Northfields Allotments' Pumpkin Trail Returns for Halloween

New arrangements this year for event which attracts huge crowds


Be prepared for a fright on the Pumpkin Trail

The hugely popular Halloween Pumpkin Trail returns to Northfields Allotments on Saturday 28 October.

Thousands of people, some in costumes, are expected to attend the annual event from 3pm to 7pm at London’s oldest allotments site which also claims to be its spookiest.

The trail will be lined with carved pumpkins, creating a circular trip around the site past witches’ grottos, skeletons, ethereal spirits and many other Halloween decorations.

The route around the allotments has been changed this year to avoid visitors having to queue on busy Northfields Avenue. The trail now begins at the Mattock Lane entrance at the top of the Radbourne Walk that runs alongside the allotments.

Timed entry tickets have also been introduced in an attempt to reduce waiting times but the price remains the same - £1 plus booking fee. To purchase tickets click here.

“It’s great to welcome local families back to the site. While we enjoy thinking up new spooky things for everyone to enjoy, I always look forward to seeing our visitors in their inventive costumes and makeup,” said Christina Fox, Chair of the Ealing Dean Allotments Society.

Amongst other ghoulish treats, there will be homemade cakes and tea, plus produce from the allotments, as well as a barbeque, and mulled wine.

Tasty Halloween cupcakes will be available
Tasty Halloween cupcakes will be available

The organisers say that if you plan to come after 5pm, bring a torch as some areas of the site can be quite dark. Dogs are welcome on a lead, but “werewolves are politely asked not to howl in case it disturbs the neighbours”.

There will be a buggy park but visitors are urged to leave buggies at home if possible. The paths are narrow and uneven - definitely not buggy-friendly. The gates will close at 7pm.

Northfields Allotments is an important historic site dating back to 1832 – making it London’s oldest allotments – and a vital part of Ealing’s natural heritage and an Asset of Community Value.

You may be surprised at who you meet
You may be surprised at who you meet

“We know that this is a really popular event, so for the comfort of our visitors and volunteers, we’ll be limiting numbers,” said Penny Wark, chair of Ealing Dean Allotments’ Society. “We’re working hard on our spooky displays, and we look forward to welcoming visitors. We really hope everyone has a great time.”

Visitors are invited to buy timed tickets in advance which are available online for a nominal £1 plus a small booking fee. Tickets will not be sold at the event.

Children under the age of three will go free.

Dogs are welcome on a lead, but werewolves are asked not to howl in case it disturbs the neighbours. There will be a buggy park but visitors are asked to leave buggies at home if possible as paths are more suited to wheelbarrows.

To support visitors’ comfort, there will be portable loos, and a team on site from St John’s Ambulance.

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 October 5, 2023