North Yorkshire farm to open its sunflower field with over 20k blooms

Spilmans' sunflower fields are set to open on August 8 (Image: Spilmans)

A North Yorkshire farm is set to open the gates to its sunflower field this weekend.

Spilmans, near Thirsk, planted more than 20,000 sunflowers earlier this year.

Now at towering heights, they are ready to be picked, with the company opening its fields on Saturday (August 8).

Tom Spilman, owner of the multi-generational farm in Sessay, says: “With late frosts in May, coupled with unusually hot weather in June it’s been a tricky start to the season, but the sunflowers are in superb shape, and we can’t wait to welcome guests.”

The perfect summer's day out is guaranteed

(Image: Spilmans)

There are four different varieties of sunflower planted across the fields; Ronnie Orange, Maximo, Solano Orange and Soham Sunset.

Tom added: “The sunflowers vary in height from Maximo which features double-layered orange petals and grows to typically just over one metre, to Soham Sunset which towers over most people at just under two metres tall.

“The varying heights also make the perfect spot for a summertime family photo.”

Visitors can enjoy a host of rural activities at the 100-acre farm, including strawberry picking, the wildflower meadow and a nature trail where the little ones can spot clues and answer questions around the working fruit fields.

Hungry guests can head to the Stone Barn Café which serves brunches, lunch, wood fired pizzas and hot and cold drinks.

In addition to a blooming programme there is also plenty of weather-proof fun at Spilmans in the indoor play barn, which features pedal tractors, a ball pit and sand area.

And outside there is the outdoor adventure play and bouncing pillows.

Tickets to the sunflower fields are included with entry to the strawberry fields and open Wednesday - Sunday until the crop finishes.

Entry prices start at £2.50 for individual prebooked tickets online with discounts for families and groups.

Pre-booking is advised, but not essential.

Ticket costs are reimbursed for every £5.00 per person spent on fruit.

Sunflower stems are £1.50 each or four stems for £5.00.

For more information visit www.spilmans.co.uk, or like and follow @SpilmanFarming on Facebook and Instagram.