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- 18th Sep 2026
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Brocksbushes pumpkin picking patch opens next month – what’s new for 2026
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It’s not officially autumn in Northumberland until Brocksbushes turns a field of 155,000 pumpkins into the region’s favourite family day out.
The Pumpkin Experience 2026 opens on Saturday 3rd October, and it’s set to be the farm’s biggest year yet, with a new witches’ area, a monster pumpkin castle, roaming Halloween characters and the return of pumpkin carving.
If you’re looking for wholesome autumnal things to do in Northumberland, look no further.
Book early, because dates book up fast.
MORE PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES THAN EVER
The famous pumpkin house has had a revamp, the Little Brocks Pumpkin Patch is back, and there’s a brand new witches’ area to explore.
For 2026, a monster pumpkin castle joins the patch too. Make sure to keep an eye out for the roaming characters too, popping up throughout the patch for surprise encounters and magical moments the kids won’t stop talking about.
So however you turn your camera, you’ll come away with a shot worth sharing.
PUMPKIN CARVING IS BACK
Pumpkin carving returns to Brocksbushes this year. Pick your pumpkin in the field, then head to the carving tent and get stuck in. Carving kits are available to buy at an additional cost once you’re there.
MEET THE ROAMING CHARACTERS
New for 2026, a host of characters will be wandering the pumpkin patch throughout the day. From magical encounters to surprise interactions, they’ve been brought in to make the day feel extra special for younger visitors.
THE FAMILY TICKET
Entry costs £3.50 per person for ages three and up, or you can grab the family ticket for £12, which covers up to five people. It’s the cheapest way to bring the whole crew.
TODDLER DAYS IN THE PATCH
Monday 19th to Thursday 22nd October
While the older kids are still at school, bring your toddler along for a quieter morning in the patch. The new Baby Brocks Pumpkin Patch and dedicated toddler activities run from 10am until 2pm each day.
WOOF WEEKENDS AND WOOF WEDNESDAYS
Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th October, plus Wednesday 21st and 28th October
Brocksbushes is going dog-friendly with two new Woof Weekends and the return of Woof Wednesdays. Dogs are welcome in the patch on these dates only, as long as they’re kept on leads and you clear up after them using the bins provided.
A FEAST OF FOOD AND DRINK
You won’t go hungry. Fire & Dough fires up wood-fired pizzas on site; The Street Diner serves up fried chicken, and the Churro Van does warm, sugar-dusted churros for dunking. Shake & Sip is on hand for drinks and cocktails, while Brocksbushes Bites, the farm’s own kitchen, covers homemade food, sweet treats and hot drinks all day long.
RIDES, ATTRACTIONS AND AUTUMN FUN
Beyond the pumpkin picking, there’s a full day out to be had. The Pumpkin Carnival brings rides and inflatables back to the farm, Halloween-themed face painting is on offer, and marshmallow toasting is there for anyone after something a bit cosier. Carnival rides and face painting run on a pay-as-you-go basis, and there are more surprises still to be announced.
TWILIGHT SESSIONS ARE BACK
Friday 16th and 23rd October, until 8pm
For something after dark, the Pumpkin Twilight Sessions bring live music, street food, seasonal cocktails and mocktails, and fairy lights strung through the patch. It’s a proper autumn evening out, and it only runs on these two dates.
MEET THE 2026 PUMPKINS
Brocksbushes’ farm team has planted 155,000 pumpkins and squash this year, across more than 40 varieties, and every single one is edible as well as decorative.
Look out for the deeply ridged Flatso, the wart-covered Hoargarth and the animal-print-skinned One Too Many, alongside the blue-grey Crown Prince, sunshine-yellow Mellow Yellow, ghostly white Polar Bear and the classic giant orange, Big Loretta.
Our team work incredibly hard to grow our pumpkins right here on the farm,” said Harry Dickinson, Director of Brocksbushes. “The hot weather has certainly presented some challenges this year, and while visitors may notice fewer giant pumpkins than usual due to the lack of rain, we’re delighted to have produced, as always, a wonderful variety of shapes, sizes and colours.”
WHY NORTH EAST FAMILIES CHOOSE BROCKSBUSHES
Now in its seventh year, and with 155,000 pumpkins to choose from and activities running from carving tents to twilight sessions, Brocksbushes has built its reputation as the go-to pumpkin patch for families across Northumberland, Newcastle, Durham and Cumbria.
It’s just 10 minutes from Hexham and 30 minutes from Newcastle, making it an easy day out wherever in the North East you’re coming from.
Brockbushes pumpkin picking is fast becoming an annual tradition rather than a one-off day out, and with fresh photo spots added every year, it’s one your family album will keep coming back to.
Quick facts
Where: Brocksbushes Pumpkin Experience 2026, near Corbridge, Northumberland – 10 minutes from Hexham, 30 minutes from Newcastle.
When: Open 3rd and 4th October, 10th and 11th October, then daily 16th to 31st October.
Tickets prices: Entry from £3.50 per person, Family Ticket £12 for 5.
Parking: Free on-site parking.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Brocksbushes Pumpkin Experience open in 2026?
The event runs on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th October, and then every day from 16th to 31st October. The Twilight Sessions run on Friday 16th and Friday 23rd October only, until 8pm.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes. Tickets must be booked online in advance and spaces are limited, so peak times are expected to sell out quickly. Sign up to the Brocksbushes mailing list to be notified when tickets are released.
Are tickets refundable?
No, tickets are non-refundable, as set out in the terms and conditions. If you need to move your booking to a different date, Brocksbushes asks for at least 24 hours’ notice and can only move you to a slot that isn’t already sold out.
Can I change my booking to a different day?
Yes, depending on availability. You can do this yourself by logging into your Digitickets account, or by emailing [email protected] if you didn’t set up an account at checkout. The same 24 hours’ notice applies.
Is pumpkin carving included in my ticket?
Carving is back for 2026, but it isn’t included in the entry price. Once you’ve picked your pumpkins, you can buy a carving kit at the tills in the carving tent.
What should I wear?
This is an outdoor day out on a working farm, so dress for the weather. Sturdy shoes or wellies are a good idea, and it’s worth packing waterproofs too, since British weather rarely plays fair.
Is the Play Barn included in my ticket?
No. Your Pumpkin Experience ticket covers the pumpkin patch only. If you’d like to visit the Play Barn too, you’ll need to book it separately at https://www.brocksbushes.co.uk/pages/play-barn.
Is there parking at Brocksbushes?
Yes, on-site parking is free for all visitors.
What happens if it rains? Will I get a refund?
The Pumpkin Experience runs in most weather conditions, so dress appropriately rather than counting on a refund. If weather conditions become a genuine health and safety risk, Brocksbushes will email ticket holders with an update.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
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