This summer’s relentless heat has taken its toll on pick-your-own farms across Gloucestershire, yet several sunflower fields continue to thrive and welcome visitors.
The county experienced its fifth heatwave of the year this week, as the Met Office reported the UK is on track for its hottest summer on record. At Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park, wildflower meadows have prematurely browned due to the hot and dry conditions. Despite this, the farm’s sunflowers are blooming vibrantly. Visitors can enjoy dog-friendly activities, go-karting, and ‘Sunflower Sessions’ held every Wednesday. These sessions feature performances by local musicians, a fully stocked bar, and a selection of local food trucks, offering what the organisers describe as “the ultimate Cotswolds summer evening.”
Entry to the sunflower field is £4.95, with free admission for children under three and dogs. The Wednesday sessions run until 31 August and are free to attend. Please note, access to the wider farm park requires a separate ticket, and dogs are not allowed in those areas due to close contact with animals.
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Priory Farm in Leonard Stanley, near Stonehouse, has closed its sunflower field a week early, holding its final cutting session on Sunday 9 August instead of the planned date. The farm announced on Facebook that the prolonged dry spell meant their sunflowers did not last as long as anticipated.
Over Farm, on Gloucester’s outskirts, usually opens its sunflower field in August. However, this year’s bloom arrived early due to the heat. Tickets are released a few days in advance, with availability still open for this coming weekend. Entry to Over Farm’s sunflower field is now free, though booking remains necessary. Visitors pay £3 per stem for picked flowers.
Just beyond Gloucestershire in Oxfordshire, Glebe Farm in the Cotswolds acknowledged rainfall shortages had affected their sunflower crop. Nevertheless, the farm confirmed the flowers are now blooming and opened last weekend for daily picking between 10am and 5pm while supplies last. Stems are priced at £5 for six.
The farm’s website states: “Despite the lack of rain and an abundance of weeds this year – eek – we have decided to open the field as the sunflowers are blooming and beautiful! We have had many requests from our loyal customers. We are going back to basics (those regular visitors may miss the coffee van, sorry!) but circumstances have changed. Happy picking and thank you for supporting us.”