East Grange Sunflower Fields In County Durham
Pick your own has really gained in popularity over the years, and East Grange Farm in Shincliffe, County Durham is a great place that offers pick your own options at multiple points of the year. They have pumpkins in Autumn, Christmas trees for the festive season, and in the summer you can do their famous sunflower fields. I’d never previously done it myself, but I caught their Instagram announcement early enough this year to book my tickets.
Opening mid August until early September, there are just a few weeks for you to enjoy the beautiful sunflower fields that sprawl down the hills of East Grange Farm, and you need to book your ticket – so get in quick. Tickets are £6 for everyone over the age of 3, and you are given a dedicated arrival time slot.
Knowing how popular this is for families, I booked the twilight trail which is basically for time slots after 4pm. You are emailed your tickets so it’s all very easy to do from your phone. There’s loads of parking on site, but you are in fields from the off so wear appropriate footwear.
As you go through the gates you get your tickets scanned at the hut, and are given a free quiz if you want to take part which has the answers dotted around the trail. Great for kids, and judging by the fairground rides, bubble man and other entertainment line up they have it’s obviously well sorted for families.
We began the trail along the top of the fields, where the occasional photo frame or photo opportunity is set up along the way, including a swing, some bales of hay, and even a rowing boat tucked into the long grass.
At that time of day the sunflowers were facing down the hill in front of us, all shapes and sizes some of them are absolutely massive. We dived into the trail that winds its way around, weaving amongst all the bright flowers.
They’re absolutely gorgeous, even on a grey day like we got if anything they stood out even more brightening the mood. The fields are so big that we barely came across anyone else, just the odd family or small group usually at the obvious photo points, so it was very peaceful and a lovely way to get some fresh air.
We made our way down to the bottom of the hill, and looking back up over the sea of yellow was my favourite view. The unspoiled, bright yellow sunflowers are beautiful, in all shapes and sizes as far as you can see. Right at the bottom of the hill there’s a huge hay bale, which you can climb up onto for the best view.
It was quite muddy as it had been raining so I was glad I wore wellies, but there were the odd person in their full summery dresses and sandals getting their photos taken. Throughout the trail there are flags and meeting points, which I was a bit confused at at first, but it’s in case anyone’s child gets lost – as the sunflowers are so tall!
We wandered our way around the full trail and back up the hill, it really is so pretty, and came back out at the top by the drinks and refreshments van. They sell soft drinks, as well as beers and prosecco if you want to get some fizz to enjoy as you walk round which is a lovely idea. We had ours sitting on one of the benches overlooking all the sunflowers instead.
In total we were there for about an hour, but you can spend as much time as you like wandering around and admiring all the yellow smiley faces that seem to watch you as you walk through. I’m not sure why but this year you couldn’t pick your own, but you could buy the pre cut sunflowers in bunches at the end of the trail.
On the way out you go through the gift shop where there’s honey to buy, as well as farm themed gifts and even Christmas decorations.
I loved the sunflower fields at East Grange farm, and if you’re looking for something different to do then I’d really recommend it. Find out more details and book your tickets on their website here.
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