Pick your own Sunflowers
Key details
When:
Open daily from Saturday 3rd August
9am – 5pm
Closing date will be announced when the sunflowers begin to fade
Where:
Rougham Sunflower and Pumpkin Field
Just north of Junction 45 of the A14,
3 miles east of Bury St Edmunds
Pricing:
Free admission and parking No booking needed (apart from for Sundowner Evenings) Sundowner Evening Ticket Links:
Sunflower stems are charged:
£2 each £8 for 5 stems £12 for 10 stems
Rougham Sunflowers – Opening Saturday 3rd August 2024
Could there be anything better than strolling through vibrant blooms of sunflowers, picking to your heart’s content? Or sitting by a sea of yellow with your loved ones, enjoying a summer’s picnic?
Well, you can do it at Rougham Sunflowers! Just east of Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, the field will open once again in the summer of 2024. Come and enjoy the wonderful display.
The sunflowers are in the same field as in 2023, retaining the same simple rustic charm and offering plenty of photo opportunities, as well as the joy of time outside in the countryside, with room for children to run and climb. We cut pathways through the sunflowers to make it easy for you to explore the area.
There is plenty more to enjoy too, with space to picnic, deckchairs, sandpits, a bug-hunt challenge (50p) to keep little ones occupied, ice cream and pedal tractors as well as lots of fabulous photo opportunities.
We expect the sunflower field to be open for about 2-3 weeks and will determine the closing date depending on how the sunflowers are doing.
2024 Food vans and vendors:
- Wrights – posh toasties, cakes and coffee and a licensed bar – every day
- Face It Face Painting – face painting – every day
- Chestnut Trailers – waffles, shakes, sweets – Thursday to Sunday only
- Saffron Artisan Ice Cream – available every day
New for 2024: Sundowner Evenings
New for this year – two evenings in the sunflowers, hosted by Wrights.
On Friday evenings, August 9th and August 16th, from 5pm onwards, come and enjoy an evening of cooking over fire, golden hour in the flowers and a chilled summer evening atmosphere.
Tickets cost £22.38 (including booking fee) available through Eventbrite:
Friday August 9th
Friday August 16th (tickets not yet available)
Important information
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the picnic area and must be kept on a short lead at all times. There will be 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.
The sunflower field usually closes about 2-3 weeks after it opens, but the actual date depends on how the flowering season goes.
Cards and Cash are both accepted 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 will be available, offering sandwiches, coffees, snacks, drinks and ice cream, and even ice cream for dogs!
Toilet facilities are available near the entrance of the field, including an accessible toilet with baby-changing facilities.
The field is accessible for wheelchairs and prams, with wide-enough pathways through the sunflowers. Please be aware: this is a field; the ground is uneven in places and muddy if it has recently rained
Face-painting will be available each day, by the talented Face It Face Painting (£5 per face).
Gallery
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Perfect for Picking!
01
At the entrance to the sunflower maze, borrow a pair of secateurs
At the entrance to the sunflower maze, borrow a pair of secateurs, if you need some, for a small refundable deposit. The deposit will be deducted from the total cost of the sunflowers you pick, when you return the secateurs.
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 will be 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 enjoy wandering through the beautiful blooms, picking flowers as you go.
Don’t forget to take some pictures and tag us!
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 street-food vans for some refreshment or enjoy your own picnic.
07
Leaving the sunflower field - Left Turn Only
Please note that the exit road is a left-hand turn only and the signposts will guide you accordingly.
08
Requests for Bulk Picking and Out-of-Hours Visits
We regularly get requests to pick a number 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.
09
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 or #roughamsunflowers – we love to see them! For professional photoshoots, please see below.
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 and #roughamsunflowers
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 (do this 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 (try adding 2-3 teaspoons of sugar to the water). Another trick is to 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 a teaspoon of sugar and two tablespoons of lemon juice (or a tablespoon of vinegar) to the water
Professional Photography and Drone Flights
The Sunflowers make for wonderful photos and there are several feature areas for you to take home some special captured memories. You are welcome to take photos for purely personal use.
We are happy to encourage professional photographers to use our wonderful sunflower field for photoshoots too, subject to the following conditions.
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 license and must be pre-booked and authorised by Rougham Estate.
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.
Rougham Estate must be credited on all professional/commercial images sold or used for social media.
Unauthorised professional photographers or photoshoots may be asked to leave/stop as determined by Rougham Estate staff.
If you are interested in holding a photoshoot or flying a drone at the sunflowers, please contact Amie:
T: 01359 270238
E: events@roughamestate.com
Rougham Sunflower and Pumpkin Field, north of A14, Junction 45
Note - this is NOT the postcode for the pumpkin patch, but will get you near the A14, Junction 45 roundabout. See the diagram below and follow the pumpkin signs from the A14, J45 roundabout.
On arriving at the Pumpkin Patch you will be directed by a member of staff to park; there is ample parking on grass.
The sunflowers are in the same field as the sunflowers and pumpkins in 2023.
The field is just east of Bury St. Edmunds, easily accessible from the A14 and clearly sign-posted from Junction 45.
From the Eastbound Carriageway:
- turn right at the roundabout at the end of the A14 slip road
- go up the north carriageway of Sow Lane
- fully around the roundabout at the top
- back down the south carriageway of Sow Lane
- turn right off Sow Lane into the grass parking.
From the Westbound Carriageway
- turn left at the end of the A14 slip road
- drive under the bridge
- straight over the first roundabout
- go up the north carriageway of Sow Lane
- fully around the roundabout at the top
- back down the south carriageway of Sow Lane
- turn right off Sow Lane into the grass parking.
The sunflower field opens when the sunflowers start to bloom. We can’t pinpoint the exact date since the flowers respond to the weather we are having at the time. We will put a notification of the opening date on this page and on our social media.
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.
You don’t need to book to visit the sunflowers, just come along
There is no entrance fee – the field is free to visit
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 in the picnic are of the sunflower field and there is a small area of sunflowers where dogs are allowed in. Unfortunately, due to having had to clean up after too many dogs, dogs are not allowed inside the main sunflower maze.
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 will accept both cards and cash
Yes, there are portaloos at the side of the field near the entrance. There is also a baby-change unit and an accessible toilet.
Wheelchairs are welcome in the sunflower and pumpkin field. There are woodchippings down between the car park field and the entrance to the sunflower and pumpkin field, but otherwise the paths are just the earth of the field.
If it has been dry, the earth will be hard but if it has been raining, it could well be muddy.
There is an accessible toilet near the entrance 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.
Yes, there are plenty of picnicking spots. Bring a blanket and a picnic, and enjoy your time here.
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.
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. 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 if you post them – we love to see them!
If you are a professional photographer or are taking the pictures for any for-profit reason, you are required to get a license for the photoshoot here 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.
The Sundowner Evenings are hosted by Wrights, who are providing the catering, not Rougham Estate.
The event will be held at the Rougham Estate Sunflower field and will start at 5pm until about 9.30pm.
If you have other questions about the Sundowner Evenings, please contact Wrights.
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Evenings…in your garden
After a busy day at work, kicking back and relaxing on a balmy evening in the garden can be quite special and the perfect way to unwind.
In our award winning Rougham Estate Shop we have some items that will make it quite magical, from festoon lights, vases, serving dishes, citronella candles to blankets - if you get chilly.
All for a perfect evening with a touch of class – and a glass…of wine.
You can find a range of delightful wines in Roots Café on sale to take home. @BurntHouseVineyards
#summerinthegarden #roughamestateshop #burystedmundsandbeyond #roughamestate #suffolklifestyle #BlackthorpeBarn #burnthousevineyard #wineglass #eveninginthegrden #tableware #tablesetting #outdoorliving #outdoorlife #suffolklife #suffolkgarden #gardenroomshop #lovelife
Evenings…in your garden
After a busy day at work, kicking back and relaxing on a balmy evening in the garden can be quite special and the perfect way to unwind.
In our award winning Rougham Estate Shop we have some items that will make it quite magical, from festoon lights, vases, serving dishes, citronella candles to blankets - if you get chilly.
All for a perfect evening with a touch of class – and a glass…of wine.
You can find a range of delightful wines in Roots Café on sale to take home. @BurntHouseVineyards
#summerinthegarden #roughamestateshop #burystedmundsandbeyond #roughamestate #suffolklifestyle #BlackthorpeBarn #burnthousevineyard #wineglass #eveninginthegrden #tableware #tablesetting #outdoorliving #outdoorlife #suffolklife #suffolkgarden #gardenroomshop #lovelife
Forest Bathing… originated in Japan … is a chance for you to immerse yourself with nature to relieve stress and improve your mental well being.
Have you consider taking a peaceful walk in the woods and immerse yourself in nature’s embrace? Stroll along the paths, enjoy the calming rustle of leaves and the cool shade provided by the towering trees. Marvel at the vibrant flora and delicate butterflies fluttering about. Keep an eye out for wildlife—you might spot squirrels, mice, or even a deer.
This serene escape offers the perfect opportunity to practice forest bathing, allowing you to soak in the tranquility and beauty of the forest. It’s a wonderful way to reconnect with nature, clear your mind, and rejuvenate your spirit. Embrace the serenity and beauty of the forest—it’s the perfect escape.
We have organised and gathered information on all tracks on the Rougham Estate’s website including GPS and videos. Click on the link in the bio above and click on Walks for more details.
#naturewalk #walkinthewoods #forestbathing #woodlandwalks #suffolkwalks #explorenature #outdooradventure #reconnectwithnature #wildlifespotting #naturelovers #walklovers #peacefulmoments #roughamestate #roughamestatewalks #estatewalks #burystedmundsandbeyond #suffolklife #beautifulnature #suffolkwoodlands #suffolkadventure
Forest Bathing… originated in Japan … is a chance for you to immerse yourself with nature to relieve stress and improve your mental well being.
Have you consider taking a peaceful walk in the woods and immerse yourself in nature’s embrace? Stroll along the paths, enjoy the calming rustle of leaves and the cool shade provided by the towering trees. Marvel at the vibrant flora and delicate butterflies fluttering about. Keep an eye out for wildlife—you might spot squirrels, mice, or even a deer.
This serene escape offers the perfect opportunity to practice forest bathing, allowing you to soak in the tranquility and beauty of the forest. It’s a wonderful way to reconnect with nature, clear your mind, and rejuvenate your spirit. Embrace the serenity and beauty of the forest—it’s the perfect escape.
We have organised and gathered information on all tracks on the Rougham Estate’s website including GPS and videos. Click on the link in the bio above and click on Walks for more details.
#naturewalk #walkinthewoods #forestbathing #woodlandwalks #suffolkwalks #explorenature #outdooradventure #reconnectwithnature #wildlifespotting #naturelovers #walklovers #peacefulmoments #roughamestate #roughamestatewalks #estatewalks #burystedmundsandbeyond #suffolklife #beautifulnature #suffolkwoodlands #suffolkadventure
The harvest has started on Rougham Estate🎉
Do you remember the new combine that was at the South Suffolk Show earlier this year? Here it is in action, the Claas Lexion 7700 doing what it does best, and not quite so shiny and clean anymore😆
This is feed barley being harvested here and we expect to be harvesting various crops through to possibly the end of August, depending on the weather. 🤞for dry days☀️
Thanks to @beanstalkmedia.co.uk for the fabulous pics and video😃👍
#roughamestate #roughamestatefarms #harvest #harvesttime #claas #claaslexion #claaslexion7700 #combineharvester #harvesting #barley #harvesttime #suffolkfarm #suffolkfarming #suffolkfarminglife #farmlife #britishfarmers #farmlife #farminguk #harvest2024 #burystedmunds #suffolklocal #suffolkcountryside
The harvest has started on Rougham Estate🎉
Do you remember the new combine that was at the South Suffolk Show earlier this year? Here it is in action, the Claas Lexion 7700 doing what it does best, and not quite so shiny and clean anymore😆
This is feed barley being harvested here and we expect to be harvesting various crops through to possibly the end of August, depending on the weather. 🤞for dry days☀️
Thanks to @beanstalkmedia.co.uk for the fabulous pics and video😃👍
#roughamestate #roughamestatefarms #harvest #harvesttime #claas #claaslexion #claaslexion7700 #combineharvester #harvesting #barley #harvesttime #suffolkfarm #suffolkfarming #suffolkfarminglife #farmlife #britishfarmers #farmlife #farminguk #harvest2024 #burystedmunds #suffolklocal #suffolkcountryside
Here are this week’s café specials🎉
Treat yourself to this fabulous salad comprising mixed leaves, tomato, cucumber ribbons, feta, strawberries, balsamic and hot honey dressing and topped with toasted pine nuts. Perfect for a sunny day!
Or why not try our other special of a @thefriendlyloaf croissant topped with smoked pancetta, poached egg, rocket and parmesan. Delicious!
Both are available all day, every day this week😃🙌
🌞Sit inside or out and enjoy the beautiful Suffolk surroundings, with a sandpit to keep little people happy. Or grab a takeaway drink if you’d rather take a stroll.
🛍️Don’t forget to visit the Garden Room shop just next door - perfect for gifts and treats, or the Pantry shop for carefully selected local produce.
It’s always worth popping in to Rougham Estate!
More details from the link in our profile
roughamestate.com/welcome
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #weeklyspecials #suffolkcafe #suffolkfoodie #suffolklocal #burystedmunds #burystedmundsandbeyond #daysoutsuffolk #wheretogosuffolk #eatlocal #suffolklifestyle #summersalads #summerholiday2024 #suffolksummer
Here are this week’s café specials🎉
Treat yourself to this fabulous salad comprising mixed leaves, tomato, cucumber ribbons, feta, strawberries, balsamic and hot honey dressing and topped with toasted pine nuts. Perfect for a sunny day!
Or why not try our other special of a @thefriendlyloaf croissant topped with smoked pancetta, poached egg, rocket and parmesan. Delicious!
Both are available all day, every day this week😃🙌
🌞Sit inside or out and enjoy the beautiful Suffolk surroundings, with a sandpit to keep little people happy. Or grab a takeaway drink if you’d rather take a stroll.
🛍️Don’t forget to visit the Garden Room shop just next door - perfect for gifts and treats, or the Pantry shop for carefully selected local produce.
It’s always worth popping in to Rougham Estate!
More details from the link in our profile
roughamestate.com/welcome
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #weeklyspecials #suffolkcafe #suffolkfoodie #suffolklocal #burystedmunds #burystedmundsandbeyond #daysoutsuffolk #wheretogosuffolk #eatlocal #suffolklifestyle #summersalads #summerholiday2024 #suffolksummer
When are the sunflowers opening??🌻
That’s just the question we are asking too!😁
The flowers are growing well and this sun/rain/sun weather is great for them, but they aren’t in flower yet.🙄
We’re keeping a very close eye and as soon as we know that there will be blooms for you to see, we’ll let you know the opening date. Currently we’re saying it’s “Early August”, but we can’t say more than that right now.
We can’t wait to open and to welcome you again, but for now we’re going to have to wait a little longer… 🙃
You can be sure we’ll be letting you know as soon as we know!👍😁🌻🌻
#roughamsunflowers #roughamestate #sunflowerfield #burystedmunds #sunflowers2024 #sunflowers #lovesunflowers #sunflowerlove #notopenyet #suffolksunflowers #suffolklife #suffolksummer #suffolkliving #waitingishard
When are the sunflowers opening??🌻
That’s just the question we are asking too!😁
The flowers are growing well and this sun/rain/sun weather is great for them, but they aren’t in flower yet.🙄
We’re keeping a very close eye and as soon as we know that there will be blooms for you to see, we’ll let you know the opening date. Currently we’re saying it’s “Early August”, but we can’t say more than that right now.
We can’t wait to open and to welcome you again, but for now we’re going to have to wait a little longer… 🙃
You can be sure we’ll be letting you know as soon as we know!👍😁🌻🌻
#roughamsunflowers #roughamestate #sunflowerfield #burystedmunds #sunflowers2024 #sunflowers #lovesunflowers #sunflowerlove #notopenyet #suffolksunflowers #suffolklife #suffolksummer #suffolkliving #waitingishard
Lazy Sunday - a perfect time to come and have an all-day breakfast at Roots Café on Rougham Estate.
From granola through to a fry-up, there’s something for everyone on the menu. Sit inside or out, browse the exciting Garden Room shop or treat yourself with a glass of something summery.
If you prefer something more energetic, why not try one of the walks around the Estate?
For all the info as well as detailed descriptions of the walks, see the link in our profile
roughamestate.com/welcome
See you soon!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #lazysunday #lazysubdaymorning #sundaysunday #sundaybreakfast #burystedmunds #burystedmundsandbeyond #burystedmundssuffolk #suffolkbreakfast #suffolkcafes #suffolkfoodie #suffolkdestination #suffolkcountryside #lovesuffolk #suffolklife #suffolklifestyle
Lazy Sunday - a perfect time to come and have an all-day breakfast at Roots Café on Rougham Estate.
From granola through to a fry-up, there’s something for everyone on the menu. Sit inside or out, browse the exciting Garden Room shop or treat yourself with a glass of something summery.
If you prefer something more energetic, why not try one of the walks around the Estate?
For all the info as well as detailed descriptions of the walks, see the link in our profile
roughamestate.com/welcome
See you soon!
#roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #lazysunday #lazysubdaymorning #sundaysunday #sundaybreakfast #burystedmunds #burystedmundsandbeyond #burystedmundssuffolk #suffolkbreakfast #suffolkcafes #suffolkfoodie #suffolkdestination #suffolkcountryside #lovesuffolk #suffolklife #suffolklifestyle
Summers here, at last!
And it’s going to be a scorcher today!
Why don’t you take advantage of our outdoor spaces; the courtyard and sunken garden and an ice cream?
We have lots of flavours to enjoy! ☀️🍦🍨
Or perhaps an iced coffee?
We hope to see you soon!
saffronicecreamcosales
#icecream #icecoffee #Roughams #state #roughamestate #roughamroots #blackthorpebarn #outdoor #living #outdoorliving #Sunshine #familyfun
Summers here, at last!
And it’s going to be a scorcher today!
Why don’t you take advantage of our outdoor spaces; the courtyard and sunken garden and an ice cream?
We have lots of flavours to enjoy! ☀️🍦🍨
Or perhaps an iced coffee?
We hope to see you soon!
saffronicecreamcosales
#icecream #icecoffee #Roughams #state #roughamestate #roughamroots #blackthorpebarn #outdoor #living #outdoorliving #Sunshine #familyfun
Tea Time… in your Garden
Afternoon tea tastes better when it’s in the garden. It’s simply the best place.
To make it even more special, we have a range of furnishings and tableware to bring it to life and make it fit for a Queen! You can find more at our @RoughamEstateShop
You can also pick up a cake or two from our Roots Café or a selection of our coffee and tea from local producer Butterworth & Son.
#alfrescoliving #alfresco #awardwinning #sunshine #gardenshop #goodliving #muddystilettosawards #alfrescodining #Lifestyleshop #Suffolk #RoughamEstate #afternoontea #afternoonteaparty
Tea Time… in your Garden
Afternoon tea tastes better when it’s in the garden. It’s simply the best place.
To make it even more special, we have a range of furnishings and tableware to bring it to life and make it fit for a Queen! You can find more at our @RoughamEstateShop
You can also pick up a cake or two from our Roots Café or a selection of our coffee and tea from local producer Butterworth & Son.
#alfrescoliving #alfresco #awardwinning #sunshine #gardenshop #goodliving #muddystilettosawards #alfrescodining #Lifestyleshop #Suffolk #RoughamEstate #afternoontea #afternoonteaparty
Tag us @RoughamEstate
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