Tulleys Pumpkin Festival near Crawley in West Sussex welcomed its biggest opening-day attendance when the 2026 season launched on Saturday, September 19, according to organisers. The event, billed as Europe's largest pumpkin attraction, has grown from a traditional pumpkin patch into one of the UK's most popular autumn days out, drawing visitors from across Britain and overseas.
Record opening and extensive expansion
More than 1.5 million pumpkins and gourds are spread across the site, with over 100 different varieties available throughout the festival and Pick Your Own fields. The event now spans more than 100 acres of farmland, with around 600,000 pumpkin seeds planted each year to produce the enormous autumn harvest.
A major new addition this year is Pumpkin Valley, a landscaped attraction featuring streams, ponds, wooden bridges, giant pumpkin sculptures, a Pumpkin Farm House and a Hobbit House. The area took months to create and marks the biggest expansion in the festival's history.
Social media and photo opportunities
The farm has also become known for its picture-perfect displays, with more than 30 photo opportunities dotted around the festival. Organisers say the attraction's popularity has been boosted by social media, with images and videos shared by visitors reaching millions of people online.
Festival-goers can also enjoy roaming musicians, street theatre, seasonal food and drink, and a 33-metre Observation Wheel overlooking the surrounding Sussex countryside.
Evening Pumpkin Nights experience
For those wanting to visit after dark, Pumpkin Nights returns from Friday, September 26 until Friday, October 31 on selected evenings. The separate ticketed event features illuminated woodland walks, pumpkin picking, live music stages and seasonal street food. The new Pumpkin Valley attraction will also be included as part of the evening experience for the first time this year.
The festival runs until October 31 at Tulleys Farm in West Sussex and tickets are available to book online.
