Dan Mackelden runs a popular pick-your-own pumpkin patch near Ashford in Kent, on land belonging to one of the UK’s largest pumpkin growers. Each October you can head into the field and pick your own from a huge range of pumpkins, alongside a sunflower field and family touches like a daily hidden golden pumpkin. Entry is by a pre-booked vehicle pass, and the picking field is at Sevington, near junction 10a of the M20.
About Dan Mackelden Pick Your Own
The Mackelden family are major commercial pumpkin growers, handling huge numbers of pumpkins each October. Alongside the wholesale side, they open a dedicated pick-your-own patch to the public on their own growing land near Ashford, so the pumpkins you pick are grown right there in the field rather than brought in.
Pumpkin Picking at Dan Mackelden
This is a genuine pick-your-own: you go into the field and choose your own pumpkins from a wide range of sizes, priced from around £1 up to about £10 for the largest. There is a sunflower field too, and a daily hidden golden pumpkin to find adds a bit of fun for children. As a working field it can be muddy, so wellies are sensible.
Things to Do on the Day
- Pick-your-own pumpkins from the field, in a wide range of sizes
- A sunflower field
- A daily hidden golden pumpkin to find
Opening Times & Prices
The patch opens on selected dates in October (in 2025 it ran from around 11 to 26 October, 10am to 4pm). Entry is by a pre-booked vehicle pass through the farm’s online booking, so book ahead rather than turning up. The dates for the coming season had not been published at the time of writing, so check the farm’s website and Facebook page.
In 2025 entry was around £5.50 per car (plus a booking fee) with the pumpkins paid for separately by size; prices for the coming season may differ, so check when booking opens.
Getting There & Visitor Information
- Location: the pick-your-own field is at Cheesemans Green Lane, Sevington, Ashford, Kent, TN25 7HX, just off junction 10a of the M20 (this is the picking site, which is separate from the wider business address near Maidstone).
- Booking: entry is by a pre-booked vehicle pass; book online in advance.
- Dogs: only assistance dogs are permitted.
- What to wear: it is a working field, so wellies are recommended.
Contact
Pick-your-own field: Cheesemans Green Lane, Sevington, Ashford, Kent, TN25 7HX
Phone: +44 7786 261706
Email: pickyourownpumpkin@gmail.com
Website: danmackelden.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the pumpkin patch?
The pick-your-own field is at Cheesemans Green Lane, Sevington, Ashford, TN25 7HX, just off junction 10a of the M20. Use that postcode rather than the wider business address.
Do I need to book?
Yes. Entry is by a pre-booked vehicle pass through the farm’s online booking, so book ahead rather than turning up on the day.
Can I bring my dog?
Only assistance dogs are permitted.
Map
More pumpkin picking nearby
Cooking your pumpkin? Try Best Pumpkin Cookies Recipes for Home Cooks, How to Make an Amazing Pumpkin Risotto, Pumpkin Muffin Recipes to Make this Fall.