Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy a seasonal day out in Norfolk, and few activities capture the spirit of the season quite like pumpkin picking. From traditional fields filled with colourful pumpkins to imaginative pumpkin houses, family-friendly games and farm shops stocked with local produce, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the lead-up to Halloween.
Whether you are planning a family day out, looking for somewhere to take autumn photographs or simply hoping to find the perfect pumpkin, these Norfolk farms and seasonal attractions offer something for visitors of all ages.
Hill Farm Farm Shop, Horstead
Located on Norwich Road in Horstead, Hill Farm Farm Shop offers a pick-your-own pumpkin patch featuring more than 20 varieties of pumpkins and gourds. Entry to the field is free, and visitors do not need to book in advance.
The patch provides an opportunity to explore the different shapes, sizes and colours available before choosing pumpkins to take home. Seasonal photo opportunities add to the experience, while the farm shop offers local produce to browse after a visit to the field.
Pumpkins are priced individually, with cash and card payments accepted.
The Pumpkin House, Thursford
For something a little different, The Pumpkin House at Brookhill Farm in Thursford brings a creative twist to the traditional pumpkin-picking experience.
Created by Henry and Victoria Cushing, this seasonal attraction centres around a handmade wooden house decorated with more than 1,000 pumpkins. Rather than searching through a muddy field, visitors can choose pumpkins displayed on wooden shelves.
The attraction also offers a spooky maize maze, a nine-hole mini golf course and outdoor play areas, including hay bale towers, sandpits and traditional games. Food and drink stalls provide refreshments, with options including coffee, hot chocolate, ice cream and homemade cake.
The combination of pumpkin displays, outdoor activities and seasonal refreshments makes this a varied family day out.
The Tacons, Rollesby
The Tacons, at The Grange in Rollesby, offers a traditional pick-your-own pumpkin experience in a family-run farm setting.
Visitors can collect a wheelbarrow and explore the patch, choosing homegrown pumpkins in different shapes, sizes and colours. Entry to the pumpkin field is free, with pumpkins priced according to size, making it possible to select something suitable for different budgets.
The farm also has an on-site shop selling homegrown fruit and vegetables, local cheeses and baked goods. Free parking and wheelbarrows help make the visit straightforward, while dogs are welcome on leads.
For families looking to combine pumpkin picking with a relaxed countryside visit, The Tacons offers a seasonal experience with plenty to explore.
The Pulham Patch, Pulham Market
Situated at Bungalow Farm in Pulham Market, near Diss, The Pulham Patch is another autumn destination for pumpkin enthusiasts.
The family-run attraction offers more than 36 varieties of pumpkins and gourds, with around 8,000 available across the patch. Visitors can discover traditional orange pumpkins alongside unusual shapes, colours and sizes.
Beyond pumpkin picking, the attraction features children’s play areas, ride-on tractors and a bale mountain. Food is also available from Katherine’s Kitchen, giving visitors the chance to enjoy refreshments during their visit.
With its wide selection of pumpkins and additional outdoor activities, The Pulham Patch offers plenty to keep families occupied throughout the day.
Algy’s Farm Shop and Café, Bintree
Algy’s Farm Shop and Café in Bintree offers another option for those looking to pick their own pumpkins during October.
The free-entry patch features homegrown pumpkins in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours, including orange, white, pink, yellow and blue-grey varieties. Visitors can take a wheelbarrow into the field, choose their favourites and pay according to the size of their pumpkins.
The farm shop provides an opportunity to browse local produce, including eggs, juices, jams, preserves, cakes and biscuits. Seasonal food and drink options may also be available, with hot drinks, cakes and wood-fired pizzas offered at selected times.
Dogs are welcome on leads, although sturdy footwear is recommended as the fields can become muddy.
Make the Most of Autumn in Norfolk
Pumpkin picking is a wonderful way to enjoy the changing season, whether you prefer wandering through a traditional field, exploring an imaginative pumpkin display or combining your visit with games and refreshments.
From Horstead and Thursford to Rollesby, Pulham Market and Bintree, these destinations offer different ways to celebrate autumn and find a pumpkin to take home.
Whether you are searching for the perfect pumpkin, enjoying a family day out or simply embracing the autumn season, Norfolk has plenty to offer. With colourful pumpkin patches, countryside attractions and seasonal treats to enjoy, it is the perfect time to get outdoors and make the most of autumn.