August may technically be the last month of summer, but it is also the month that sunflowers bloom all over the UK. And, fortunately for us, there are several sunflower fields to visit near London, with the option to pick-your-own flowers. Sunflowers really are a sight to behold, so if you want to see them in all their glory there really is no time like the present. We’ve compiled a list of the most stunning sunflower fields near London.
1. Hitchin Lavender Farm, Hertfordshire
Hitchin Lavender Farm is unsurprisingly most famous for its beautiful lavender fields, but it is also home to dozens of sunflowers! If you’re very lucky, you may get the best of both worlds and be able to see lavender and sunflowers in bloom at the same time. £5 will grant you entry to the farm, and for for a price of £3 per bag, you can collect sunflowers as you wander through the fields.
While you can take an unlimited number of pictures for the ‘gram throughout your visit, for £50 you can hire a personal photographer and have your very own photoshoot with the most photogenic plant – the sunflower! And if you work up an appetite, there are plenty of refreshments on site.
🚂 Distance from London: 1 hour 15 mins via train and bus from St Pancras International, or 1.5 hours by car.
🌻 More info: on their website.
📍 Arlesey Road, Ickleford, Hitchin SG5 3UA
2. Garsons Farm, Surrey
At Garsons Farm you will find three separate sunflower fields that span over 150 acres! In order to pick-your-own sunflowers you’ll need to purchase a crop farm pass (£4 for adults, £1 for kids) in advance. This farm is also home to over 75 variations of fruits, vegetables and plants that can be picked during your visit, but be sure to check crop availability on their website beforehand to avoid any disappointment.
There is also a restaurant offering a selection of meal options and a farm shop where you can purchase local and artisan produce to take home with you.
🚂 Distance from London: 1 hour and 15 minutes by train from Waterloo (including a bit of a walk), or 1.5 hours by car.
🌻 More info: on their website.
📍 Winterdown Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 8LS
3. Meopham PYO, Kent
Meopham is open every Saturday and Sunday for those who want to see sunflowers on their weekends! This fruit farm produces all kinds of fruit, veg and flowers that you can purchase in their farm shop or pick yourself during your visit.
August also marks the start of their strawberry season, so check their website to see if they will be ready to pick when you visit. And if you’re in need of a light refreshment, the White Finch tea room will be available for tea, coffee and cake!
🚂 Distance from London: 1 hour 20 minutes by train and bus from St Pancras International, or 1 hour 20 minutes by car.
🌻 More info: on their website.
📍 Ifield Road, Meopham, Gravesend DA13 0QH
4. The Patch MK, Milton Keynes
This gorgeous spot is perfect for a day out with the family or a beautiful photoshoot (or both, of course). There’s a barrel train to take you around the grounds, which costs £2.50 a ride (cash only), or you can make your own way around and discover all sorts of exciting things; including a bale mountain, a sweetcorn maze, and a 1947 tractor. Pick your sunflowers at £1 per stem or seven for £15.
🚗 Distance from London: 1.5 hours by car.
🌻 More info: on their website.
📍 The Patch MK, Mount Mill Farm, Milton Keynes, MK19 6DG
5. Cotswold Farm Park, Gloucestershire
A little further from the capital, Cotswold Farm Park houses a stunning field of sunflowers that is open to the public in August (this year’s season runs from August 1 to October 2). The park also contains a viewing bridge to see the sunflowers from above, several photo stations throughout the field, and a pathway through the flowers for a more immersive experience. Here, you can get up close and personal and see the flowers from all angles.
You can book your tickets in advance at a cost £5 per adult. And, for £1.50 per stem, you can purchase as many sunflowers as you can carry! If you get hungry during your visit, the Ox Shed café is on site offering some hearty lunch options.
🚗 Distance from London: 2.5 hours by car.
🌻 More info: on their website.
📍 Guiting Power, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5FL