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
2026 dates: opens Sat 10 October, runs to Sat 31 October; selected dates, 10 to 31 October 2026; timed tickets, book ahead; entry Adult with pumpkin £19, Adult no pumpkin £16, Child with pumpkin £18, Toddler (1 to 2, with pumpkin) £8, Baby (under 1) free, Carer £3, Concession (60+/student, no pumpkin) £14; Family of 4 (2 pumpkins) £64, Family of 5 (3 pumpkins) £78, Family of 6 (4 pumpkins) £92; pumpkins additional pumpkins £4 each (as published by the farm, checked Sat 22 August; source).
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.
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.