Sunflower season at Castle Farm, Shoreham
For centuries sunflowers have symbolised happiness and positivity – and these beautiful flowers always make me feel happy and joyful.
So, last weekend, I paid a visit with my family to a stunning PYO sunflower field at Castle Farm in Shoreham, Kent which is only 20 minutes from where I live. It was one of our summer highlights.
An August spectacle
Castle Farm is typically known for its famous purple lavender fields that attract people from all over the country and flower in June and July. But I think their sunflower field, filled with sensational long-stemmed yellow sunflowers is just as impressive.
Visitors can wonder at leisure through the field and pick their fill of these radiant blooms on various weekends in August.
It’s a lovely way to spend a morning or afternoon and there are some lovely extra touches, such as a vintage tractor you can climb on and explore and a straw bale playground which my kids loved. They enjoyed climbing on the straw bales – and also said they were perfect hiding spots for a few games of hide and seek.
You can also visit the lavender barn and farm shop.
Despite Kent having a record 50 days without rain and weeks of scorching temperatures, the sunflowers showed no sign of this and looked truly sensational. They are well worth a visit.
The sunflower field is open this weekend (Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August) from 10am – 4pm. Last entry is at 3.30pm.
Entry to the sunflower field is £3.40 for adults and ages 12+ and £1.70 for children aged 3- 12.
You can pick your own sunflowers (£1per sunflower stem)
Castle Farm, visit with the seasons
Castle Farm is far more than simply a summer sunflower spot. This family-run Kent farm changes with the seasons, from its famous lavender fields in early summer and sunflowers in August to pick-your-own apples in September and home-grown pumpkins in autumn.
There are seasonal events throughout the year, while the Farm Shop and Coffee Cart make it worth a visit even when the fields aren’t in bloom. Keep an eye on what’s coming up and there’s usually a new reason to return as the farming year unfolds.
Add them to your must-visit list!
By Kate Skelton
Images, Kate Skelton
