It's an annual tradition to take my sons Odhran, 9, and Reuben, 6, pumpkin picking. We've been doing it since Odhran was three months old, and it's been remarkable to see how pumpkin patches have grown into huge attractions over those years. Where once, you wandered around, picked a pumpkin, paid and left. Now, pumpkin picking can be a whole day out, with Insta-friendly props, food and drink offerings and more.
We usually go pumpkin picking during the day. But this year, we tried something a bit different, and took the boys on an atmospheric Saturday night Halloween adventure to Tulleys Farm in West Sussex. Here's all you need to know...
What?
Tulleys Pumpkin Nights Festival (not to be confused with Tulleys terrifying Shocktober Fest, which is located a little further down the road).
Where?
Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4PE
What does it involve?
On arrival you enter a square where you can grab a wheelbarrow and browse dozens of different types of pumpkins and gourds from knobbly ones to warty ones of all different shapes and sizes. Overhead, warm festoon lights bring a cosy atmosphere, and there's an American Western vibe to the surroundings. As you leave the square and wander around Pumpkin Village, you'll find several street food vendors, selling burgers, hot dogs, loaded fries and hot doughnuts. There's also a charming cafe to grab a pumpkin spice latte, and you can toast marshmallows.
In a large covered bar, you'll find a selection of cocktails, beers, wine and soft drinks. Live music is performed on stage. When we visited there were two male singers on guitar, dressed like cowboys, performing covers of popular songs.
Enjoy the crisp Autumn air as you stroll around the Woodland Walk, where colourful lights sweep across the water. You'll come across creepy sets, neon pumpkins, and lurking skeletons (nothing too scary for little ones). At the end of this, you'll come to the pumpkin field, where, under the shimmer of moonlight, you can choose your perfect pumpkin to purchase and take home.
There are fun backdrops and more than 30 picturesque photo opportunities throughout the attraction, and roaming halloween characters will be happy to pose for pictures. There's also a 33 metre high Observation Wheel.
When?
Now until 31 Oct
How much?
Adult tickets £12.95 to £15.95, child (2 -13yrs) £12.95 to £15.95. Free car parking. Book your tickets here
For an idea of what you'll spend there:
Food
Burgers - £9 to £11 (veggie options available)
Fries - £4
Dirty Fries - £5 to £6
Kids menu - £7 to £8
Soft drinks - £2.50
At the bar
Can of Camden Hells Lager - £4.50
Can of white wine - £6
Treats
Marshmallows for toasting - £3.50 for three
Doughnuts - £10 for 12
Observation Wheel
Adult, £7 and child, £5
How to get there?
Tulleys is about an hour's drive from London.
The closest train stations are Three Bridges Railway Station - on the London to Brighton line. To continue the journey, take a taxi (approx 5 mins). Or East Grinstead Railway Station. To continue the journey, take a taxi (approx 12 mins)
The Metrobus 84 service runs between Crawley, Three Bridges and Tulleys Farm. Find out more here
Here's a look at what you can expect...
