About Pumpkin Picking at Secretts
Pumpkin picking at Secretts is one of Surrey’s most loved autumn traditions – a family‑run event that has grown naturally over the years while never losing the charm, creativity and independent spirit that makes it so special. What began as a small community gathering on our Milford farm has evolved into one of the most sought‑after experiences in the Halloween calendar, attracting families from across the UK in search of something real, memorable and full of character.
Homegrown & handmade
Every pumpkin you see at Secretts is grown right here in Milford. We plant, nurture and harvest around 200,000 pumpkins each year, with 12 varieties stretching across fields that seem to roll on forever! From classic orange Harvest Moons to ghostly whites, tiny Jill Be Littles and the mighty Big Moose (which can reach 12.5kg), our pumpkin patch offers a colourful, quirky mix that visitors love to explore.
Our event is built with the same hands‑on care. Every prop, backdrop, scene and game is designed and created by our small in‑house team, with everything painted, hammered, carved and assembled by hand. Nothing is mass‑produced, nothing is generic. It’s all part of how we like to do things, and we’re always proud to open the gates on Day 1, knowing how much work has gone into making such a special event.
We also work exclusively with small, independent businesses for some of our food outlets, drinks and entertainment. From caterers and coffee makers to entertainers and activity hosts, every partner is chosen because they share our values and can bring their own brand of magic to the farm.
How Pumpkin Week Began
Pumpkin Week started in 2009 with a twist of fate. A wholesale customer cancelled an order for 1,000 pumpkins, leaving Nicola and Greg Secrett with a field full of produce and a big decision to make. Instead of letting them go to waste, they invited the local community to come and pick their own – for free.
The response was overwhelming. Families arrived in droves, children ran through the fields, and the farm buzzed with excitement. That day planted the seed for what would become Pumpkin Week — and hundreds of thousands of visitors have walked our fields since, each one searching for their perfect pumpkin.
A Spooky, Creative Halloween Experience
Today, Pumpkin Week is a vibrant, immersive Halloween adventure. Visitors follow spooky trails lined with handmade sets, wander past pumpkin‑stacked walls, and discover creative backdrops perfect for unforgettable autumn photos. It’s a place where children can explore, adults can relax (hello mulled cider!) and families can enjoy a day filled with seasonal magic.
Across the event area, you’ll find activities for all ages, from mini pedal tractors and biscuit decorating to glitter tattoos, face painting, themed sets, interactive games and the ever-popular waffle on a stick.
Fancy dress wins prizes!
Dressing up has always been at the heart of Pumpkin picking at Secretts. From the very first event back in 2009, families arrived in costumes that brought colour, character and joy to the fields, and it quickly became one of the traditions we treasure most. We encourage everyone, of every age, to join in the fun and come dressed for the occasion, whether that’s spooky, silly, magical or marvellously homemade. This year, your fancy‑dress efforts will be rewarded even more, with spot prizes handed out daily to those who go all‑in with their costumes. Keep your eyes peeled for the gold wheelbarrow making its way through the event – if it stops beside you, you’re one of our winners.
Seasonal Food Made With Homegrown Pumpkins
Our themed pumpkin menu is one of the highlights of the event. Designed to appeal to big and small appetites, it features iconic Secretts favourites including pumpkin soup, pumpkin curry, pumpkin cake, homemade treats and hot and cold drinks. Everything is cooked with care, using pumpkins grown right here on the farm.
The Pumpkin Fields: The Star of the Show
The biggest draw of all is the pumpkin field itself. Stretching across acres of farmland, it offers a spectacular view of thousands of pumpkins in every shape, size and colour. Visitors can scoop their favourites into bags or wheelbarrows as they wander through the rows, discovering varieties such as Harvest Moon, Champion, Ghost Pumpkin, Casperita, Jill Be Little, Polar Bear, Racer, Big Moose (up to 12.5kg!) and Rouge D’etamps (also known as the Cinderella) – the top choice for cooking curries and cake.
Pumpkin Picking & Halloween Trail 2026: Dates & Tickets
Our event runs for twelve days this October:
- October 17th–18th (opening weekend)
- October 21st – 30th (including half‑term week)
Tickets are £8.50 per person (under 2’s are free) and can be purchased on our booking page.
Behind the Scenes: How We Grow Our Pumpkins
- We grow around 200,000 pumpkins each year!
- Pumpkins have been grown on the farm long before our Pumpkin picking event existed, originally for wholesale and the farm shop.
- The fields are prepared as early as February, with seed beds created in March.
- Seeds are planted in June using a 1960s planter, with each seed dropped by hand: 60cm apart for small varieties, 1 metre for larger ones.
- The plants appear in as little as one week after planting.
- The most popular varieties are Racer, Polar Bear and Jill Be Little.
