This past weekend, Fluffy and Bean, our two fun-loving pups, set off on an autumn adventure to none other than the Pumpkin Festival at Farmer Copley’s Farm. It was a day packed with festive fall activities, mouth-watering treats, and, of course, a whopping 250,000 pumpkins! And the best part? It was a dog-friendly, family day out, so our fur-babies could join in the fun, making it a day to remember for all of us.
A Fun-Filled Family Day (With Dogs!)
Farmer Copley’s Pumpkin Festival is a must-visit if you’re looking for a family day out that includes your four-legged companions. Imagine walking into a sea of pumpkins, their vibrant orange hue filling the fields as far as the eye can see. There’s something magical about the sight of thousands of pumpkins glistening under the autumn sun, with the fresh scent of hay and crisp fall air all around. Fluffy and Bean, tails wagging and noses twitching, were absolutely mesmerized by all the new smells and sights. They couldn’t help but sniff every corner of the farm, especially when we ventured into the pumpkin patches scattered with over 40 different varieties—from mini gourds to giant pumpkins!
One thing to note: the festival is bigger than expected, and if you’re planning to explore with your pup, make sure to bring plenty of water and some dog treats to keep them fueled for the fun!
Personal Highlights: Toasting Marshmallows & Axe Throwing
As we wandered through the grounds, we could hear the laughter of families and the chatter of festival-goers mixing with the sound of excitment. We made our way to the BBQ area where festival-goers were gathered to toast marshmallows. There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly toasted marshmallow—warm, gooey, and sweet—with the pups watching curiously as we roasted each one.
And then, of course, we couldn’t resist trying our hand at the axe throwing stand. It’s one of those activities that look easy, but once you’re up there, you quickly realize how tricky it is to land that axe square on the target! While we missed more than we hit, the experience was full of laughs, with Fluffy and Bean watching, as if waiting for their turn. Maybe next time, pups!
Sheep Show Shenanigans: Fluffy and Bean’s Favorite
The sheep show was a huge hit with the pups. We grabbed seats and settled down, with Fluffy and Bean sitting attentively (and slightly confused) as the show began. The highlight was watching the sheep shearing demonstration. I don’t know what fascinated Fluffy and Bean more—the friendly sheep or the sight of the wool falling to the ground. They sat, eyes wide, ears perked, as if trying to figure out what this strange new world was all about.
It’s these unique, charming moments that make festivals like this so memorable. Watching the farm come to life through the eyes of the dogs made it even more special.
Scary (and Hilarious) Spider Encounter
Now, every good festival has its fair share of quirky photo ops, and this one didn’t disappoint. We stumbled upon a giant spider prop, perfect for some fun fall photos. Fluffy and Bean were brave—cool as cucumbers as we posed beside the eight-legged beast—but guess who wasn’t? That’s right, our silly human! Mama took one look at the oversized spider, shrieked, and jumped back as if it was about to chase her down. The rest of the family (Fluffy and Bean included) couldn’t help but burst into laughter! It was definitely one of those moments that will go down in family history.
Pet-Friendly Tips for Visiting
If you’re thinking of bringing your own pups along to the festival, here are a few tips we picked up along the way:
- Bring plenty of water – There’s a lot to explore, and your dogs will need to stay hydrated, especially if it’s a sunny day.
- Pack a leash – The festival is lively and busy, with plenty of dogs and kids around. A leash is mandatory and will keep your pup safe and comfortable.
- Photo opportunities galore! – Make sure your phone is fully charged. There are so many cute setups, from pumpkin patches to vintage rides. Your dog will be Instagram-ready in no time!
- Mind the rides – Some of the vintage rides might look tempting, but they’re probably best suited for humans. Stick to the safe areas for your pups to roam.
For those unfamiliar with the event, tickets are usually priced around £6 per person, and entry for dogs is free! You can visit during the festival season, which typically runs throughout October, and weekends tend to be busier. We’d recommend getting there early for a more relaxed experience (and better pumpkin-picking options).
Picking the Perfect Pumpkin (and Tasting Local Treats)
After our spider scare, it was time to head back to the fields to pick the perfect pumpkin. Fluffy and Bean were eager assistants, happily sniffing around each pumpkin as we tried to find the best one. After much deliberation, we finally picked a plump, bright orange pumpkin that will soon become the centerpiece of our autumn display.
And of course, no festival would be complete without food! Papa took full advantage of the festival bar and food vendors. The smell of gourmet burgers, freshly baked pastries, and local cider was impossible to resist. He savored every bite while Fluffy and Bean eagerly waited for any crumbs that might fall their way. (Don’t worry, we saved them some special dog-friendly treats!)
Wrapping Up the Day
As the sun began to set, we finished the day with a scenic tractor ride around the farm. The warm golden light cast a beautiful glow over the fields, and as we bounced along, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for such a perfect fall day.
Fluffy and Bean, now thoroughly tired out, curled up in the backseat in their car seat as we made our way home, leaving us with full hearts and fond memories. Farmer Copley’s Pumpkin Festival had everything—a dog-friendly atmosphere, plenty of activities, and the perfect seasonal vibe.
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If you’re searching for a fall festival that welcomes your pups with open arms, Farmer Copley’s Pumpkin Festival is the place to be. From pumpkin picking to sheep shows and even silly spider scares, it’s a day out that will leave tails wagging and hearts full of autumn joy.
Tell us about your pumpkin adventures! What is your favouite time of the year?
The next big event that the girls will be attending will be Tulip Festival in Spring. If you want to check out what they have then just go to www.farmercopleys.co.uk .
Finn and I wish we could join the festivities xxx
We woulh have loved that! xx