- This event has passed.
Pick your own Sunflowers
Key details
When:
Now closed for 2024
Where:
Rougham Sunflower and Pumpkin Field
Just north of Junction 45 of the A14,
3 miles east of Bury St Edmunds
See map below for detailed directions
See mapPricing:
Free admission and parking No booking needed
Sunflower stems are charged:
£2 each £8 for 5 stems £12 for 10 stems
Rougham Sunflowers
NOW CLOSED FOR 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 is open once again this 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, £5, ages 3+ – 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 Friday evenings in the sunflowers, where the field is open right through from 9am to 9.30pm. Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome in the picnic area, as during the day.
On August 9th and August 16th, the food for these evenings is cooked by Wrights; from 5pm onwards, come and enjoy an evening of cooking over fire, golden hour in the flowers, music and a chilled summer evening atmosphere, with beer, wine and Prosecco available.
Friday August 16th Wright’s Main Menu (£20) – NOW SOLD OUT
Choose one from:
Burmese lemongrass chicken thighs with mango salsa
1/2 grilled lobster with miso and herb butter (£3 add on – pay at the horsebox, card or cash)
Pot-roasted Sri Lankan sweet potato, chickpea and dahl curry
And a range of salads available, including:
Sesame and ginger slaw,
grilled pineapple with mixed leaf, pinenuts, jalapeño and lime dressing
Satay Hasselback potatoes with spring onions
The main menu may be sold out… but you can still come along!
For children there will be jumbo Powters hot dogs available for £6 (buy on the night, no ticket needed)
Wright’s posh cheese toasties will also be available (buy on the night, no ticket needed)
The field is open to the public on these 2 evenings, as usual, and you are welcome to just come and enjoy the evening, the music and drinks.
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.
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. No picnics at the evening events.
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 for ages 3 and above.
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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
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 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.
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.
10
Fire Risk in the Warm Weather
Please be aware that the countryside is now 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. Take care when you are at the sunflowers!
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.
– Professional photoshoot slots are full for this year —
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
What others say...
Rougham Sunflower and Pumpkin Field, north of A14, Junction 45
Note - this is NOT the postcode for the Sunflower and Pumpkin Field, but will get you near the A14, Junction 45 roundabout. See the diagram below and follow the signs from the A14, J45 roundabout.
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 the same field as 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 A14 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 A14 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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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Have a coffee in or take a coffee out…
Eat in or eat out… the weather is still hanging on in there for some alfresco dining.
Perfect for a sunny day like today. ☀️🌤️
#alfresco #alfrescodining #alfrescoliving #alfrescolunch #alfrescobrunch #takeaway #coffee #takeawaycoffee #takeawaycoffeecup #takeaway
Have a coffee in or take a coffee out…
Eat in or eat out… the weather is still hanging on in there for some alfresco dining.
Perfect for a sunny day like today. ☀️🌤️
#alfresco #alfrescodining #alfrescoliving #alfrescolunch #alfrescobrunch #takeaway #coffee #takeawaycoffee #takeawaycoffeecup #takeaway
We pride ourselves on sourcing locally where possible.
So it was a real treat to be able to visit one of an our local suppliers vineyard today - @burnthousevineyard to have the privilege of trying their new wine which will be released in November.
It’s delicious wine and we can’t wait to have on offer in Roots Cafe.
#roughamroots #roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #wine #winetasting #winelover #winelover
We pride ourselves on sourcing locally where possible.
So it was a real treat to be able to visit one of an our local suppliers vineyard today - @burnthousevineyard to have the privilege of trying their new wine which will be released in November.
It’s delicious wine and we can’t wait to have on offer in Roots Cafe.
#roughamroots #roughamestate #blackthorpebarn #wine #winetasting #winelover #winelover
Join our team!
We have some fab opportunities to join our team at Roots Cafe…
From Waiting staff to Kitchen Porter vacancies.
We would love to hear from you if you think you fit the bill.
More info can be found at roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in our profile
#vacancies #JobOpportunity #job #jobsearch #jobvacancy #jobseekers #roughamroots #blackthorpebarn #roughamestate
Join our team!
We have some fab opportunities to join our team at Roots Cafe…
From Waiting staff to Kitchen Porter vacancies.
We would love to hear from you if you think you fit the bill.
More info can be found at roughamestate.com/welcome
Link in our profile
#vacancies #JobOpportunity #job #jobsearch #jobvacancy #jobseekers #roughamroots #blackthorpebarn #roughamestate
Sometimes nothing beats a coffee from our cafe when we’ve been working hard all morning labelling our stock.
Looking for something to do this weekend? Grab a takeaway coffee and take an adventure on one of our walks around the Estate.
Or just simply visit our Garden Room Shop or cafe.
Whatever you fancy!
Dogs are welcome too ☺️
#roughamroots #RoughamEstate #gardenroomshop #pantryshop #treats #naturelovers #walkswithmydog #walks
Sometimes nothing beats a coffee from our cafe when we’ve been working hard all morning labelling our stock.
Looking for something to do this weekend? Grab a takeaway coffee and take an adventure on one of our walks around the Estate.
Or just simply visit our Garden Room Shop or cafe.
Whatever you fancy!
Dogs are welcome too ☺️
#roughamroots #RoughamEstate #gardenroomshop #pantryshop #treats #naturelovers #walkswithmydog #walks
Tree Management Update 🌲
Under the instructions of the Forestry Commission, tree management will be taking place at Rougham Estate in the upcoming weeks.
This is necessary to control the spread of the invasive Spruce Bark Beetle, which has come over from Asia and poses a threat to our forests. Norway Spruce trees over 3 metres tall will be felled as they are particularly vulnerable to the beetle. The beetle tunnels into the bark of living trees to lay its eggs. The larvae then feed and develop, forming tunnels that weaken, and in most cases kill, the host tree.
The good news is that healthy trees like oak, sycamore, birch, and yew are not affected and will be left to flourish without the extra competition. We will also be planting more broadleaf trees to enhance the woodland`s health and diversity.
Rest assured though, our Christmas tree offerings will not be impacted. Most of our Norway Spruce Christmas trees are safe, and our Nordman Firs are not affected by the beetle.
This work has been timed to minimise disruption to wildlife, such as the nesting season.
Thank you for your understanding as we work to protect our local environment. 🌳
#TreeManagement #RoughamEstate #protection
Tree Management Update 🌲
Under the instructions of the Forestry Commission, tree management will be taking place at Rougham Estate in the upcoming weeks.
This is necessary to control the spread of the invasive Spruce Bark Beetle, which has come over from Asia and poses a threat to our forests. Norway Spruce trees over 3 metres tall will be felled as they are particularly vulnerable to the beetle. The beetle tunnels into the bark of living trees to lay its eggs. The larvae then feed and develop, forming tunnels that weaken, and in most cases kill, the host tree.
The good news is that healthy trees like oak, sycamore, birch, and yew are not affected and will be left to flourish without the extra competition. We will also be planting more broadleaf trees to enhance the woodland`s health and diversity.
Rest assured though, our Christmas tree offerings will not be impacted. Most of our Norway Spruce Christmas trees are safe, and our Nordman Firs are not affected by the beetle.
This work has been timed to minimise disruption to wildlife, such as the nesting season.
Thank you for your understanding as we work to protect our local environment. 🌳
#TreeManagement #RoughamEstate #protection
In case you missed our post yesterday, we’re pleased to say we’re up and running and back to offering the full menu. Thank you for your patience and we look forward to seeing you soon!
In case you missed our post yesterday, we’re pleased to say we’re up and running and back to offering the full menu. Thank you for your patience and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Yay!
We have gas again!
Thank you to all who have been patient whilst we have had issues with our gas supply - that has been out of our control.
We are now fully operational with a full menu available offering with our usual delicious dishes.
We look forward to seeing you all soon and thank you again ☺️
#RoughamEstate #roughamroots #fullmenu #hotfood #goodfood #deliciousfood #DeliciousEats
Yay!
We have gas again!
Thank you to all who have been patient whilst we have had issues with our gas supply - that has been out of our control.
We are now fully operational with a full menu available offering with our usual delicious dishes.
We look forward to seeing you all soon and thank you again ☺️
#RoughamEstate #roughamroots #fullmenu #hotfood #goodfood #deliciousfood #DeliciousEats
We are continuing to experience issues with our gas supply and therefore we are still unable to offer hot food.
We have a reduced menu to offer cold food and also have a wide range of cakes and savoury snacks.
Thank you for bearing with us and we apologise once again for this.
Fingers crossed that we are back to normal very soon!
We are continuing to experience issues with our gas supply and therefore we are still unable to offer hot food.
We have a reduced menu to offer cold food and also have a wide range of cakes and savoury snacks.
Thank you for bearing with us and we apologise once again for this.
Fingers crossed that we are back to normal very soon!
Tag us @RoughamEstate
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