Lathcoats Farm at Galleywood, just south of Chelmsford, runs a popular Pumpkin Festival each October, built around an undercover pumpkin patch that keeps things going whatever the weather. Run by the long-established Taylor family (you may know them as eapples), it pairs the pumpkins with apple picking, a Halloween hunt and an award-winning farm shop and cafe. Entry to the festival is ticketed and booked in advance.
About Lathcoats Farm
Lathcoats is a fourth-generation Essex fruit farm that has been in the Taylor family since 1912, growing more than 50 varieties of apple along with soft fruit. Its farm shop has won regional awards, and the Bee Shed coffee house serves breakfasts, lunches and homemade cakes. The autumn Pumpkin Festival is one of its big seasonal events, alongside its summer pick-your-own and its annual Apple Day.
The Pumpkin Festival at Lathcoats
The pumpkin patch here has a covered, undercover section as well as outdoor elements, so it works rain or shine. You choose your pumpkins from the patch and pay for them, with the festival ticket including a voucher towards the cost of your pumpkins. Because of the covered setup it is more of a “choose and buy” patch than a muddy field-dig, which many families find easier with young children. Apple picking from the orchards is included during the festival.
Things to Do on the Day
- Choose your pumpkins from the undercover and outdoor patch
- Apple picking from the orchards, included with the festival
- A separately ticketed Halloween Hunt trail with riddles and a treat
- Outdoor games and photo opportunities
- The Bee Shed coffee house and the award-winning farm shop
Opening Times & Prices
The Pumpkin Festival runs through October (in 2026 it starts on 10 October), and entry is by ticket booked in advance. Note that the farm is closed on Sundays. The full dates and booking for the coming season are released on the eapples website, usually from early September, so check there to book.
In 2025, pumpkin patch entry was around £4.50 per person (including a £2 voucher towards your pumpkins), with a separate ticket for the Halloween Hunt; prices for the coming season may differ, so check when booking. Parking is free.
Getting There & Visitor Information
- Location: Lathcoats Farm, Beehive Lane, Galleywood, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8LX, on the southern edge of Chelmsford (the farm is in Galleywood, sometimes listed loosely as Great Baddow).
- Booking: the Pumpkin Festival is ticketed and booked in advance.
- Parking: two free car parks on site.
- Accessibility: the paths are pushchair-friendly and the patch is largely undercover; there is an accessible toilet.
- Dogs: dogs are not allowed in the pick-your-own areas or inside the cafe, but are welcome in the cafe’s outdoor seating.
Contact
Address: Lathcoats Farm, Beehive Lane, Galleywood, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8LX
Phone: +44 1245 353021
Email: info@eapples.co.uk
Website: eapples.co.uk
Facebook: @LathcoatsFarm
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book?
Yes. The Pumpkin Festival is ticketed and booked in advance through the eapples website. Dates and booking are usually released from early September.
Is it a muddy field?
Not really. The pumpkin patch has a covered, undercover section as well as outdoor parts, so it works whatever the weather. You choose your pumpkins from the patch rather than digging them out of a field.
Is it open on Sundays?
No. The farm is closed on Sundays, so plan your festival visit for another day.
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.