For carving
Look for a firm pumpkin that sits steadily and has a broad face with enough smooth skin for your design.
Pumpkin Village · Guides
Pumpkin varieties guide
There is more to pumpkins than orange and round.
A practical guide to choosing pumpkins, squashes and gourds for carving, cooking or decorating, plus what to expect from the variety at Pumpkin Village.
Choose by what you want to do with it
The best pumpkin is not always the biggest or the most perfectly round. Start with what you want it for: carving, cooking, decorating or simply finding something unusual.
For decorating
Colour, texture and shape matter more than carving space. White, striped, knobbly and miniature types can look brilliant together.
For cooking
Choose varieties sold as edible and ask the team if you are unsure. Do not assume every decorative gourd is suitable for eating.
Pumpkin, squash and gourd styles to look out for
- Classic orange pumpkins - the familiar Halloween choice, especially useful when you want a large carving surface.
- Mini pumpkins - small enough for table decorations, windowsills and autumn displays.
- White and pale pumpkins - useful when you want a softer or more unusual colour palette.
- Striped and mottled squashes - often chosen for their pattern and sculptural shape.
- Knobbly and warty types - full of texture and ideal when character matters more than symmetry.
- Odd-shaped gourds - brilliant for decorative displays, but check whether a particular type is edible before using it in food.
Examples from previous Pumpkin Village selections
These supplied photographs show some of the named varieties featured in previous seasons. The exact 2026 mix can change through the season, so individual varieties are not guaranteed on a particular visit.
What you will find at Pumpkin Village
Pumpkin Village is designed around variety, with pumpkins, gourds and squashes in different sizes, shapes and colours. The exact mix can vary through the season, so treat the photographs on this site as examples rather than a guarantee that a particular type will be available on your visit.
Pumpkins are purchased separately from admission, which means you can choose the one that suits your plans and budget on the day.
After you take your pumpkin home
Keep an uncarved pumpkin somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated. Check it occasionally for soft spots and avoid storing it directly beside a heater. If you plan to carve it for Halloween, leaving the carving until nearer the display date can help it look fresher.
Looking for design ideas? See our easy pumpkin carving ideas for families.
Ready for autumn?
