Pick your own Sunflowers 2026
Key details
When:
Open daily
Usually opens around late July
and open for 2-3 weeks
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
See mapPricing:
Free admission and parking No booking needed
Sunflower stems are charged:
£2 each £8 for 5 stems £12 for 10 stems
Supper At Sundown BBQ - details to be confirmed
Rougham Sunflowers
The Rougham Sunflowers are opening again at the end of July. We’ll let you know the exact date when we see how the sunflowers are coming on.
The sunflowers are in a new field for 2026! It’s just south of A14 Junction 45, about the same driving distance as the field last year. See the new location here.
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 will be open once again in the summer of 2026. Come and enjoy the wonderful display!
Opening and Closing Dates
The opening and closing dates will be confirmed closer to the time, when we know how the flowers are growing. Usually the sunflower field opens around the end of July.
Once the field opens, 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 field usually stays open for 2-3 weeks; the closing date will be determined according to how the sunflower blooms are holding up.
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 bug-hunt challenge to keep little ones occupied, 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).
Snacks
Snacks and drinks will be provided by Roots&Co, an outlet of Roots Café, the café located at Blackthorpe Barn, 2 minutes’ drive away.
Roots&Co will be serving coffees, teas, cold and iced drinks, sausage rolls, vegan rolls, crisps, loaded strawberries, traybake cakes, ice creams and other snacks.
Beer and Prosecco will also be available, as well as ice cream for dogs.
You are welcome to bring your own picnic with you too.
Dogs
Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome in the picnic area of the field. We have made a special pathway for dogs through the sunflowers; they are not allowed in the main maze due to having had too much to clean up in previous years. There is even some ice cream for dogs available from the onsite café.
Please make sure that your dog doesn’t spoil the enjoyment of other visitors at the event or block any passageways.
No Smoking
Due to the weather and the extreme dryness this year, please note that the field is a No Smoking area.
Video from the 2022 sunflower field, made by Troy Productions
Evening Opening – Supper at Sundown BBQ
On one or two evenings we expect to be extending the sunflower field opening times to include 6pm to 9pm. The site will be open as usual during this time to come and enjoy the sunflowers and the wonderful Suffolk countryside, including for dogs as described above.
More details about the sundowner evenings closer to the time.
Between 5pm (normal closing time) and reopening at 6pm for the evening event, you are welcome to stay at the field, but please be patient as we rearrange the picnic area; you may need to move to accommodate the changes.
No picnics at the evening events.
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.
We will know better when the sunflower field will open when we see how they are growing.
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 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 and wheelchair-friendly picnic benches.
Please be aware: this is a field; the ground is uneven in places and muddy if it has recently rained
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.
ALL PHOTOSHOOT LICENSES FOR 2025 ARE NOW 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, north of A14, Junction 45
On arriving at the Sunflower and Pumpkin Field you will be directed by a member of staff to park; there is ample parking on grass.
The sunflowers and pumpkins are in a new field for 2026
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 at 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
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 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.
There is no entrance fee – the field is free to visit
You don’t need to book to visit the sunflowers, just come along
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 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.
- 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 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 wood chippings down at the entrance to the sunflower maze, but otherwise the paths are just the earth of the field.
If it has been dry, the earth will be hard and may be uneven in places, 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, 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. 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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We’re running a photography competition and we want to see Rougham Estate through your eyes.
Whether it’s the barn, the meadows, the woodland, a quiet corner you’ve discovered on a walk or something you’ve spotted that made you stop, we want to see it.
The winning photograph will win a £100 gift voucher to spend at Roots Café and the Rougham Estate Shop including the Christmas Shop and Christmas trees.
The deadline to submit your photo has been extended to 12th July.
Here’s how to enter:
📸 Take your photo at Rougham Estate or choose one you’ve taken here in the past.
📲 Post it on Instagram; tag us @roughamestate and mention the Rougham Estate Through Your Lens competition in the caption
🏆 The winner will be chosen by our judging panel as well as by our visitors and followers, and will be announced on 5th August. The winner will receive £100 voucher to spend as they wish here, in either the café or the shop, with the voucher valid for 1 year.
There are no rules about style or subject. The picture just needs to be from Rougham Estate.
We can’t wait to see what you come up with.
🔗 Full details of the competiton from our website - link in profile.
As per Instagram rules, this promotion is in no way sponsored, administered or associated with Instagram. By entering, entrants confirm they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.
#photographycompetiton #suffolklife #takeapicture #burystedmunds
Yes - Rougham Sunflowers are back for 2026! 🌻
The seeds have been drilled and the little plants are growing well in this lovely weather.
You’ll find all your favourites back again: the maze through the flowers, space to run and play, the big bale pyramid will be back, ready to be climbed on, lots of props for photo-ops and there will be the ever-popular face painting too.
We’ll have food, drink and ice cream available at the field and yes, you are welcome to bring your own picnic as well.
When will the sunflower fun start? Well, we’re watching the flowers very carefully. At the moment we think they will be bursting open around the end of July, but as you know, this could change. We’ll keep you updated here, and on our website, as to when the actual opening date will be.
As always, it will be free to park and free to enter. Just pay for any flowers you pick and any food or drink you want.
Once the field is open, we’ll be open every day until the flowers start fading, which is usually about 3 weeks after opening.
Well-behaved dogs will be welcome in the picnic area on a short lead and in the special dog-path through the sunflowers, but not in the main sunflower maze due to problems with fouling in previous years.
New for this year, we’ve got some special one-off events planned; more about those when we get closer to the time.
But where are the sunflowers this year? They have moved from north of the A14, Junction 45 (just east of Bury St Edmunds) to a field about the same driving distance south of the same junction. The old field needs a bit of a rest from growing the sunflowers and pumpkins for a while.
This reel includes some of our favourite memories from previous years.
Tell us - what are your favourite memories of the sunflowers? Show us your best pics!
And what are you most looking forward to? For us - we can’t wait to welcome you back!!
See you soon! 🌻🌻
#roughamsunflowers #suffolksunflowers #sunflowers #burystedmunds
How is it July already!?
June was an incredible month with the heatwave and days reaching record temperatures - the Estate was buzzing with life (and bees 😁) and al fresco dining.
Thank you all for supporting us through another great month and goodbye June!
Let’s see what July has in store for us…
#roughamestate #rootscafe #suffolk
Don’t like wasting food? This fermentation workshop is for you…
Fermentation is a natural, low-energy way to preserve seasonal produce. The friendly microbes turn sugars into delicious tangy, long-lasting foods, helping you save surplus veg and cut waste.
Great served as a condiment, in sandwiches or with a bit of cheese 😋
In this workshop you’ll learn to make kimchi, sauerkraut, pickles and more using fresh produce.
The session includes guided fermentation, tastings, safe-storage tips and take-home jars so you can keep fermenting at home.
Spaces are limited — details and tickets can be found on our website.
#workshop #roughamestate #whattodoinbury
Ready for this week’s tasty new arrivals at Roots Cafe? Pop in today, we’re open daily 9–4 and pouring a refreshing Lemon & Elderflower Fizz special.
Or dishing up brunch of toasted sourdough topped with avocado, grilled Halloumi, pesto and dukkah spice.
If you fancy something a bit lighter we have pesto pasta salad with courgette, corn and cucumber trips topped with feta chunks and lemon and mint dressing.
Swing by this week and give them a try, see you at Roots!
#roughamestate #specials #summerdishes
Want to win £100 to spend at Rougham Estate? Tag us in your photo taken on the Estate and mention this competition in your caption.
Do you have some lovely pictures you’ve taken around here on the Estate? We’d love to see them and we’re offering a prize for the best one as voted for by our judging panel, and our visitors and followers.
If your photo is picked as the favourite, you will win a £100 gift voucher to spend at Roots Café or at the Rougham Estate Shop, which includes the Christmas Shop and Christmas trees. The voucher is valid for 1 year and can be spent over multiple visits. What would you spend your £100 on?
To enter, post your picture on Instagram, tag us @roughamestate and mention Rougham Estate Through Your Lens Competition in the caption.
Here are some example pictures we’ve taken around the Barn. Why not visit the Estate this weekend and see what pictures you can take. It’s free to visit with free parking.
All the details about the competition can be found on our website.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by or associated with Instagram. By entering, entrants confirm they are 18+ years of age, release Instagram of responsibility and agree to Instagram’s terms of use.
#burystedmunds #suffolkphotography #photographycompetition #suffolkcountryside
It’s set to be one of the warmest days on record, followed by a rather warm weekend too!
Please note: To help look after the welfare of our team, the Shop and Roots Café will be closing at 2pm today (Friday). Thank you for your understanding.
So why not stay cool and hydrated with one of our iced drinks?
Each week we feature a special made from our homemade seasonal syrups. A very popular refreshing choice is the lemon & mint spritz, which is still on special it’s that popular!
There’s no better excuse to visit Rougham Estate to cool down and enjoy a delicious iced drink in the beautiful Suffolk countryside.
#drinkspecial #iceddrink #roughamestate
We are seeking a new Barista! So if you have an interest in coffee and enjoy making people smile, we would love to hear from you.
Roots is a reputable café set in a beautiful, scenic location, and we pride ourselves on creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for both our customers and our staff. This role is perfect if you are looking for a reliable, lovely place to work where your day-to-day efforts are genuinely valued.
You will get to work with a fantastic team in a gorgeous setting, doing what you do best. If this sounds like the right fit for you, please tap the link in our profile to view the full details and apply.
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