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These flowers will bring instant cheer

Throughout August, triumphant yellow sunflower fields bloom right around the UK, creating the most extraordinary sights. From Surrey to Kent and Wales, there are a handful of beautiful spots for visitors to explore (and pick) the sunshine-yellow flowers.

There are plenty of breathtaking sunflower fields right around the UK. From Surrey to Hertfordshire and Kent, you'll find some of the best ones in the heart of the British countryside. While some may grow wild, others are planted each year by sunflower growers, providing gorgeous displays of the yellow flowers.

Sunflowers flourish from mid-summer to early autumn, so you're likely to start seeing them in July. Their peak bloom time only lasts around two or three weeks, so it's best to visit sunflower fields early in the season for the best chance to see them. After this, some of them may begin to loose their petals.

Sunflower fields usually stay in bloom for around eight to 12 weeks. Some will bloom as early as July, while others may finish into September. The middle of summer (July and August) is when you'll see them at their best, so try to plan your visit for then.

Take a look at some of the best sunflower fields to visit in the UK. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.

Good news for anyone wanting to pick their own beautiful bunches, as Garsons Farm in Surrey offers pick-your-own fields for visitors to harvest their own. They bloom in July and August so you'll have to head down there soon to ensure you get the best bunch. Head to the farm shop on your way out (it has been voted the best in Surrey) for hand-made scotch eggs.

Please note: The farm is closed until summer 2022. For details about booking, we recommend calling first.

Winterdown Road, Esher, Surrey, KT10 8LS. For more information, head over to their website.

Hitchin Lavender might be best known for their dazzling rows of lilac lavender, but in August the fields next door are jam-packed with beautiful sunflowers — and they're just as stunning. For anyone looking to pick a bunch, it's worth noting you'll be charged 50p per stem.

Please note: Hitchin Lavender are operating as normal, but guests are required to book a ticket online before visiting.

Cadwell farm, Arlesey Rd, Ickleford, Hitchin SG5 3UA. For more information, head over to their website.

On the hunt for a day trip the whole family will love? Head to Stanhill Farm throughout August and September and you'll see a breathtaking sight of growing sunflowers. Best of all, you can take home a bunch with you on your way out. There's no entry fee but you'll be charged on the weight of flowers you take. Make sure to pay a visit to the farm shop before you leave (children will love trying the samples by the door).

Please note: Visitors are required to pre-book tickets before arrival. The sunflower field will open in August.

Birchwood Road, Wilmington, Dartford, Kent, DA2 7HD. For more information, head over to their website.

There's something wonderful about stumbling across a blossoming sunflower field when you least expect it. Just drive along the road leading up to the gates at Vine House Farm and you'll instantly fall in love with the sight. Here, they grow over 100 acres of sunflowers on the farm each year. Harvesting usually begins in September, so try to plan a visit then. Insider tip: visit when the sun sets for a truly spectacular scene.

Please note: You'll have to book your ticket online first.

Deeping St Nicholas, PE11 3DG Spalding, Lincolnshire. For more information, head over to their website.

Over in Kent, eco-friendly florist, Blooming Green, has a dazzling selection of beautiful flowers on display. If you visit in August, you'll find a plethora of sunshine-yellow sunflowers growing tall. You can fill a bucket full of flowers with all kinds of stunning foliage and flowers, too. Definitely worth a visit.

Please note: Visitors will need to book in advance.

Blooming Green, Loddington Farm, Linton, Maidstone ME17 4AG. For more information, head over to their website.

One of the biggest fruit farms in Scotland, Cairnie has everything from strawberries to sunflowers and pumpkins in autumn. Head here for a day trip and don't forget to head to the cafe on your way out; you won't regret it.

Please note: No pre-booking is required to pick the fruit and sunflowers.

Cairnie House, Cupar, Fife, KY15 4QD. For more information, head over to their website.

Head to this blossoming sunflower field in Hertfordshire each August and you'll discover a bright sea of yellow. "Immerse yourself in our sunflower festival to enjoy our wide-open spaces, fresh air and to meet our amazing sunflower sommeliers who will help you choose and learn about our flowers. Pick your own sunflowers, strolling through our sunflower trail," says the team.

Please note: Ticket sales will open as soon as they have an indication when the sunflowers will be in full bloom. Keep an eye open on their website for more information.

The Pop-Up Farm, M1 Junction 9, St Albans AL3 8HT. For more information head over to their website.

Over in Wales, Rhossili Bay has hundreds of breathtaking flowers. While they were unable to plant any last year due to the pandemic, it's a sunflower field worth adding to your future travel list. Located along the beautiful South Gower coastline in Wales, the fields are full of 15 hectares of wildflower meadows for wildlife to enjoy. A truly breathtaking site, there are over 17 sunflower fields to enjoy.

Rhossili Bay, Heelis, Kemble Drive, Swindon SN2 2NA. For more information head over to their website.

The cheery sunflowers at Cotswold Farm Park in Cheltenham are sure to brighten your mood. From 3rd July to 31st August, you can rejoice in the beautiful sea of colour at the farm. Founded to help protect rare breeds of farm animals in 1971, visitors will not only find blossoming sunflowers but plenty of furry four-legged friends, too.

Please note: Dates for the Flower Field 2022 are not yet confirmed. Please check back on the website nearer the time for opening dates, times and more details. Pre-booking in advance is recommended.

Cotswold Farm Park, Cheltenham, GL54 5FL. For more information head over to their website.

This pretty picnic blanket from ProCook is perfect for a day out. It features a classic blue and white stripe design, with waterproof backing and a useful carry handle to help you transport it from home to park.

How stunning is this Pikiniki Cotton Blanket? With an orange and pink check design, the blanket is finished with a waterproof backing so you’re covered for any unexpected drizzle or damp grounds.

Floral lovers, this picnic rug is for you! The colourful gardenia pattern is a fitting choice for summer days. When you've used it, the blanket folds up and can be carried over the shoulder or by hand.

Made from recycled wool, this picnic blanket is a great sustainable option. It’s in a gorgeous herringbone check design and comes in a nice range of colours.

Made from 100% cotton, this lovely picnic blanket from The White Company is a luxurious option for families or a group enjoying a day in the garden, at the beach or on an alfresco adventure. It features a stylish nautical-inspired stripe design and is finished with a pretty tasselled edge.

This cheap and cheerful picnic rug from Marks and Spencer is both durable and practical. It's smart, rolls up easily and looks beautiful laid out. At only £10, it’s an absolute steal.

Experts in tea time treats and alfresco dining, Fortnum & Mason knows how to make a quality picnic blanket. This one, in the luxury department store's light blue colourway is crafted from pure new wool. It has leather handles for easy carrying too.

This patterned picnic blanket by Mountain Warehouse is the perfect piece of kit to take camping or hiking. It’s lightweight, so easy to carry around for long periods of time and folds up compactly. It’s currently on offer, too.

A neutral picnic blanket that folds down neatly, this one is ideal if you're short on space at home. It’s made for two so perfect for intimate outdoor alfrescos and its carry strap is great for transporting.

Looking for something extra large? With enough space for your whole family, this picnic blanket is fun, lightweight and portable too. The stylish herringbone pattern makes this rug super versatile so it’s perfect for beach days, picnics in the park and outdoor BBQs.

A round picnic blanket in a floral print, this one is ideal for folding up and taking wherever you go when the sun is shining. The boho picnic rug has a handy waterproof backing and features a tasselled edge all the way round.

This extra large picnic blanket features a modern striped design. At just £20, it’s an affordable option for families or a group enjoying a day in the park or at the beach.

In a classic Liberty print, this gorgeous picnic blanket is a great high-quality option. Made in Somerset, its water-resistant oilcloth reverse and padded lining are perfect for you to relax in comfort. The blanket is made from quality materials, making it one that will last for years to come.

With its lovely bees design, this picnic blanket is great for summer weather! It features a sturdy woven cotton handle so you can easily roll it away and transport it to your favourite sunspot.

This stylish rug comes complete with a waterproof and fleece backing so you can lay it out on damp ground. When you're not using the picnic rug, it rolls up neatly and fastens with inbuilt poppers. Its durable handle makes it easy to carry, too.

Lightweight, waterproof and washable, this cool picnic blanket features a map of the Chilterns. It's the ideal rug for people who like to walk and is light, compact and folds away into its own stuff sack.

Designed by Decathlon's team of campers, this picnic blanket comfortably insulates you from the ground when you're picnicking. It was made as a durable and compact rug, with a water-repellent coating that protects you from damp ground.

Want a cheap picnic blanket? This one is simple in design but is ideal for something affordable that does the job. It has waterproof backing, it feels comfortable to sit on and there's a handy strap for rolling it up and carrying from home to the park.

Heading to the beach? This beautiful bee-print picnic blanket in is perfect for trips to the seaside. It has water-resistant backing and faux leather straps for carrying it around. The unique print and purse-friendly materials makes it one worth packing for days out.

This extra large picnic blankets is roomy enough for up to eight people to enjoy. There's waterproof and sandproof backing, a comfy fleece surface and the 200cm x 200cm picnic rug folds up compact and is easy to transport to any beach or park.

Prefer a round picnic rug? We like this one that's waterproof and anti-fungal, while reversible too. It's made of high quality and lightweight polypropylene, plus the picnic blanket has an extended lifespan due to the UV treatment.

Roll it up, carry it and lay it down easily - we love this beautiful herringbone picnic blanket that's affordable too. It's made from hardwearing fleece polyester for something that lasts, plus the picnic rug has waterproof backing to keep you dry while you tuck into your strawberries and cream.

With its fun print making it ideal for the garden, park or beach, this picnic blanket comes with a waterproof backing and handy carrying straps. It features Scion's popular Mr.Fox design and is easy to roll up once you're done.

This beautiful coral picnic blanket made from 100% British new wool shows off a classic herringbone design, with a cream edge and fringe. It's easy to wash in the machine and looks gorgeous for a colourful spread. We'd opt for cutlery and plates that are just as bright too.