For the first time this autumn, one of North Devon’s most unusual family attractions is set to turn orange as Watermouth Castle launches Pumpkins at the Castle – a brand-new family event for 2026.
Running from 26th September to 1st November, the Victorian castle and its grounds will undergo a spectacular autumn transformation, with thousands of pumpkins, pumpkin-lined walkways, seasonal photo installations, an autumn market, trick or treating and marshmallow toasting joining Watermouth’s much-loved rides, gardens, museums and attractions.
The new experience is included with general admission, giving families a full day to explore the Castle and enjoy its brand-new autumn additions along the way.
Follow the Pumpkins to the Castle
The autumn experience begins from the moment families make their way through the grounds, with walkways lined with hundreds of pumpkins leading towards the Castle Courtyard.
There, the Courtyard will be transformed into an autumn pumpkin market, with stalls piled high with pumpkins, squashes and gourds. Big ones, small ones, traditional orange pumpkins and weird and wonderful varieties will fill the stalls, giving families plenty to choose from when finding one to take home.
Pumpkins are purchased separately, so visitors can explore the displays throughout the day before choosing their favourite.
A Castle Transformed for Autumn
For the first time, seasonal pumpkin displays will pop up throughout the Castle grounds, turning familiar Watermouth locations into brand-new autumn photo spots.
Multiple installations are being created especially for the event, all set against the unusual backdrop of Watermouth Castle and the North Devon coast. Joined by the Castle’s gardens and pumpkin-lined pathways, they will bring a spectacular splash of autumn colour to the attraction throughout October.
Trick or Treat Around the Castle
On weekends and during the school holidays, younger visitors can set off on the 'Trick or Treat Trail' around the Castle grounds.
Children will follow the trail to find characters hiding along the way, collecting a treat at each stop before earning a final reward once they have completed their quest.
Made especially for younger children, the trail is designed to be fun rather than frightening and is included with day admission on selected dates.
Families can also gather around two roasting pits to toast marshmallows over the embers, available for an additional charge.
More Than Pumpkins
Unlike a traditional pumpkin patch, Pumpkins at the Castle forms part of a full day of adventure at Watermouth Castle.
A day ticket includes access to the Castle’s rides, gardens, museums, castle curiosities, play areas and dungeons, meaning the new seasonal experience becomes part of a full day out rather than a standalone pumpkin visit.
Visitors can wander through the water gardens, explore the Castle’s unusual collection of displays and curiosities, brave the dungeons and enjoy the family rides before returning to the Courtyard to pick a pumpkin on the way home.
For families travelling from further afield, Watermouth Castle’s apartments are located within the Castle itself, offering the chance to turn an autumn day out on the North Devon coast into an overnight stay.
With pumpkins around every corner, treats to collect, marshmallows to toast and a whole Victorian castle to explore, Watermouth is preparing for its biggest autumn transformation yet.
Pumpkins Take Over Watermouth Castle, Watermouth, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9SL
26th September to 1st November 2026
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CLICK HERE FOR TICKET INFORMATION & EARLY BIRD OFFERS (Pumpkins at the Castle is included with general admission).
About Watermouth Castle
