Bishop Auckland Palace hosts the ultimate pumpkin party

4th October 2024

Auckland Palace’s first ever Pumpkin Forest light trail kicks off this evening (Friday 4^th October), as the historic attraction and landmark in the centre of Bishop Auckland celebrates autumn’s arrival and the change of seasons.

On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 4 – 27 October and daily from 28 – 31 October, visitors will see over 600 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins featuring a range of themes and designs. There’s also hundreds of chrysanthemums and decorative gourds thoughtfully displayed within the newly renovated gardens of Auckland Palace.

To complement the impressive display, Auckland Palace has worked with local schools and businesses to create some additional scarecrows and themed pumpkins that are featured along the Pumpkin Forest trail for all visitors to admire.

Jared Bowers, Chief Operating Officer at The Auckland Project, said: “The initial reaction to Pumpkin Forest from our preview evening has been wonderful and it’s been great to see families dressed up in their winter coats enjoying the great outdoors and exploring the trail. We’re especially happy to have two local schools and several local businesses involved with the opening, displaying their unique creations to visitors as they explore.”

The rest of the route is adorned with hay bales and other autumnal and festive motifs, giving families of all ages plenty of entertaining picture opportunities and experiences to enjoy.

For those feeling peckish, tasty food and drink is available at outlets across the trail, including seasonal light bites and hot cider and creamy hot chocolates. 

“Autumn is a season of beautiful colours, golden light, warming food and drink and embracing the darker and cooler evenings. The Pumpkin Forest is the perfect opportunity to do just this, set in the heart of Bishop Auckland with a historic palace and parkland as the ultimate backdrop.”

Entry to the Pumpkin Forest takes place every 30 mins from 6pm to 8pm, where it’s open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 4 – 27 October and daily from 28 – 31 October.

Tickets are £15 for adults, £11 for a child (under 16 years old) and free for under threes and carers. Family tickets are available for £48, consisting of two adults and two children, or one adult and three children.

Free parking is available after 4.30pm on event days in North Bondgate Car Park, Bishop Auckland.