The Ark Open Farm at Newtownards, County Down, runs a genuine pick-your-own pumpkin patch each October as part of its family farm. You grab a wheelbarrow and pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch, then take it to a staff-assisted carving station, with animal encounters, tractor rides and a Halloween trail alongside. It is a ticketed event near Belfast, with tickets on sale from August.
About The Ark Open Farm
The Ark is a family-run open farm at Newtownards, near Bangor, going since 1990, with over 200 animals across 40 acres. Each October it runs a dedicated pumpkin picking patch with a full Halloween programme.
Pumpkin Picking at The Ark Open Farm
You take a child-sized wheelbarrow into the patch and pick your own from thousands of pumpkins, from tiny to giant, then head to a carving station where staff help. A pumpkin is included in each child’s and toddler’s ticket, with adults able to add one, and extra pumpkins available to buy. It is a ticketed, timed-entry event.
Opening Times & Prices
The pumpkin patch runs in October, on timed entry. In 2025 tickets were £16 for a child (pumpkin included), £18 for an adult with a pumpkin or £15 without, with family tickets and extra pumpkins at £4. Tickets go on sale in August. The dates for the coming season had not been released at the time of writing.
Getting There & Visitor Information
- Location: The Ark Open Farm, 296A Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH.
- Booking: timed entry, pre-booked online.
- Parking: two on-site car parks.
- Dogs: guide and assistance dogs only, by prior arrangement.
- Payment: all major cards accepted.
Contact
Address: The Ark Open Farm, 296A Bangor Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 7PH
Phone: +44 28 9182 0445
Email: info@thearkopenfarm.co.uk
Website: thearkopenfarm.co.uk
Facebook: @TheArkOpenFarm
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book?
Yes, it is a timed-entry event booked online, with tickets going on sale in August. A pumpkin is included in each child’s ticket.
Is it a real pick-your-own patch?
Yes, you take a wheelbarrow into the patch and pick your own from thousands of pumpkins, with a staff-assisted carving station afterwards.