Autumn, the coziest season of them all, brings to mind fallen leaves, vibrant orange pumpkins, steaming hot chocolate, and the comforting scent of bonfires blended with the sweetness of marshmallows. Who wouldn’t love the crisp days of autumn and the excitement of visiting a pumpkin patch? My appreciation for this colorful season soared after moving to England, especially as our family expanded, leading us to embrace more family-friendly outings, like our annual pumpkin patch visit. This year marked our fourth, and our small family tradition is becoming more cherished with each passing season.
Living in a West Sussex house, the nearest pumpkin patch to us is Tulleys Pumpkin Patch. Our pumpkin-picking tradition initially started at Sompting Pumpkin Patch in Worthing, and I’ll always remember our first pick-your-own (PYO) experience with our one-year-old bundle of joy. However, due to circumstances, Sompting field was closed last year and this year, so we decided to explore other options. A quick Google search led us to Tulleys, which turned out to be even closer to home than we expected. Unlike Sompting, Tulleys is more of an event with a fun program, catering not only to kids but also to parents. I booked our visit last year when our twins were just six months old, and Lucas was three. This year was even better, with the twins more curious and mobile.
My husband, clad in his big look-like-fisherman wellies, embraces Tulleys Pumpkin Patch, even on a muddy and moody English autumn day. Wellies are a must, tucked away in our cars, as the field can get quite muddy. But, hey, it’s all part of the English experience, and we find it fun!
This year at Tulleys, there was something extra special—a setup of four bonfires right next to the stall with marshmallows. As a mom who tries to limit sugary treats, this was a delightful exception. Lucas had never tried marshmallows toasted on a real bonfire, and it added an Anglo-Saxon touch to our autumn experience. I believe in giving kids choices rather than strictly following a sugar-free diet, and this was a memorable seasonal experience for Lucas.
With Jacob’s help, Lucas eagerly held a stick with a marshmallow, captivated by the vibrant fire. It’s moments like these that etch deep into our memories—the smell, the taste, the sounds around us. When you close your eyes and think of autumn, it’s likely the scent of bonfires, mixed with the aroma of marshmallows, hot chocolate, and cinnamon, will transport you to those cherished moments. I hope somewhere in Lucas’s memories, this day is tucked away.
After the sweet indulgence of marshmallows, which left Lucas with a sugary grin (and endless evening chatter about the experience), we added another layer of joy with face painting. Just look at his beaming face! Of course, a trip to the pumpkin patch wouldn’t be complete without exploring the fields and checking out the colorful array of pumpkins. We also visited one of the spookiest and most seasonal gift shops I’ve ever seen, capturing the essence of the season.
As Ollie woke up, joining Lucas in his little wellies, the two of them ran everywhere, even through muddy puddles. And, of course, we took countless photos—Tulleys offers numerous displays that make for fantastic photoshoots. Time passed quickly, and as dusk settled in, we made our way back home. Luck was on our side, as the forecast had predicted heavy rain for the entire day, but we were blessed with sunny moments. Don’t worry about weather cancellations; Tulleys Pumpkin Patch sent us a free invitation for another day when our scheduled date turned out to be particularly rainy.
Our pumpkin patch adventure was a delightful mix of family bonding, seasonal delights, and unexpected joys. As we wrap up another year of this cherished tradition, the memories made at Tulleys Pumpkin Patch will undoubtedly linger, adding a warm glow to our autumn days.
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Very nice!
Thank you, Juraj!