Down at the Farm at Houghton le Spring, in Tyne and Wear, runs a Pumpkin Week each October as part of its children’s animal farm. You head to an outdoor pumpkin patch to choose a pumpkin to carve or take home, alongside the farm’s animals, tractor rides and a barrel train. It is a family farm experience rather than a pick-from-the-field farm, with entry booked online.
About Down at the Farm
Down at the Farm is an indoor and outdoor children’s animal farm at Houghton le Spring, near Sunderland, with animal encounters, tractor rides and play. Each October it runs Pumpkin Week with an outdoor pumpkin patch.
Pumpkin Week at Down at the Farm
During Pumpkin Week you head to an outdoor pumpkin patch to choose a pumpkin to carve or take home. The pumpkin element is a separate booking on top of farm entry, with the entry charge redeemable against the pumpkins you buy. It is part of a wider day at the children’s farm, with the animals, tractor rides and a barrel train alongside.
Opening Times & Prices
2026 dates: opens Sat 17 October, runs to Sat 31 October; 17 to 18 Oct, or 24 to 31 Oct; booking advised; entry £3.50 per booking on the day for up to 5 people, redeemable against pumpkin purchases (as published by the farm, checked Sat 22 August; source).
Pumpkin Week runs over the October half-term period (in 2024 on 18 to 19 October and 25 to 31 October). The pumpkin patch has been around £3.50 per booking (covering up to five people, redeemable against pumpkins), with general farm entry on top, all booked online in advance. The dates and prices for the coming season had not been published at the time of writing.
Getting There & Visitor Information
- Location: Down at the Farm, Stoneygate Lane, Houghton le Spring, Tyne and Wear, DH5 8JG.
- Booking: booked online in advance.
- Good to know: the pumpkin patch is part of a day at the children’s farm rather than a pick-from-the-field farm.
Contact
Address: Down at the Farm, Stoneygate Lane, Houghton le Spring, Tyne and Wear, DH5 8JG
Phone: +44 191 584 1873
Email: bookings@downatthefarm.co.uk
Website: downatthefarm.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book?
Yes, the pumpkin patch and farm entry are booked online in advance. The patch entry has been redeemable against the pumpkins you buy.
When is it open?
Over the October half-term period. Check the farm’s website for the current dates each year.
More pumpkin picking nearby
- Pumpkin picking in North East
- East Grange Pumpkin Patch
- Newham Grange Farm
- Brocksbushes Pick Your Own Fruit Farm
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.