FAQs:

  • Finding us:

    Please use postcode LE15 8DF - this will bring you to our location. Please look out for a sign which says ‘Live Lab’ - this is where you need to turn right, pumpkin patch parking is located immediately on your left - in the field. Please note we are operating a one way system - you will enter the pumpkin patch here, but the exit is through a gateway in the field.

  • Refreshments: There will be tea, coffee and cakes available for purchase. We will have a hot food pop up on the weekend of the 26th and 27th October.

  • Payments: We accept both cash and card payments

  • Opening times:

    12th and 13th October: 10am - 4pm

    19th and 20th October: 10am - 4pm

    24th, 25th, 26th and 27th October: 10am - 4pm

    30th and 31st October: 10am - 1pm

  • Facilities

    • There is a portaloo at the pumpkin patch.

  • Pets

    • Unfortunately we are unable to welcome dogs to the pumpkin patch.

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The Pumpkins

Back for our fifth year - we can’t wait to see you!

In May 2020, James and Peta launched Rutland Pumpkins - planting 8,000 pumpkin seeds on a field adjacent to James’ sister Abigail’s business, Live Lab, which provides grain, feedstuff and soil analysis for farmers across the country. We were delighted with how many people came to see us and cannot wait to see you all again this year!

Before planting the first pumpkin seeds, the pumpkin patch novices sought the advice of pumpkin patch veterans Rob and Jen, of Yorkshire Pumpkins. Just in the nick of time too, the pumpkin seeds were about to be drilled in the ground and Rob informed us that a maize drill would definitely not do for planting pumpkins! As you know, maize grows upwards, therefore the seeds can be planted quite close together – not so for pumpkins – which need ample room to spread their vines and tendrils! This was timely advice and we were able to work with local contractors to buy the requisite plates and drill the pumpkin seeds with enough room to grow.

Fast-forward to 2024 and we are excited to welcome you all back to the pumpkin patch, for our fifth year! This year, pumpkin varieties include Jack be Little’s, small white Casperitas, colourful Turks Turbans, non-edible gourds which come in incredible shapes and sizes and your traditional carving varieties like the Early Abundance and Early King. The Early King can reach up to 12 kilograms in weight, so they really do require a wheelbarrow to be carted around - we have lots of wheelbarrows available to borrow!

There will be family photoshoots available with Lizzie Rees from Shoot It Momma photography, we will have a bale tower and maze, as well as ride on toys for the toddlers, undercover seating available to sit and have a coffee whilst the children play and a special event planned for the weekend of the 26th and 27th October - keep an eye on social media for more details coming soon!