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Pick your own Sunflowers 2026
Key details
When:
Open every day 9am – 5pm
10am – 5pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Last admission: 4:30pm
Free entrance, no booking needed, apart from the SEN-friendly hours.
LAST DAY: Sunday 16th August
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am – 10am are reserved for ticketed SEN-friendly visits only
Please book tickets for these sessions here
The sunflower field usually stays open for 2-3 weeks, depending on the how the flowers are doing.
Evening Events and Workshops:
Canvas Club Paint Your Own Sunflower – 16th August 2pm
Sundowner Evening – 15th August 6pm
Where:
New location for 2026!
Rougham Sunflower and Pumpkin Field
Just south of Junction 45 of the A14,
3 miles east of Bury St Edmunds
Detailed directions with the map below
For your SatNav, use the postcode: IP30 9HX
Pricing:
Free admission and parking No booking needed (except for SEN hours: Tues & Thurs 9-10am)
Sunflower stems are charged:
£2 each £8 for 5 stems £12 for 10 stems
Rougham Sunflowers
Rougham Sunflowers have now closed for 2026.
The pumpkins will be opening in October and the sunflowers will be back again in 2027.
You can find out the latest about what’s on here.
Last day to visit the sunflowers: Sunday 16th August
Open every day until then.
Due to the heat, many of the sunflowers are now drooping and are past their best. The picnic and play area and Roots kiosk remain open for you to enjoy and there are still a few sunflowers opening and ready to be picked.
Last events at the sunflower field
- Supper at Sundown BBQ Evening – 15th August 6pm – 9pm
- The Canvas Club – Paint your own Sunflower in the Sunflowers – 16th August 2pm -5pm
The sunflowers are in a new field for 2026, south of A14 Junction 45, just over 1km (just under 1 mile) from the junction to the field. See the new location here.
Visit the Sunflowers
Could there be anything better than strolling through vibrant blooms of sunflowers, picking to your heart’s content?
Well, you can do it at Rougham Sunflowers. Just east of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, the field is open once again for a few weeks, with sunflowers that are about chest-high. Come and enjoy the wonderful display!
Opening and Closing Dates
The sunflower field is now open.
It is open every day including Sundays and bank holidays until we close unless, of course, the weather gets really bad and we can’t open for a day or so. In these cases we will let you know here on this page and through our social media posts.
The sunflower field will close at 5pm on Sunday 16th August.
Booking & SEN-FRIENDly visiting times
In general there is no need to book to visit our sunflower field, except for the SEN-friendly hours.
Each Tuesday and Thursday between 9am and 10am we are holding SEN-friendly sessions where the sunflower field will only be open to those who have pre-booked tickets to visit. These dedicated times are designed to provide a calm, supportive environment for individuals with Special Educational and Sensory Needs. Book your SEN-friendly hour here.
The field will be open as usual to the wider public from 10am onwards on these days, with no booking needed.
Things to do
There is plenty more to enjoy with space to picnic, deckchairs and benches including wheelchair-friendly benches, big bale pyramids to climb on, sandpits, football goals (please bring your own footballs), a nature-hunt challenge to keep little ones occupied (£1), ice cream and pedal tractors as well as lots of fabulous photo opportunities.
Face Painting
Face painting for children aged 3 years and older will be available most days from Face-It Face Painting (£5). Both cards and cash accepted.
Please note: There will be no face painting on Sunday 16th August
Snacks
Snacks and drinks will be provided by Roots&Co, an outlet of Roots Café.
You can buy coffees, teas, cold and iced drinks, filled bagels, sausage rolls, vegan rolls, crisps, loaded strawberries, traybake cakes, ice creams and other snacks. The menu can be seen in the image gallery below.
Oat milk is available as well as vegan and vegetarian traybakes, with a gluten-free cake option too.
Beer and Prosecco will also be available (excluding Mondays), as well as ice cream for dogs.
The main Roots Café is located at Blackthorpe Barn, 2 minutes’ drive away, open every day 9am-4pm.
You are welcome to bring your own picnic with you to the sunflowers too.
Please remember to bring water with you, if you like.
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome on the grass in the picnic area of the field. We have made a unique pathway especially for dogs through the sunflowers; they are not allowed in the main maze, even when carried, due to having had too much to clean up in previous years and they are not allowed in the sandpits or on the bale pyramids.
We do have ice cream for dogs available from the onsite café, so they still get to be pampered.
Please make sure that your dog doesn’t spoil the enjoyment of other visitors at the event.
No Smoking
Due to the weather and the extreme dryness this year, please note that the field is a No Smoking area.
underfoot
The sunflowers are growing in a field and after the recent warm weather the ground is dry, sandy and dusty. If it rains the ground will become muddy. In places, such as the entrance area and other places of heavy footfall, there are wood chippings on the ground.
The maze paths have been cut out of the sunflowers and in places old stems or stumps of stems can make the ground uneven. As the time goes on and more people walk the paths, they will be flattened. Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the conditions.
The paths through the sunflowers are wide enough for wheelchairs and buggies, but please keep the ground conditions in mind.
Charity Collection
This year the charity being supported at the Sunflowers is the GREEN LIGHT TRUST which is a health and wellbeing charity rooted in the local countryside. It works with nature to transform lives, using expert-led programmes to help children, young people and adults to thrive, supporting their mental health, building skills and improving the natural environment.
If you are able, please donate either at the sunflowers, or perhaps by clicking the link above.
Video from the 2022 sunflower field, made by Troy Productions
PLEASE NOTE
Children are very welcome at the Rougham Sunflower field, but please remember that each child must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult.
Important information
- Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the picnic area and must be kept on a short lead at all times. There is a separate pathway especially for dogs through the sunflowers, but due to previously having had to clean up too much mess, no dogs are allowed into the main sunflower maze. Please bring and use poop-bags.
This year the Rougham Sunflower field will open on Monday 27th July.
The sunflower field usually closes about 2-3 weeks after it opens, but the actual closing date depends on how the flowering season goes.
Cards and Cash are both accepted everywhere around the site. Admission and parking are free.
Picnicking is encouraged, with plenty of blanket spots on the grassy area, or use the benches and deckchairs if you prefer.
Catering is available from Roots&Co, offering coffees, snacks, drinks and ice cream, and even ice cream for dogs!
Toilet facilities are available in the picnic area by the side of the sunflowers and include an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities.
You are welcome to come to the field with wheelchairs and prams.
The sunflower field has wide pathways through the sunflowers and wheelchair-friendly picnic benches. However, please note this is a large field and the ground is uneven, dry and dusty after this prolonged sunny weather but will become muddy if it has recently rained.
There are wood chips on the ground in areas of heavy footfall.
If you would like to visit during the SEN-friendly hours, please book your ticket here.
Face-painting by the talented Face It Face Painting will be available; £5 per face for ages 3 and above.
Gallery
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Perfect for Picking!
01
At the entrance to the sunflower maze, borrow a pair of secateurs
You are welcome to bring your own secateurs, or borrow a pair from us for a small refundable deposit. The deposit will be deducted from the total cost of the sunflowers you pick, when you return them.
02
If you have a dog with you...
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the picnic area and must be kept on a short lead at all times. There is a separate pathway to take dogs through the sunflowers, but due to previously having had to clean up too much mess, dogs are NOT allowed into the main maze. Please bring and use poop-bags.
03
Wander around the maze
Enter the maze and take your time to enjoy wandering through the beautiful blooms, picking flowers as you go.
Don’t forget to take some pictures and tag us @roughamestate
04
When you are done, head back to the entrance to pay
When you are ready to leave, head to the gazebo where a helpful member of staff will charge you according to how many stems you have cut, deducting the deposit for the secateurs if you borrowed some.
Payment by card is preferable although we will be taking cash.
05
Leave your flowers at the sunflower creche
Leave your flowers in a bucket of water at the sunflower creche while you enjoy some refreshments. Don’t forget to collect them before leaving!
06
Relax, let the children play and have a bite to eat
While you are here, take your time. Relax and let the children run, climb and play. Visit the tasty food area for some refreshment or enjoy your own picnic (no picnics at the evening events).
07
Requests for Bulk Picking and Out-of-Hours Visits
We regularly get requests for us to pick a quantity of sunflowers for a special event, or to open the field out-of-hours for certain groups. We’re sorry, but unfortunately we are unable to fulfil these requests.
If you wish to come and pick your own sunflowers during opening times, you are welcome to.
08
Photography
There are plenty of props around the field to help you get some great pictures. If you post your pictures online, tag us @roughamestate on instagram and facebook – we love to see them! For professional photoshoots, please see below.
09
Fire Risk in the Warm Weather - No smoking
Please be aware that the countryside is very dry due to the recent hot weather. Fires can be caused by careless disposal of cigarettes and matches but also by other items which can cause sunlight to be magnified or concentrated.
Please dispose of items in the bins provided and take care when you are at the sunflowers and please refrain from smoking.
Things to Bring
- Secateurs; bring your own or borrow some from us for a small refundable deposit
- Gloves, if you need them; sunflower stems are prickly
- Wellies if it’s rained recently
- Cash or Card; admission and parking are free, but you may like to buy some sunflowers, a coffee or get your child’s face painted. Card is preferred, but cash is accepted
- Picnic and Picnic Blanket, if you like
- Camera for taking pictures; tag us @roughamestate
Professional Photography and Drone Flights
The sunflowers make wonderful photo backdrops and there are several feature areas for you to create some special captured memories. You are welcome to take photos for purely personal use.
We are happy for professional photographers to use our wonderful sunflower field for photoshoots too, subject to the following conditions.
PHOTOSHOOT LICENSES FOR 2026 ARE NOW FULLY BOOKED
For the comfort and safety of all our visitors, and considering the fact that the sunflower field is part of Rougham Estate which is private land:
- all professional, commercial, for-profit, paid-for or “organised” photoshoots require a licence and must be pre-booked and authorised by Rougham Estate (licences/dates are limited in number),
- Rougham Estate must be credited on all professional/commercial images sold or used for social media,
- dates cannot be guaranteed and are subject to change, dependant on factors outside our control, e.g., when the flowers bloom, changes in the weather, etc.,
- unauthorised professional photographers or photoshoots may be asked to leave/stop as determined by Rougham Estate staff.
Drone use is strictly prohibited unless pre-arranged and authorised by Rougham Estate. It should be undertaken during hours when the site is not open to the public, and will incur a fee.
If you are interested in holding a photoshoot or flying a drone at the sunflowers, please contact:
E: [email protected]
Tips
for Looking After Cut Sunflowers
When you get your cut sunflowers home, here are some tips to help them last for as long as possible:
- Get your sunflowers into water as soon as possible after cutting.
- Cut the stems at a 45 degree angle to help with hydration; if possible, cut the stem underwater.
- Remove all leaves below the water line; only keep the leaves near the flower.
- Fill the vase with warm water up to about 3/4 of the height of the stem.
- Top up the water daily, or better, change all the water in the vase daily (or at least every 3 days).
- Recut the stems after a few days (or do this daily), to help with hydration.
- Don’t expose the cut flowers to direct sunlight, heat or draughts.
- If the sunflower head is beginning to droop, cut the stem shorter and put the flower in warm water. You could also cut a short length of straight garden wire (4-5cm) and push it through the centre of the flower, into the stem, to give it some support.
- Sunflowers like a slightly acidic water solution with sugars for nutrition; try adding 1-3 teaspoons of sugar to the water and/or two tablespoons of lemon juice, or a tablespoon of vinegar.
What others say...
Rougham Sunflower and Pumpkin Field, south of A14, Junction 45
Elderstub Lane, Rougham,
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
SatNav: postcode IP30 9HX
On arriving at the Sunflower and Pumpkin Field please park in the field adjacent to the picnic area; there is ample parking on grass.
The field is just east of Bury St. Edmunds, easily accessible from the A14 and clearly sign-posted from Junction 45.
From J45, A14 Eastbound Carriageway:
- turn left (first exit) on the roundabout at the end of the A14 slip road
- go under the A14 bridge
- at the T junction turn right, by the white house and entrance to Blackthorpe Barn
- follow this lane for about half a mile until you reach Elderstub Lane on the left
- turn left down Elderstub Lane and the entrance is about 150yds on the right
From the J45, A14 Westbound Carriageway:
- turn right at the end of the A14 slip road
- at the T junction turn right, by the white house and entrance to Blackthorpe Barn
- follow this lane for about half a mile until you reach Elderstub Lane on the left
- turn left down Elderstub Lane and the entrance is about 150yds on the right
This year the sunflower field will open on Monday 27th July 2026.
The sunflower field opens when the sunflowers start to bloom each year and we can’t pinpoint the exact date until a week or so before opening, since the flowers respond to the weather we are having at the time.
The sunflowers and pumpkins are in a new field for 2026. It’s about the same driving distance from J45 on the A14 as the field last year, but this year it’s to the south of the A14.
The field we have used over the past few years needs a rest from growing sunflowers and pumpkins and it’s good for the ground to grow other crops for a while.
The sunflower field generally stays open for about 2-3 weeks after opening, depending upon the weather. We close the field when the sunflowers are starting to be past their best. We will put a notification of the closing date on this page and on our social media, when we know more.
Sunflowers only bloom for a few weeks a year, and we open the field for those weeks.
Yes, once the sunflower field is open, it is open every day including Saturdays and Sundays and Bank Holidays.
If, for any unforeseen reason, we have to close the field then we will put notifications on our website and on social media. These reasons could be something like very bad weather. However, it is very unusual for the field to be closed and if there is no notification here on this website, or on our social channels, then the field will be open as usual.
The sunflower field usually stays open for around 2-3 weeks from the day of opening. When the field closes depends on how the sunflowers are doing. Once the closing date has been set, we will put a notification on this website and on our socials.
There is no entrance fee – the field is free to visit
You don’t need to book to visit the sunflowers, just come along.
However, there are ticketed SEN-friendly sessions on Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9am – 10am. During these times only people with booked tickets will be given entrance to the field.
Ticket numbers are limited for these times and they are perfect for those who benefit from quieter surroundings, predictable routines and a slower pace.
After 10am on Tuesdays and Thursdays there is free entry for the general public, with no booking needed, as usual.
Yes, there is plenty of free parking in the fields next to the sunflower and pumpkin field
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome on the grass in the picnic area of the sunflower field and this year there is a path through the sunflowers where dogs are welcome.
Unfortunately, due to having had to clean up after too many dogs, no dogs are allowed inside the main sunflower maze at all, even if carried, and they are not allowed in the sandpits or on the bale pyramids.
- Please keep your dog under control at all times and ensure that your dog does not disturb other people’s enjoyment of the premises or block any passageways.
Yes, you can pick the sunflowers at the field and you will be charged according to the prices on this page. Bring your own secateurs and gloves, or use our secateurs for a small deposit.
We prefer cards, but accept both cards and cash at every payment area on the field, including for the sunflowers, nature hunt, sunflower seeds, food and drink and for face-painting.
Yes, there are portaloos at the side of the field in the picnic area. There is also a baby-change unit and an accessible toilet.
Wheelchairs are welcome in the sunflower and pumpkin field. There are wood chippings down at the entrance and in other areas of high footfall, but otherwise the paths are just the earth of the field.
If it has been dry, the earth will be hard and dusty, and may be uneven in places, but if it has been raining, it could well be muddy.
There is an accessible toilet in the picnic area of the field.
Accessible parking is available near the entrance to the field.
Yes, there is a baby-changing unit in one of the portaloos
Yes, the field is fine for buggies and prams, but please note that it is a field and can be uneven in places. If it’s been raining the ground can get muddy.
These are times where entrance to the sunflower field is ticketed to limit the number of people visiting. They happen each Tuesday and Thursday morning from 9am – 10am and are perfect for those who benefit from quieter surroundings, predictable routines and a slower pace.
During these times only those people with tickets will be given entry.
The general public are welcome to visit after 10am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with no booking required.
Yes, we have food and drink vendors at the field. Please see the list above. Please keep an eye on this page and on our social media for any updates.
Yes, there are plenty of picnicking spots. Bring a blanket and a picnic, and enjoy your time here.
Since the evening events are ticketed food events, unfortunately no picnics are allowed after 5pm, when the evening event starts.
If it’s been dry recently, you don’t need any special clothing or footwear to visit the sunflower field. Don’t forget your sunscreen if it’s very sunny since there isn’t much shade at the field and bring water if you like. If it’s been very dry the field can be dusty.
If it’s been raining recently, the ground may be muddy and you may want to consider wearing wellies.
There are plenty of tips on how to keep your sunflowers looking good on this page. The most important thing is to keep them in water as much as you can. We have a sunflower creche of buckets of water for you to use while you are enjoying your time at the field.
If your photos are purely for personal use, you are welcome to take as many pictures as you like. Do tag us @roughamestate if you post them – we love to see them!
If you are a professional photographer or are taking pictures for any for-profit/commercial reason, you are required to get a licence for the photoshoot on our private land and book a time to visit. Please see the details on this page.
Drone photography can only be undertaken at a time when the field is not open to the public. Please get in touch to book a time.
Unfortunately we don’t have the facilities to bulk-pick sunflowers for events. If you would like to come and pick the sunflowers yourself when we are open, you are welcome to.
Unfortunately we are not able to open the field out-of-hours. The field is generally quieter at the beginning of the morning or later in the afternoon and you may find that these times are suitable for your visit.
Face-painting is for children aged 3 and over.
The cosmetics have only been tested for children of this age and above. Applying the paints to children younger than this could cause a lifetime of allergic reactions.
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Looking for something to do with the family as we head into the last few weeks of the summer holidays?
Rougham Estate has ancient woodlands waiting to be explored. With winding paths, towering trees and plenty of nature to spot along the way, it’s a world of discovery for children, grown-ups and dogs alike.
It’s a great way to get some fresh air, stretch your legs and enjoy the Estate together before the summer holidays come to an end. You can also stop for a treat at Roots Cafe after!
#RoughamEstate #AncientWoodland #SuffolkWalks #FamilyDaysOut
What could be living in here?
Last chance to book on our Fermentation Workshop on Saturday 5 September.
Join chef Rowen Halstead of @wastenotrowen for a hands-on 90-minute workshop exploring the simple art of fermentation and how it can help reduce food waste at home.
You’ll learn the science and techniques behind fermentation before creating two ferments of your own: a curried root vegetable kraut and spiced pickled pears with whey. You’ll then take your creations home to enjoy.
No previous experience is needed, and everything you need is provided, including ingredients, recipe cards and jars if required.
Tea and coffee are included too.
Saturday 5 September, 11am–12.30pm
£38 per person
Meadow Room, behind Blackthorpe Barn
Suitable for ages 16+
Places are limited and booking is essential. More info and to book via link in our bio.
#wastenotrowen #roughamestate #limitfoodwaste
Two new specials this week not to miss out on!
Our brunch special is a breakfast bap of brioche bun with sausage meat pattie, bacon, emmental cheese, sun-dried tomato mayo, fried egg with salsa verde.
Or…
Salad of the week - strawberry, rocket, feta, cucumber, sunflower seeds with balsamic glaze.
Only available this week so don’t miss out.
#roughamestate #specialoftheweek
A look back at the last days of Rougham Sunflowers 2026🌻
It’s been a week since the sunflower field closed its gates for this season, and what a great year it was! The flowers were glorious this year, with the early rain and then the long, warm, sunny days. Thank you for coming to see them and spend time at the field. We’ve really enjoyed seeing you here!
The sunflowers ended in style with the Sundowner evening on Saturday, which was everything we hoped it would be: good food, great music, drinks in the golden hour and the most wonderful atmosphere as the sun went down over the flowers.
On the final Sunday afternoon, the Canvas Club workshop group painted their sunflowers at the field and some truly beautiful paintings went home with some very happy painters.
None of it would be possible, however, without our brilliant team, who worked so hard throughout the season to make the sunflower experience what it was. The team encompasses so many people who all contribute to the end result - from drilling the seed earlier in the year, to setting up everything in the field for visitors including making games and props, to those manning and servicing the field and the Roots kiosk each day, who open up early and close and clean up each evening, and those in the background who pull the event together in many other ways - it’s a HUGE team effort. Thank you to each of you!! You have been amazing and we are very grateful to every one.
🎃Now it’s time to look ahead to the autumn festival of pumpkins in October. They will be in the same field as the sunflowers this year and will be open every weekend in October and daily for the final week, from 24th-31st.
There’s a great line-up of food trucks and two evening Pumpkins by Torchlight events being planned. Keep your eyes open for more details, here on socials and on our website.
✨And while the pumpkins are in full swing, on 19th October, the Christmas Festival will begin with the opening of the Christmas Shop at Blackthorpe Barn just half a mile down the road.
There’s so much to look forward to! We look forward to seeing you again soon!👋
#roughamestate #burystedmunds #suffolkdaysout
We’re hiring at Rougham Estate!
We have a number of seasonal vacancies available across the Estate, with roles to suit people looking for weekend work, seasonal hours or the chance to join our team during some of our busiest times of year.
We’re currently recruiting for a range of roles, including opportunities around our Pumpkin season and in Roots Café as we head towards Christmas.
If you enjoy working with people, being part of a busy team and working in a unique setting, we’d love to hear from you.
You can find our current vacancies and full details, including how to apply, on Indeed - or the link in our bio.
#RoughamEstate #JobsSuffolk #SuffolkJobs
OPEN AS USUAL
After a short closure we are open as usual from today: Roots Café 9-4pm and the Lifestyle and Garden shop 10-4pm.
Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you!
#roughamestate
A quick update for our visitors…
Roots Café and the Shop will be closed this Thursday 20th August due to an unexpected interruption to our water supply.
We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and hope to welcome you back as soon as possible.
Thank you for your understanding.
#temporaryclosure
Ever wondered how to make food last a little longer while creating something delicious at the same time?
Join us at Rougham Estate for our Fermentation Workshop on Saturday 5 September, led by chef Rowen Halstead of Waste Not Rowen. @wastenotrowen
This hands-on workshop will introduce you to the simple art of fermentation, from the science behind it to practical ways of reducing food waste at home.
You’ll learn how to make your own curried root vegetable kraut and spiced pickled pears, with everything provided for you to get stuck in.
No previous experience is needed, just come along, learn something new and take your own ferments home to enjoy.
When & where: Saturday 5 September | 11am–12.30pm | £38 per person | The Meadow Room, Rougham Estate.
Places are limited and booking is essential.
Find out more and book via the link in our bio.
#fermentationworkshop #roughamestate
Tag us @RoughamEstate
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