Scaddows Farm is a family-run pick-your-own pumpkin patch, farm shop and vineyard at Ticknall in South Derbyshire, on the edge of the National Forest and a short hop from Calke Abbey. Every October the Webster family opens its homegrown pumpkin fields, complete with a free spooky Halloween trail, making it one of the most popular pick-your-own days out between Derby, Burton and Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
About Scaddows Farm
Scaddows was established in 1987 by John and Ann Webster, and their children Lizzie and Tom are now involved in running it. The farm sits on the A514 between Ticknall and Hartshorne in lovely National Forest countryside, and over the years it has grown from a simple pick-your-own into a proper destination, with a farm shop, a small cafe overlooking the fields, a vineyard offering tastings, and even a caravan site. Pumpkins in October and soft fruit in summer are the two big seasonal draws.
Pumpkin Picking at Scaddows Farm
This is a true pick-your-own: you walk the pumpkin fields and choose your own from a wide range of homegrown shapes and sizes, from mini pumpkins and gourds to pale ghost pumpkins and big carving specimens. Wheelbarrows or sledges are provided to help you cart your haul back, and there are wash stations near the exit for cleaning the mud off before you head home. A free Halloween trail runs through the visit, with a trick-or-treat reward from the shop at the end, which keeps younger children happy.
Things to Do on the Day
- Pick-your-own homegrown pumpkins across two fields
- Free spooky Halloween trail with a trick-or-treat reward
- Farm shop with local meat, dairy, cheese, bread, jams and chutneys
- Small cafe serving coffee, sausage sandwiches, ice cream and cold drinks
- Picnic area and photo opportunities overlooking the fields
- Vineyard with wine sales and tastings
Opening Times & Prices
The pumpkin season runs through October, opening around the start of the month and continuing daily up to Halloween, typically from 10am. The summer fruit season finishes well before this, so do not assume summer hours apply; the pumpkin patch is a separate autumn event. Exact dates for the new season are posted on the farm’s Facebook page, so check there before visiting.
There is no entry fee and no need to book, which sets Scaddows apart from many patches that now charge for admission. Pumpkins are priced by weight, so you pay only for what you pick, and parking is free. Historically the picking field has been cash-only, so it is wise to bring some cash in case card is not accepted out in the fields.
Getting There & Visitor Information
- Location: Scaddows Farm, Scaddows Lane, Ticknall, Derby, DE73 7JP, on the A514 near Ticknall. Roughly 10 miles from Derby, 8 from Burton upon Trent and 6 from Ashby-de-la-Zouch, with Melbourne about 3 miles away.
- Parking: free on-site parking.
- Accessibility: the fields are open farmland and get muddy in October, so wellies are recommended; the ground-level layout is manageable but standard wheelchairs may struggle in wet conditions, so contact the farm if you have specific needs.
- Dogs: please note that dogs are not allowed on site, as it is a fresh-produce farm.
- Payment: bring cash for the picking field; card is more widely accepted in the shop.
Contact
Address: Scaddows Farm, Scaddows Lane, Ticknall, Derby, DE73 7JP
Phone: +44 1332 865709
Website: scaddows.com
Facebook: @ScaddowsFarm
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the pumpkin patch open?
The pumpkin season runs through October, opening around the start of the month and continuing daily up to Halloween, usually from 10am. Check the farm’s Facebook page for the exact dates each year.
How much are the pumpkins?
Pumpkins are priced by weight, so you pay only for what you pick. There is no entry fee and parking is free. Bring cash, as the picking field has historically been cash-only.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Because Scaddows is a fresh-produce farm, dogs are not allowed on site.
Do I need to book?
No booking is required and there is no entry fee. Weekends in mid to late October are the busiest times, so an early weekday visit is the quietest if you would rather avoid the crowds.