It may not quite be August yet, and we’re not about to wish away the summer, but the last month of summer does reveal a blooming delight. In late July and August, sunflowers bloom all over the UK, sending many of us on a hunt for a sunflower field to snap for the ‘gram. And, fortunately for us, there are several to visit near London, and some even have the option to pick your own flowers. And to save you the effort, we’ve compiled a list of the most stunning sunflower fields near London.
1. Tulley’s Farm, Sussex
Just outside of London you’ll find one of the must-visit spots for those looking for blooming gorgeous vistas. Throughout the year Tulley’s Farm opens up with frequent stunning displays of flowers, from beautiful tulips to summer sunflowers, as well as pumpkin-picking opportunities and more.
Their sunflowers are so fantastic, in fact, that they throw a full-on Tulley’s Farm Sunflower Festival with 25 photo ops and selfie stations scattered amongst the sea of sunflowers. Add to that the food and drink from the Potting Shed bar and Bentley’s BBQ Shack, and it’s a glorious summer day out. What are you waiting for? Slap on the factor 50 and put that railcard to good use!
🚂 Distance from London: about an hour via train and a connection at Three Bridges station from London Bridge, or two hours by car.
🌻 More info: on their website.
📍 Unit 1 Turners Hill Road, Crawley, RH10 4PE
2. Hitchin Lavender Farm, Hertfordshire
Hitchin Lavender Farm is unsurprisingly most famous for its beautiful lavender fields, but at the right time of year, it’s also home to some stunning sunflowers! If you’re lucky, you might get the best of both worlds and see lavender and sunflowers in bloom at the same time. Tickets to get in hover at around £7 or £8, and to pick your own flowers it will cost you £4 per bag. 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
3. Garsons Farm, Surrey
At Garsons Farm you will find three separate sunflower fields that span over 150 acres! To pick your own sunflowers you’ll need to purchase a crop farm pass (£5 for adults, £2 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
4. Meopham PYO, Kent
Meopham is open every Saturday and Sunday for those who want to visit sunflower fields 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 means it’s strawberry season, so check their website to see if they’ll be ready to pick when you visit. And if need some light refreshment, the White Finch tea room is 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
5. 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). And their flower fields, mazes, and attractions are legendary. Don’t miss out on a visit to their sunflower fields during the season! Last year, sunflowers were available at £1 per stem or 6 for £5.
As if the sea of flowers wasn’t enough, you can also jump on board a barrel train for a tour of the grounds, or make your own way around and discover all sorts of exciting things. Even if you’re not there for the sunflowers, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. The Patch MK boasts everything from a bale mountain to games, sideshows, rides and even mini golf. There are also not one, not two, but three themed corn mazes – including a Lost World Corn Maze with dinosaurs hiding around each corner.
🚗 Distance from London: 1.5 hours by car.
🌻 More info: on their website.
📍 The Patch MK, Mount Mill Farm, Milton Keynes, MK19 6DG
6. Cotswold Farm Park, Gloucestershire
This one may be a little further from the capital, but it’s well worth a visit. Cotswold Farm Park houses a stunning field of sunflowers that is open to the public in August. The park also contains a variety of viewing stations and vantage points. These include a viewing bridge to see the sunflowers from above, several photo stations throughout the field, and a pathway through the flowers. Here, you can get up close and personal and see the flowers from all angles. If you get hungry during your visit, the Ox Shed café offers some hearty lunch options.
🚗 Distance from London: 2.5 hours by car.
🌻 More info: on their website.
📍 Guiting Power, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5FL