your
questions
frequently asked questions
We share lots of updates over on our Instagram page, so do keep an eye there for the latest news.
If you’ve still got questions after reading this page, just get in touch — we’re always happy to help.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the field at Writtle Sunflowers! 🌻
Tickets & Timings
Do I need to book to visit Writtle Sunflowers?
Yes, you’ll need to book your tickets in advance over on our BOOKING PAGE.
Our events book up fast, so we always recommend getting in early!
If there’s an ‘X’ on your chosen date or time, it means we’re fully booked.
If the date isn’t showing yet, either tickets haven’t been released and we are waiting for the flowers, or we’re not open that long — our season is short and sweet, so don’t miss out!
A quick heads up: if we do have space on the day, gate prices are always higher than booking online – so it’s well worth planning ahead.
What happens if there is bad weather?
A little bit of rain can’t dampen our spirit, it’s a classic British day out! Rest assured, we generally stay open come rain or shine. Just come dressed for the occasion, as the fields might be a tad muddy after a downpour. Don’t worry, our marquee has got you covered—whether it’s shielding you from raindrops or sunbeams!
We reserve the right to close the field if conditions become hazardous or if the car park is not accessible. Should this occur, we will notify all ticket holders via email, and offer a refund or an alternative option. If it has been bad weather, please check your emails and our social media for updates prior to your journey.
What are your opening times?
We hope to open for the season mid-July, for around 4 weeks.
Writtle Sunflowers opens at 9.30AM and closes to all at 5PM, 8PM Thursdays. Ticket slots are for entry time only and you are welcome to stay until the field closes.
We hold special events outside our regular opening hours, including our popular Sunday Sundowners evenings. Check our booking page for details of this and other offerings in the field
Do you take card payments?
Yes, we take cash or card in the field, although sometimes our signal can be hit and miss so please bear with us!
Can I swap my tickets or get a refund?
We totally get that life doesn’t always go to plan – so if something comes up, you’re welcome to switch your booking or request a gift voucher up to 48 hours before your visit. Just check your confirmation email for the details on how to do that.
We only offer refunds if we have to close the field.
How long are you open for?
Not long! This year is expected to be very short after all the dry weather and heat. The flowers may not last beyond early August.
We try and update social media as much as possible, so keep an eye out.
The field
Where are you?
We are located opposite Pooty Pools Farm just outside Writtle and Chelmsford.
Address: Radley Green Road, Roxwell, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 4NW.
What 3 Words: stove.create.twigs
Google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/QnrtaZNRRHNUk3JP9
Can I take photos in the field?
Family snaps are more than welcome – we love seeing the memories you make! Feel free to share your photos on social media and don’t forget to tag us @writtle_sunflowers so we can enjoy them too
We also love to work with professional photographers, but to keep things lovely and relaxed for all our visitors, pro sessions must be pre-booked and can’t take place during our regular opening hours. You’ll find all the info you need here
Drones are only allowed with prior written consent.
How much do the flowers cost?
Our flower prices are staying put – for the fifth year running!
Classic yellow sunflowers are still just £5 for a bunch of 6, or £1 per stem, no matter how big and bold they grow!
This year we’ve got something special – stunning plum-coloured sunflowers, priced at £2 each.
And our lovely mixed flower patch? Still £5 for a generous handful.
Simple, honest pricing.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, friendly dogs on leads are welcome during our usual opening hours – please act responsibly and take any mess home. Unfortunately, we cannot accept dogs during our Sundowner events when the field is busier.
How many flowers do you have?
We plant the flowers sequentially so never have a whole field in bloom at once but there are always lots of fresh ones to pick. We have planted an area of 1.5ha this year, equivalent to two football pitches, with well over 50,000 blooms!
Can I pick the flowers?
Yes – that’s exactly what we’re here for!
We’ve got dedicated picking patches full of the freshest, longest-lasting sunflowers in the center of the field, just waiting to be chosen and taken home. 🌻
We kindly ask that you don’t pick from the Maze or the Walk – those are just for exploring and enjoying with your eyes (and camera!).
All picked flowers must be paid for at the end, and this year we’ve added even more mixed flowers too – they’ve been so popular, we couldn’t resist growing more!
Do I need to bring scissors or secateurs?
Sunflowers can be a bit tough to tackle, so we recommend bringing secateurs or strong scissors for the best picking experience. The wildflowers are much gentler – regular scissors will do just fine for those.
We do have scissors for sale and secateurs available to hire at the Flower Hut, but please note – numbers are limited, so we can’t always guarantee availability.
How accessible is the field?
We do our very best to make the site as accessible as possible, with mown grass paths around the flower areas. That said, it’s still very much a field on a working farm, so things can get a bit tricky depending on the weather.
Buggies and wheelchairs can usually get around the main field without too much trouble, but the maze can be more of a challenge after heavy rain or during very dry spells. This year has been very dry and there are lots of cracks in the maze and walkways, and the new grass walkways we’ve planted have struggled to grow.
We always recommend sensible footwear – wellies if it’s wet, or sturdy shoes if it’s dry as the ground can get quite cracked and dusty in hot weather.
We have designated disabled parking close to the entrance, and we’re happy to offer free entry for carers accompanying a paying visitor — just bring along some proof of eligibility.
The facilities
Are there refreshments?
The Tin Canteen or My Little Drinks Van should be visiting us every day, serving hot and cold drinks, toasties and tasty treats. And this year, they have a licence so come and enjoy a Pimms in the field!
Can I bring a picnic?
Feel free to bring a picnic and make the most of our shaded picnic area – it’s the perfect spot for a break amongst the blooms. All we ask is that you help us keep the farm tidy by taking any litter home with you – thank you! Or if you fancy a treat, we’ve got refreshments available on site from our lovely catering vans.
Do you have toilets or baby changing facilities?
Our sunflower patch is set in a field, so facilities are quite basic – there’s no running water or electricity on site. We always recommend popping to the loo before you leave home, but we do understand that’s not always possible (especially with little ones!), so we do have a portaloo available for emergencies.
We’re currently working on a solution for baby changing and accessible toilets, but for now, we’re afraid we can’t offer those facilities just yet – thank you so much for bearing with us.
Is there parking at the sunflower field?
Parking on the grass field is included in your ticket price.
Can I get to the sunflower field by public transport?
Living in the countryside has its charms, but it does mean we’re a bit remote – the nearest bus stop is over two miles away. However, you can catch a taxi from Chelmsford train station, which is around six miles away.
Can I smoke on site?
There is strictly no smoking or vaping anywhere on site, including the car park.
Still have questions?