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If you love fall as much as we do, chances are you’ve come across photos of Tulleys Farm – probably the biggest pumpkin farm in Europe – on Instagram. We headed down to West Sussex to see if it’s actually worth the hype, and honestly, this place is huge. There’s much more than just pumpkin picking – there are wooden pumpkin houses, old trucks, food stalls, and plenty of things to see around the farm.
For us, Tulleys is one of the best fall day trips from London. You can easily spend a few hours here, and if you time your visit right, you can also see the festival after dark when the lights come on. Here’s everything you should know before visiting.
In this article
• Why Tulleys Farm is Worth Visiting
• Exploring Tulleys: Pumpkin Picking by Day vs. Pumpkin Nights
• What You’ll Find at Tulleys Pumpkin Farm
• What’s New in 2026: Pumpkin Valley
• Food & Drink at Tulleys Pumpkin Farm
• Practical Tips for Your Visit at Tulleys Farm
• When is Tulleys Pumpkin Festival open in 2026?
• How long do you need at Tulleys Farm?
• Can you visit Pumpkin Nights with the same ticket?
• Are dogs allowed at Tulleys Farm?
• Is it accessible for strollers or wheelchairs at Tulleys Farm?
Tulleys Farm Quick Info
• Location: West Sussex (near Crawley / Gatwick Airport), 1-1.5 hours from central London by car
• Tickets: From £12.95 – £27.95 (must be booked online in advance)
• Opening Hours: Daytime (9:30 AM – 5:30 PM) | Pumpkin Nights (5:30 PM – 11:00 PM)
• Official Website: www.pumpkinfarm.co.uk
Why Tulleys Farm is Worth Visiting
Tulleys hasn’t always been the pumpkin giant it is today. It started back in 1937 as a traditional family dairy and salad farm run by Bernard Beare. Fast forward to the early 1970s, and they became one of the pioneers of the “Pick Your Own” farm concept in the UK. Today, the family still runs the farm, transforming it every autumn into Europe’s biggest seasonal celebration.
Tulleys goes completely over the top, and that’s why people love it. Instead of just rows of pumpkins, they’ve built actual wooden pumpkin houses, parked old pickup trucks, and set up rustic displays throughout the farm. A lot of the setup clearly works well for photos, but it still feels like a real farm rather than a collection of photo backdrops. Add in street food, fire pits for roasting marshmallows, and hot drinks, and you can easily spend half a day here without running out of things to do.
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If you’re visiting Tulleys Farm from London, having a car makes getting to the Pumpkin Fields much easier. You won’t have to coordinate trains, buses and taxis, and you’ll also have plenty of space to bring your pumpkins home.
Exploring Tulleys: Pumpkin Picking by Day vs. Pumpkin Nights
Tulleys essentially runs two different versions of the festival, and they feel completely different depending on when you go.
Daytime Pumpkin Picking
This is the classic autumn experience. You grab a wheelbarrow at the entrance, wander through the fields, and hunt for the best-looking pumpkins. We’d definitely recommend going during the day, when you can take your time exploring the fields and see all the little details around the farm.
Tulleys Pumpkin Nights
Once the sun goes down, Tulleys takes on a different atmosphere, with the pumpkin displays and walkways lit up for the evening. The lights add a completely different feel to the farm, especially as the daylight fades. It feels much more like a cozy autumn evening market.
Note: Pumpkin Nights is purely a light and entertainment event. If you are looking for horror houses or scare actors, Tulleys hosts that separately under their famous Shocktober Fest branding.
What You’ll Find at Tulleys Pumpkin Farm
The farm is huge, so give yourself plenty of time to explore. We kept stopping every few minutes to take photos because literally every corner looked so good – there was always another rustic setup, vintage vehicle, or quiet spot that caught our eye.
If you’re wondering what to prioritize during your visit, here are the main features and areas you definitely shouldn’t miss:
• The Massive Pumpkin Fields: With over a million pumpkins and gourds spread across the fields, the sheer variety is impressive.
• Pumpkin Village: This is where you’ll find the wooden pumpkin houses surrounded by pumpkins of all shapes, sizes, and colors. There’s literally everything here – from giant classic orange pumpkins perfect for Halloween carving to knobbly, wrinkly, lumpy squashes and even bright white gourds.
• Vintage Farm Trucks: Rustic old pickup trucks overflowing with colorful pumpkins are parked across the site, bringing that classic autumn countryside feel to life.
• The Observation Wheel: For a different perspective of the festival, you can take a ride on the 33-meter Observation Wheel and see Tulleys from above.
• Street Theatre: As you wander around, keep an eye out for quirky costumed characters. They chat with visitors, crack jokes, and add a bit of entertainment as you explore the farm.
• Food & Drink Village: When you need a break from the pumpkin fields, there’s plenty of food and drink to choose from, including grilled food, sweet treats, pumpkin-inspired dishes, and even craft beers.
• The Evening Light Display: After dark, the atmosphere changes completely. The pumpkin displays, pathways, and different areas around the festival are lit up, creating a completely different experience from visiting during the day.
What’s New in 2026: Pumpkin Valley
If you’ve been to Tulleys in previous years, they’ve added a brand-new area called Pumpkin Valley. It features giant pumpkin sculptures, small ponds, and extra walking paths. It’s a nice addition because it gives returning visitors something new to see.
Food & Drink at Tulleys Pumpkin Farm
Honestly, the food village at Tulleys was way better than we expected for a seasonal farm event. It feels like a proper street food market.
You can get things like wood-fired pizza, grilled food, and street food, as well as plenty of sweet treats. Make sure to get some marshmallows to roast over the open fire pits – it’s surprisingly fun once the weather starts to cool down. For drinks, you can grab a coffee, hot chocolate, a craft beer, or a signature seasonal cocktail.
How to get to Tulleys Farm
Tulleys is located in West Sussex, near Crawley and Gatwick Airport – roughly an hour’s drive or train ride south of London.
• Crucial Navigation Tip: Make sure you set your satnav specifically for the Tulleys Pumpkin Festival entrance. There are several entrances around the Tulleys site, so following signs for Tulleys Farm without checking the exact entrance can take you to the wrong part of the property.
• By Car: There’s free parking available on-site.
•By Public Transport:You can take a direct train from London to Crawley or Three Bridges, then continue by Metrobus Route 84, which drops you off at Tulleys Farm East (right by the pumpkin fields). If you plan to take a taxi back, make sure to pre-book it in advance.
If you’re visiting Tulleys Farm from London, having a car makes getting to the Pumpkin Fields much easier. You won’t have to coordinate trains, buses and taxis, and you’ll also have plenty of space to bring your pumpkins home.
Practical Tips for Your Visit at Tulleys Farm
• Book Tickets in Advance: You must book online before going, as you’ll need to select a timed arrival slot. October weekends and Halloween week sell out every year.
• Dress for Real Farmland: Leave your fresh white sneakers at home and wear wellies or sturdy boots. If staying into the evening, bring a warm, windproof jacket.
• Grab a Wheelbarrow First: Pick one up near the entrance right away – carrying three pumpkins across a muddy field gets heavy fast.
• It’s 100% Cashless: You cannot pay with cash anywhere on site. Have a contactless card or phone payment ready.
• Understand Pumpkin Pricing: Pumpkins are priced by size using sizing rings, ranging from £1 for tiny gourds up to £25 for giant display pumpkins.
• Protect Your Car Boot: Bring an old towel or plastic sheet for your trunk to protect it from muddy boots and pumpkins.
Tulleys Farm FAQ
When is Tulleys Pumpkin Festival open in 2026?
The festival runs on selected dates throughout October, finishing up with a final Pumpkin Nights event on November 1st. Check their official site calendar for exact opening days before planning your trip.
How long do you need at Tulleys Farm?
We’d recommend allowing 2 to 3 hours for a daytime visit. That gives you enough time to walk through the pumpkin fields, choose your pumpkins, explore the different areas, and stop for food without feeling rushed.
Can you visit Pumpkin Nights with the same ticket?
No. Pumpkin Nights requires a separate ticket from the daytime Pumpkin Festival. If you want to experience both, make sure you book the appropriate tickets for each part of your visit.
Are dogs allowed at Tulleys Farm?
Yes! Dogs are welcome on the pumpkin fields as long as you keep them on a short lead. They even have a special Pooches & Pumpkins event day during the season.
Is it accessible for strollers or wheelchairs at Tulleys Farm?
While the central food area and main paths have gravel and hard surfaces, the actual pumpkin fields are just dirt and grass. When it’s dry, it’s manageable, but if it rains, pushing a stroller or wheelchair through the mud becomes very difficult.
Essential Travel Resources
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→ Booking.com – Our top choice for finding hotels, boutique stays, and local guesthouses.
→ Skyscanner – How we scan and compare the cheapest flight options across all airlines.
→ DiscoverCars – The best comparison tool for renting a car in Europe with no hidden fees.
→ Omio – What we use to easily compare and book European train and bus tickets.
→ GetYourGuide – Perfect for booking skip-the-line museum passes and local guided tours.
→ Airalo – Our go-to for instant, affordable eSIMs so we have mobile data the second we land.
→ SafetyWing – Flexible travel insurance designed specifically for frequent travelers and couples.
