A FAMILY-RUN pumpkin patch has been branded “bleak” and “depressing”, with some saying the event had “Glasgow Willy Wonka vibes.”

Event organisers have shared that they are facing “losses” after finding pumpkins “deliberately smashed” and displays “damaged.”

Pumpkins sparsely scattered across a grassy field at the Suffolk Pumpkin Patch.
A family-run pumpkin patch in Suffolk has been slammed for being “bleak” and “depressing” Credit: Instagram/alexdodman
Two creepy clown decorations holding up a doll in a field at the Suffolk Pumpkin Patch.
One visitor described it as having “Glasgow Willy Wonka vibes” Credit: Instagram/alexdodman

Pumpkin Patch in Barton Mills, Bury St Edmunds has faced mixed reviews of its pumpkin patch destination.

The Halloween event requires customers to pay an entry fee specifically for the pumpkin patch, despite access to the street food village, bar and funfair rides being free.

After paying an additional £19.52 for his family of five to visit the pumpkin patch, father Alex Dodman shared his disappointment at the event.

Inside, he described a scene with “questionable decor” and “sparsely scattered pumpkins” all surrounded by a metal fence.

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Customers visiting the pumpkin patch are required to pay an additional entry fee Credit: Facebook
A toy tiger stands on a wooden pallet in a sparse pumpkin patch, surrounded by a few pumpkins on the grass.
Father of five Dodman described the decorations as “questionable” Credit: Instagram/alexdodman

He continues to say that he paid an additional £5 to buy a pumpkin before visiting the rides and the food vans inside – which he said was on the “cheaper side” compared to other Halloween events.

As a final review, Dodman said: “To be honest I don’t blame the organisers or the vendors. It goes deeper than that.”

“We all know trying to organise something like this would cost a bomb. Food van rates are through the roof. Businesses are struggling.”

Dodman was not the only visitor to complain about the event, with others saying “half the were smashed” and the “mini golf was smashed up, including nails poking out where kids are playing.”

A skeleton figure and scattered pumpkins in a field near a dual carriageway.
The pumpkin patch venue is surrounded by a metal fence and motorway views Credit: Instagram/alexdodman
Wheelbarrows filled with discarded pumpkins and stacked in a field at the Suffolk Pumpkin Patch.
Entry for Dodman’s family of five cost £19.52, plus an additional £5 charge for a “small” pumpkin Credit: Instagram/alexdodman

Suffolk Pumpkin Patch has since responded to criticism about the additional entry fee.

On Facebook, organisers posted: “We often get asked “Why do you charge an entrance fee to the pumpkin patch?” Well, unfortunately, this is one of the reasons why…

“Every morning, after a busy day welcoming families to our patch, we are faced with the heartbreaking sight of more and more deliberately smashed, damaged displays and unnecessary mess left behind.

“And sadly, it’s not just the pumpkins. We’ve also had displays, activities damaged and our skeletons pulled apart.”

A sparse wooden frame shaped like a house, with small pumpkins placed on its shelves and scattered on the grass in a field at the Suffolk Pumpkin Patch.
Photo walls and picture opportunities are dotted around the field Credit: Instagram/alexdodman
A sparse pumpkin patch featuring a character statue, hay bales, and fencing in a grassy field under an overcast sky.
One visitor called the pumpkin patch a “great afternoon out” Credit: Instagram/alexdodman

Organisers continued to state: “PLEASE REMEMBER, WE ARE A SMALL FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS!

“We aren’t a big company with endless amounts of .

“PLEASE RESPECT OUR PUMPKIN PATCH!”

Not all reviews of the pumpkin patch have been negative, with some locals saying they had enjoyed their experience and it was a “great afternoon out.”

“Considering there were 4 adults and 4 children I was pleasantly surprised at just over £30 for everyone.”

When approached for comment, Suffolk Pumpkin Patch told LadBible : “Here at Suffolk Pumpkin Patch we have had a lot of good feedback and only a small amount of bad over the last two weeks.

“We are the only pumpkin patch in the East Anglian area with a 44-metre observation wheel, the family favourite dodgems and the waltzers.

“Also small kiddies rides and attractions which we have capped the ride owners to charge between £3 to £6 for, which is good value for money compared to a lot of places.

“We have tried our very hardest to keep costs low, but with the rising and fuel we are finding things hard, but we are pleased with what we have achieved this year being our first year.

“We are a small family of three, and the guy in question is comparing us to large-scale events that have been going ten years plus.

“Any suggestions we have taken onboard and we guarantee to come back bigger and better next year, hopefully if fuel and everything comes down in price.

“The entry to the street food village and fair is free, there’s loads of Halloween props and decorations in that area. If you’re on a budget, just come and soak up the atmosphere for free in that area.

“The only entry fee is for the pumpkin patch area, which is to cover the cost of entertainment on the weekends and all of next week.

“The money goes towards staff manning the area, security at night, hire of the fencing, the diesel generators running 24 hours a day and to replace the broken pumpkins daily.

“At the end of the day we are only humans. We open again this weekend depending so please check our Facebook page for updates and special announcements.”

The Sun has contacted Suffolk Pumpkin Patch for additional comment.