Farmer Paul’s in Aylesbury

We first visited Farmer Paul’s back in August when the sunflowers were in full bloom. It was one the few places we had been to since lockdown, so we weren’t sure what to expect.

It was during the last heatwave and was the last weekend of Farmer Paul’s Sunflowers. You didn’t need to book or pay an entry fee (all they asked was that you purchased some flowers), and it was incredibly well organised. It wasn’t too busy and everyone maintained social distancing. We had a great morning.

Back to See Farmer Paul’s Pumpkins

Autumn seemed to appear from no-where after such a warm September. So heading to a pumpkin patch wasn’t really in our thoughts until October arrived. I panicked slightly over having to book somewhere and being out of luck.

After putting the feelers out I found out that you didn’t need to book Farmer Paul’s, so that was slightly more appealing. It meant that we could decide on the day if we wanted to head out.

Where is Farmer Paul’s Pumpkins?

Address: Weedon Hill Farm, Buckingham Road, Weedon, Aylesbury, HP22 4DP.

The farm is not open to the public every day, but from 3rd October you can see the pumpkins: Thursdays and Fridays 2pm – 4.30pm. Saturdays and Sundays 9.30am – 4.30pm.

During the October half term (26th – 31st October) they will be open every day from 9.30am – 4.30pm, or until the pumpkins have all sold out.

On October 16th there is a night at the barn, from 6.30pm – 8pm. Plus an afternoon especially for those with special needs on 21st October from 3pm – 4.30pm.

Visit Farmer Paul for more info.

We live in Maidenhead and Farmer Paul’s Pumpkins is about an hours drive away. As you approach the farm keep your eye out for the pumpkin signs along the road, otherwise you could miss the turning.

When we were there in August, there was a large car park you could head to around the field. However with the colder and wetter weather, that part was closed off when we went for the pumpkins. But it wasn’t busy at all so there were plenty of spaces.

Pumpkin Barn

We only started to go to pumpkin patches a couple of years ago. Before then, they were something I would only see on Instagram from American followers. Never in the UK.

Then we went along to a couple in Surrey which were great fun. The first was a field at Garson in Esher, where we picked our pumpkins. The second was a colourful pumpkin festival style display at Crockford Bridge farm.

Farmer Paul’s was again different as the pumpkins and all the displays are in the barn. I had concerns about over crowding, but again was pleasantly surprised. Especially as we got there after lunch on a dry Saturday afternoon.

Outside of the barn was a cute coffee trailer, decorated with pumpkin tinsel. In front was a couple of tables and chairs so you could stay for drinks and snacks if you wished.

The entrance to the barn (although it’s all completely open at the front) had a clear one way system with hand gel available. Masks needed to be worn, but I didn’t find that to be an issue.

 

Spooky Decor

There were plenty of displays for the kids to enjoy with spiders, a witches cottage and a skeleton on a bike selling spiced pumpkin icecream! Then the pumpkins were separated out on the floor in various sizes, with different varieties of squashes and pumpkins in boxes and containers.

As you enter you could take a wheelbarrow for your pumpkins, and there are wheelbarrows for the children too which is a cute idea. Although the barn isn’t that big, there was plenty of space for all the pumpkins (and there were loads) and ‘aisles’ to go up and down by following the arrows. You are also close to the car, so when we purchased our pumpkins we were able to put them in the boot then have another look around. Great for photo opportunities!

It wasn’t raining on the day that we went, but as all the pumpkins are under cover, you would stay nice and dry.

Make a Day of it

If you are close by then Farmer Paul’s is definitely worth a visit. Great for smaller children who get tired quickly, and there are plenty of things to do nearby if you wanted to make a full day out.

We personally like to head to Wendover Woods, which is about twenty minutes away. You have the option to take a walk around the woods, do the Gruffalo Trail or you can book Go Ape. There’s also a spacious cafe with loads of outdoor seating and a couple of play parks.