Have you ever seen a photo on your friend’s Instagram that looked like someone just threw a few sad pumpkins into a big muddy field and called it a day? Pumpkin patches have developed a reputation for being boring, overrated, and disappointing, so I went to Tulleys Farm to find out if pumpkin patches can be worth visiting. The answer, in this case, is a resounding yes.
The sceptic's question: what to expect at a pumpkin patch
Before visiting Tulleys Farm, I did some research to find out what to expect when visiting a pumpkin patch. I saw so many forum posts from people who had been to disappointing ones and had a terrible time.
One forum post read: “In reality, it’s also usually freezing, the fields are ridiculously muddy, the pumpkins are a pain to cut and walk around with”. Another said: “I find the whole experience pretty boring.”
I went in with low expectations, but thankfully, the experience was better than I ever could have imagined.
Getting there by train
Getting to Tulleys Farm by train is a breeze. Southern Railway runs regular trains to Three Bridges from across the network. It’s only half an hour from London Victoria, and even quicker from hubs across the South East like Horsham or Haywards Heath.
Then, from opposite the station, just hop on the 84 bus and after 10 minutes hop back off at Tulleys Farm East (which is one stop after the main Tulleys stop). Alternatively, you can jump in a taxi which takes only 5 minutes.
Arrival: the vibe sinks in
As soon as I stepped off the bus, I was enchanted. Music in the air, dogs wearing jumpers, alpine-style chalets. It felt intentional, vivid, and full of character.
I was checked in by the cheerful Olivia, and asked her what types of people usually visit the pumpkin patch here. “We get lots of young families, especially babies dressed up as pumpkins,” she said. “But we also get a lot of couples. Definitely date vibes.”
That struck me: pumpkin patches are not just for kids. They’re for anyone who wants to lean into an attraction which is fun, seasonal, and visually pleasing. I noticed plenty of groups of friends enjoying themselves, as well as couples and families.
I wandered onwards through beautiful floral arrangements, pumpkin pyramids, and textured squashes in pastels and deep orange. Everywhere I looked, I realised: a lot of thought has gone into this. But in a ‘let’s make autumn magical’ way, not in a forced Instagram sense.
The pumpkin patch
I continued walking through displays of more types of pumpkins than I ever knew existed, past lively characters dressed in spectacular costumes, and towards the main attraction: the pumpkin patch.
Immediately, it exceeded all expectations. I had seen photos from other venues which looked like a supermarket had accidentally delivered its pumpkins to a school playing field. But this was the real deal: pumpkins growing out of the ground before me, as far as the eye can see.
I was relieved not to have to worry about slipping over in the mud, too. The organisers have clearly put thought into footpaths around the field, which are ‘metalled’ so they don’t get too muddy. My shoes stayed clean and my outfit survived unscathed.
The pumpkins at Tulleys Farm are plentiful, so you can wander through the field at your leisure, enjoying all of the photo opportunities and even a pair of wandering musicians, without worrying about missing out on the last pumpkin.
If you don’t fancy getting your hands dirty, there are arranged displays bursting with different kinds of pumpkins and squash. From “Passion Warted Gourds” which make “fabulous decorations” to “Celebration Squash” which you can use for “roast, mash, soup, pies or décor.” Grab a wheelbarrow and fill it with whatever takes your fancy.
Smells, tastes, and a cheeky tipple
After exploring the main pumpkin patch and admiring all the different types of squash on offer, I found myself feeling quite hungry. Thankfully, this patch has the food to match. One stall serves homemade pumpkin soup that tastes like autumn in a bowl. Simply Crumble serves hot apple crumble with custard that warms your bones. Mulled wine pungent with spice wafts in the air. Pizza, pasta, hot chocolate, coffee, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
I held a piping hot crumble in my hands, felt the cold air on my cheeks, heard kids laugh with delight nearby, and thought, “This is why people come”. It’s the full experience: sights, smells, tastes, sounds. Everything I love about this season.
Elevation and magic
Beyond the pumpkins and delicious food, there’s even more to see and do. I couldn’t resist the Ferris wheel which towers over the entire venue. From the top, you can see far and wide. Orange dots across the vast fields, the rolling Surrey hills in the distance, even planes coming in to land at Gatwick Airport.
As the day drew on, I took a walk through the illuminated woodland trail. It’s like walking into a Halloween film, with gothic decorations, hidden surprises, and a lake sitting under a cool mist. It’s Halloween, but in a way that’s fun rather than scary.
Americans and authenticity
Towards the end of my visit, I passed a woman with a pumpkin in a pushchair whose accent stood out among the other visitors. “We’re from Lancaster, Pennsylvania!” she said with a huge grin. I wanted to know how this attraction compares to the big pumpkin patches in America, where this tradition originates. Her eyes grew wide and she said, “This is way better! So much bigger and fresher.”
As I was leaving, I flagged down a member of staff and had to ask the big question. Are these real pumpkins, or supermarket hand-me-downs? Ben, their social media manager, told me, “The pumpkins are actually grown right here in the fields.” So there you have it, true authenticity.
Are pumpkin patches worth it?
I came in as a cynic expecting the worst, but I left converted. If your experience is muddy fields with supermarket rejects, skip it. But if you find one like Tulleys Farm, which is thoughtful, sensory, and playful, then yes, pumpkin patches are definitely worth visiting.
This attraction doesn’t pretend, it delivers. You’ll never be bored or cold - or hungry. You’ll have photos, memories, and a brilliant story to tell everyone who asks, “So how was your weekend?”
If Winter Wonderland is your favourite December tradition, visiting a pumpkin patch will soon become your October one. With its beautiful displays, adorable dogs, and thoughtful entertainment, this pumpkin patch will have you believing in seasonal magic again.
