Ah, sunflowers. Who doesn’t love these towering yellow giants that reach radiantly for the sun? They bring instant cheer to even the gloomiest summer days.

There’s rarely anything so pleasing as getting lost among these gentle flowers and throughout the month of August you can. Across the UK, vibrant fields of sunflowers bloom, creating the most extraordinary beauty that’s absolutely worth seeing for yourself. 

From Kent to South Wales, Hertfordshire to the east coast of Scotland, here are the best sunflower fields in the UK where you can immerse yourself in these sun-drenched whimsical flowers.

Interesting facts about sunflowers 

sunflower fields in the UK

Visiting sunflower fields make for a lovely summer’s day out in the UK Photo credit: Gábor Veres

  • Sunflowers are native to the Americas
  • They can naturally remove toxins such as arsenic, uranium and lead from the soil. Sunflowers have actually been used to clean up areas around Fukushima!
  • The sunflower is the only flower with the word ‘flower’ in its name
  • They can grow up to 12 feet tall
  • The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine
  • Sunflower seeds are edible and they are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron and protein

When are sunflowers in season?

sunflowers at golden hour

Photo credit: Aaron Burden

Sunflowers usually bloom from the middle of summer through to early autumn – so from July to September. The best time to see them in the fields is from August to late September depending on the weather.

Some crops may start to bloom earlier or later so there’s no exact date when they will be out. 

To make sure you see them at their best, check the websites of the local sunflower fields near you and keep an eye out for announcements.

Better still, if they have social media – follow them because as soon as they post updates about their sunflowers you’ll know exactly when to go. 

Best ways to get to these sunflower farms

Woman holding sunflower to face

Photo credit: Kyaw Tun 

Some sunflower fields are accessible by public transport but I’ll be honest, the best and easiest way to get to them is to drive.

There are some tours available (covid depending) but as to be expected, most of these farms are out in rural areas so if there’s a bus you’ll have to pay close attention to the timetable so you don’t get stranded. 

Driving means you can be in charge of your own schedule and time. If it’s relatively close to you then you could even cycle there. Some farms allow you to bring your own picnic so it’s a perfect opportunity to make a fun day out of it. 

The best sunflower fields in the UK

Sunflower fields in the UK

Photo credit: David Clode 

At last, here’s what you’ve been waiting for. Below is a list of sunflower fields that are open to the public with covid restrictions.

Once again, before you visit, make sure you check websites as restrictions can change at a moment’s notice. Oh and be sure to bring your camera and your best outfits for some seriously gorgeous summer shots!

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Hitchin Lavender 

Tall sunflowers in a field

Photo credit: Brianne Reed 

Hitchin Lavender is just a 1 hour and 30-minute drive from London. It’s most well known for its endless rows of stunning purple lavender but it’s also home to an impressive sunflower field too.

From about mid-August onwards, you can expect to see these dazzling sun-worshippers in all their glory. It’s a lovely atmosphere, drowsy with the low hum of tolerant bees against the backdrop of the countryside. 

You’re usually invited to pick your own sunflowers at 50p a stem but check first as covid restrictions may apply. If you can’t, fear not as there is a quaint little farm shop on site offering bunches of fresh flowers to take home. 

Hitchin Lavender also has an outside bar and cafe for sweet treats and tipples and you’re encouraged to bring along your own picnic.

If you’re lucky, you can time your visit to catch the end of the lavender season and see both lavender and sunflowers in bloom together. Perfection. 

Cadwell Farm, Arlesey Rd, Ickleford, Hitchin SG5 3UA. For more information, visit the website here. 

Garsons Farm

sunflower fields in the UK

Garsons is an award-winning farm shop and garden centre with locations all over England.

At Esther, it has the UK’s largest ‘Pick Your Own’ Farm which invites visitors to come along and pick a variety of produce to take home with them. 

Garsons has two sunflower patches rather than fields to enjoy so it’s ideal if you want to take a few souvenirs back.

You can also spend several pleasant hours gathering a whole basket of fresh crops, including beetroot, carrots, strawberries and raspberries. You just need to book your farm pass in advance. 

Winterdown Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 8LS. For more information, visit the website here. 

Rhossili Bay 

Beautiful flowers in a meadow

Photo credit: Matthias Oberholzer

Rhossili Bay is the closest you can get to seeing sunflowers in the wild. Located along the beautiful South Gower coastline in Wales, Rhossili Bay transforms into a golden sea every August through to September.

Under the protection of the National Trust, there are a total of 17 sunflower fields to see which have been planted alongside wildflowers and crops to encourage a more wildlife-friendly way of farming. 

These sunflower fields have since become a haven for rare animals, birds and bees and they’re a truly phenomenal sight. To see the fields at their best, head there for golden hour when the sunflower petals are ablaze in a fiery yellow hue. 

These sunflower fields are free to visit and open to the public but just make sure you’re mindful of social distancing rules because it has been known to get crowded.

And of course, this goes without saying, but please do be careful with the sunflowers and take all litter home with you. 

The fields are next to the National Trust site at Worm’s Head. Use the postcode SA3 1PR to get there and you will find a National Trust car park. To find out more information, visit the website here. 

Read More: What is Ecotourism and Why is it Important? 

Stanhill Farm

sunflower fields and sun rays

Photo credit: Elijah Hail

Located in the Kent countryside, Stanhill Farm is another ‘Pick Your Own’ farm that invites visitors to fill their baskets with fresh seasonal produce which you can pay for by the kilo.

The farm has two small sunflower plots which bloom from the middle of August to September. Make sure you check the website regularly so you know when to pick yourself a beautiful bunch. 

Whether you’re in pursuit of sunflowers or just want to spend some time in the countryside, Stanhill Farm makes for a delightful day out.

If you’re planning to go, make sure you have a poke around the farm shop and stock up on a whole feast of homemade goodies for your kitchen. 

Birchwood Road, Wilmington, Dartford, Kent, DA2 7HD. To find out more information, visit the website here. 

Cairnie Fruit Farm

rows of sunflowers

Photo credit: meriç tuna 

Cairnie Fruit Farm can be found near Fife on the east coast of Scotland. From mid-August it has a stunning field of sunflowers which you can pay to pick if you wish – otherwise spend a few blissful hours wandering through the yellow-gold haze. 

The farm also has a sweet little tearoom filled with treats and refreshments, a ‘funyard’ for the kids and a farm shop offering irresistible homemade bread and other delights.

You can also pick your own strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, blackcurrants and pumpkins (come October and Hallowe’en). 

Cairnie Farming Co., Cairnie, Cupar, Fife, KY15 4QD. To find out more information, visit the website here

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The Pop-Up Farm 

Fields of sunflowers

Photo credit: Kike Algarra

The Pop-Up Farm is a small, family-run farm that hosts a number of pop-up farming festivals throughout the year, including the Sunflower Festival. Located on the M1 close to St Alban’s, it makes for a wonderful countryside retreat for Londoners with a car.

The farm boasts a stunning sunflower field complete with sunflower sommeliers who are on hand to teach you everything you need to know about this amazing flower.

Visitors can stroll along the sunflower trail, take some fantastic aerial photos from the brand new photography platform and pick their own flowers to take home. The farm also has a plant pot painting station this year.

Dates and opening times are yet to be announced about the festival so keep an eye out on the website and social media so you can get there when the flowers are at their best.

My guess is that they will be blooming towards the middle to end of August so remember to save some dates!

M1 Junction 9, St Albans AL3 8HT. To find out more information, visit the website here. 

Malt Kiln Farm

Field of flowers

Photo credit: Marko Borovic

Malt Kiln Farm offers families a chance to soak up some sunshine while filling baskets of fruits and flowers while they’re at it.

Tucked away in the village of Stretton-under-Fosse, Malt Kiln Farm has an abundance of fruit and vegetables to pick as well as a field dedicated to sunflowers. 

Make sure you wander into the farm shop for seasonal and local produce including cheese, pies, cakes and ciders. You can also stop for a bite at Rebecca’s Kitchen which offers breakfasts, lunch, snacks and even afternoon tea (with 24 hours notice). 

Malt Kiln Farm Shop, Main Street (B4027), Stretton-under-Fosse Rugby, Warwickshire CV23 0PE. To find out more information, visit the website here. 

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Nottinghamshire Pick Your Own Pumpkins (And Sunflowers)

Close up of a field of sunflowers.

Photo credit: Canva

Set in the beautiful rolling countryside of Nottinghamshire, this family-run pick your own features over 30,000 sunflowers across 5 acres, alongside pick-your-own produce, a Wild Flower Meadow, and delicious food and drink from Little Schnauzer Coffee Company. 

Only a 30-minute drive from the centre of Nottingham, the Sunflower Experience and Summer Pick Your Own will be open from August.

There will be pick your-own potatoes, sweetcorn and gladioli, along with numerous photo opportunities, and on select days, professional photographers on-site to capture precious family moments! 

Make sure to visit in October as well for their hugely popular pumpkin picking! 

Nottinghamshire Pick Your Own is located just off the A6097 on Oaks Lane, Oxton, Southwell, NG25 0RH. Visit the website here for more information.

Final Thoughts

Girl walking through sunflowers

Photo credit: Marina Montoya 

There’s something about sunflowers and their glorious yellow hue that can just brighten up a day.

I hope this list of gorgeous sunflower fields in the UK inspires you to head out and enjoy the last few months of summer with these dreamy sun-worshippers. 

Are you planning to visit any of these fields of sunflowers? Let me know in the comments!


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Want to know where to find the best sunflower fields in the UK? My guide features all the best sunflower farms as well as pick your own patches, photo opportunities and more!

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