dartmoor, Thorne’s Farm Shop has an annual pumpkin festival with a different theme each year.
This year, the talented team will teach visitors all about different bugs and creepy crawlies. Your kids can make different crafts and, of course, pick from the selection of pumpkins!
A craft ticket costs £2.00 per person, and some of the proceeds are donated to charity.
Orway Porch Farm
Dates on: October 15th, 16th, 22nd – 30th
Situated near Cullompton in Kentisbeare, this farm opens its doors in October for people who want a fun family day out as well as to go pumpkin picking.
See the farm animals, take a ride on a tractor and of course, find a pumpkin to take home.
Orway Porch Farm boasts plenty of pumpkins, with over 15 varieties.
It’s free to enter and no booking is required.
Halberton Court Farm Shop
Dates on: TBC
This lovely farm shop, based in Tiverton, has an annual family-friendly pumpkin patch.
They’ve posted about 2022 on Facebook, although further details are still to come. It will probably open in the latter part of October.
You can follow their Facebook page to stay posted.
If you’re looking for pumpkin picking in the West Country, this list should have detailed some of the highlights!
With all of the best pumpkin farms in Devon, some of these (such as Lifton Farm Shop) are accessible from Cornwall, and others (like Halberton Court Farm Shop) are easy to reach from parts of Somerset and Dorset!
Whether you want pumpkin painting, a spooky pumpkin trail, or extra activities like spooky rides and shows, there’s something for everyone in this range of Devon pumpkin patches!
