The appeal of flower tourism is soaring, drawing enthusiasts worldwide to marvel at Japan’s cherry blossoms and the Netherlands’ vibrant tulip fields. Fortunately, you needn’t venture far to partake in this floral frenzy. Summer heralds the peak season for some of the UK’s most stunning blooms, and across the nation, pick-your-own (PYO) flower farms are blossoming, offering visitors the chance to harvest their own bouquets of lavender, dahlias, and more. Here are seven standout spots to consider for a flowery weekend getaway, complete with nearby lodging recommendations.
1. Hitchin Lavender, Hertfordshire
Hitchin Lavender, nestled within the sprawling Cadwell Farm, is an olfactory delight. Its 30 acres burst into a sea of purple during summer, complemented by a sunflower field that turns golden from mid-August. Beyond lavender, visitors can explore a pumpkin patch in October and a wildflower meadow from mid-June to late August. Entry starts at £7, with a bag of lavender priced at £4 (hitchinlavender.com). Nearby, Letchworth Garden City beckons with its historic charm and extensive cycling routes. For accommodations, the Farmhouse at Redcoats offers a cozy retreat with B&B doubles starting at £175 (farmhouseatredcoats.co.uk).
2. Blooming Green, Maidstone, Kent
Founded in 2007 by cousins Jen Stuart-Smith and Bek Bibby, Blooming Green spans six acres dedicated to chemical-free flower cultivation. Seasonal highlights include peonies in late spring, delphiniums in July, and dahlias from August to autumn. PYO sessions run every Saturday afternoon from late June to October, providing a container and wrapping for £25 (bloominggreenflowers.co.uk). Nearby Leeds Castle, a short drive away, offers a range of lodging options amid its historic grounds. B&B doubles start at £140 (leeds-castle.com).
3. Vale Pick Your Own, Bonvilston, Vale of Glamorgan
For a burst of color, Vale Pick Your Own welcomes visitors to its vast flower meadow where poppies, marigolds, cornflowers, and cosmos bloom until late August. Entry is £5, with flower bags available for £8 (valepickyourown.co.uk). During summer, the farm also offers PYO strawberries and raspberries, with seasonal delights extending to pumpkin picking and pumpkin-spiced lattes in October. Nearby, Llanerch Vineyard Hotel offers modern accommodations amidst scenic views, ideal for walks and wine tastings. B&B doubles start from £190 (llanerch.co.uk).
4. Cairnie Fruit Farm, Cupar, Fife
While renowned for its fruit, Cairnie Fruit Farm delights sunflower enthusiasts each August with rows of sunflowers available for 75p per stem (cairniefruitfarm.co.uk). After PYO activities, visitors can enjoy fresh strawberries and cream at the outdoor kiosk. Nearby, the Ship Inn at Elie provides cozy lodgings along Fife’s picturesque coastal path. B&B doubles start from £121 (shipinn.scot).
5. Amelia’s Flower Farm, Newton Abbot, Devon
Set in scenic south Devon, Amelia’s Flower Farm charms with its diverse floral offerings including narcissi, begonias, hydrangeas, peonies, and dahlias. PYO sessions run daily from May to November, with buckets available at £20 each (ameliasflowerfarm.co.uk). Nearby Orestone Manor offers elegant rooms with views over Lyme Bay, and access to Devon’s sandy beaches. Room-only doubles start from £78 (orestonemanor.co.uk).
6. Farrington’s Farm, Farrington Gurney, Somerset
Farrington’s Farm, a sprawling 400-acre estate, offers PYO opportunities ranging from tulips in spring to sunflowers in summer (farringtons.co.uk). Located between Bristol and Bath, it’s an ideal base for exploring Bath’s historic attractions. For a luxurious stay, the Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath offers B&B doubles starting from £375 (royalcrescent.co.uk).
7. The Flower Belt, Helmsley, North Yorkshire
Helmed by third-generation farmer Henry Wainwright, The Flower Belt beckons with its expansive sunflower fields, wildflower varieties, and a pumpkin patch in October. PYO prices start at £1 per sunflower stem and £6 per jar of wildflowers (theflowerbelt.co.uk). Nestled in Ryedale, visitors can stay at Cawthorne House in Pickering, a B&B offering scenic views and easy access to York Minster. B&B doubles require a two-night minimum stay, starting from £110 (cawthornehouse.co.uk).
Whether you’re seeking sunflowers or dahlias, these PYO flower farms promise a fragrant and colorful escape into nature, with nearby accommodations ensuring a restful retreat after a day amidst the blooms.
