PYO Pumpkin patches emerging on farms nationwide are far more than just a fun filled day out for family or friends, they’re an integral part of a farm’s survival.
Farmers are always looking for ways to solidify and stabilise their farm generated income. With changeable conditions like weather or economic conditions playing an integral part in the uncertainty of the industry and lifestyle.
Pick your own pumpkin patches have popped up all over the country over the past few years but few do it quite like Tulleys Farm in West Sussex. A fourth generation family farming dating all the way back to 1911, starting with Benard Beare.
The farm has flourished far beyond it’s humble roots, and is now a must-visit destination for couples, friends and families throughout the year through their exciting and immersive seasonal events including Europe’s largest scream park – Shocktober Fest, and the legendary PYO Pumpkin Festival.
Dog lovers will be pleased to know that canine companions are welcome to the pumpkin events but must be kept on leads at all times.
Stuart Beare has been the visionary leader for the transformation of the 120 acre farm, seeing the cultivation of 40 different crops.
This year, Tulleys will produce over a million pumpkins and gourds across 90 of the farm’s 120 acres. Whilst I didn’t get to attend this year thanks to a poorly puppy on the date I had booked, I have been previously and what a vibrant, feel-good Autumnal experience it was.
With two food-courts, rows upon rows of deep orange pumpkins of varying sizes, dozens of photo opportunities and of course – a bar, the picturesque pumpkin patch really is a fantastic day out and diversification example. There’s even pumpkin nights which are perfect for a more romantic, enchanting experience, complete with live music!
Sam Beare is the most recent addition to the family’s business, and comments how the family, “believe in bringing people together through creating unique experiences whilst creating lasting memories.”
Alongside the seasonal events, Tulleys host a Christmas Experience and have also created a second PYO experience which can take place in the warmer months…. sunflowers. All of these experiences contribute to supporting the wider farm, preserving its future and is an effective example of farm diversification.
So whether you’re local to West Sussex or not, consider visiting a local farm’s PYO pumpkin patch this weekend if you haven’t been already to get your pumpkins ready for Halloween. Hannah Jackson aka The Red Shepherdess who we recently interviewed, has her own pumpkin patch down in Cumbria which has run successfully for the second year running now, having sold out after huge support.
For more information about Tulleys Farm head to tulleysfarm.com or visit their Instagram account by clicking the button below.