Take a peek at the Pumpkin Forest at Auckland Palace

12th September 2024

For the first time Auckland Palace, the historic attraction and landmark in the centre of Bishop Auckland, is hosting a special event named ‘Pumpkin Forest’. 

The new light trail takes place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 4 – 27 October and daily from 28 – 31 October, celebrating everything there is to love about autumn and the change of seasons. 

During the special night-time event, guests will be in awe of over 600 hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins featuring a range of themes and designs, along with hundreds of chrysanthemums and decorative gourds thoughtfully displayed within the newly renovated gardens of Auckland Palace. 

Auckland Palace and the rest of the route will be adorned with handmade scarecrows, hay bales and other autumnal and festive motifs, giving families of all ages plenty of entertaining picture opportunities and experiences to enjoy. 

Jared Bowers, Chief Operating Officer at The Auckland Project, said of the new event: “Here at Auckland Palace, community, family and entertainment is important. Pumpkin Forest is one of a kind; celebrating the best parts of autumn with a rich tapestry of colour and textures that will give families of all sizes, couples and groups of friends something to look forward to as we approach the end of summer.” 

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

“As someone originally from the USA which celebrates the arrival of autumn on a big scale, I’m really pleased that we’re hosting Pumpkin Forest and that we’ve received significant demand for an event of this scale at this time of year. There will be sensory-friendly sessions, and the route has been designed with all ages in mind. It’ll be wonderful to see the vision come to life from 4 October,” added Jared. 

The entry to the Pumpkin Forest takes place every 30 mins from 6pm to 8pm, where it’s open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday 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.