PYO Sunflowers - returning August 2024

Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It’s what sunflowers do
— Helen Keller

Our PYO Sunflower Field is now closed for 2023. Thank you for all your support, we loved having you and seeing all your photos!

We will announce how much we raised for Thames Valley Air Ambulance over the coming weeks.

Our PYO sunflowers will be back again in August 2024.

Frequently asked questions

When are you open and how long for?

We will be open for four days a week (Thurs - Sun inclusive) throughout from Thursday, August 10th until Monday, August 28th 2023. Opening hours are 10am - 4pm. Please keep an eye on our social media channels for more information. Please don’t come to the field on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday!

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, we will be charging a £1 entry fee per person (under ones are excluded). This will be all donated to Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Do we need to book?

No booking or tickets are required.

How much are the flowers?

Sunflowers are £1 per stem. Meadow flower bags are £5 each.

Will you be running Sunflower Sundowners?

Yes, we plan to run Sunflower Sundowners on August 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th, 27th. Early evening picking will take place between 5pm - 8:30pm and our mobile bar the Tipsy Toot will be selling local ales, fizz, Oxfordshire gin, lager and soft drinks. Hot food will also be available. No booking required, but entry will be subject to space and availability.

Where are you based?

High Lodge Farm is based at Culham, near Abingdon. The field runs alongside the A415 Abingdon Road, approximate postcode OX14 3BN (it is directly opposite two houses). Coming from Abingdon, the field is approximately one mile from Rye Farm Car Park, on the left hand side. It is roughly 0.4 mile from the Europa School.

Do you take cash and card?

Yes, we take both.

Is there parking?

There’s plenty of free parking in our grass field. If it’s been raining, please expect some mud.

Are there toilets?

Yes, there are basic temporary toilets, including one accessible one.

Is there food available on site?

We sell tea, coffee, cake and other soft drinks from our converted cattle trailer The Toot. Hot dogs, burgers and bacon rolls will be available from the Tasty Toot and delicious local ice cream from the Sweet Toot.

Will there be games and straw bales to play on?

There will be a very small number of straw bales to play on, but no games or a sandpit.

Is the site buggy friendly?

Yes, if it’s dry, an all-terrain buggy (not a stroller) will be able to navigate the field.

What footwear do we need?

If there’s been a lot of rain, we recommend wellies because it’s likely to be muddy, otherwise trainers should be fine. Sandals and flipflops are not recommended. We are not liable for any injuries.

What else should we bring?

Secateurs are a good idea because sunflower stems are quite tough. These will not be on sale or available to hire. If it’s hot, hats are a good idea because shade is limited. Remember to watch out for the buzzy bees too.

Can I bring my dog?

No dogs, apologies.

Are professional photographers allowed?

All professional photographers require a location pass. This costs £120 per day (10am - 4pm) or £20 per hour and should be booked and arranged in advance via highlodgeevents@gmail.com. If you require exclusive use of the site, please contact us for rates.

High Lodge Farm reserves the right to determine if your shoot is of a commercial/professional nature and you will be asked to pay the fee if you haven’t done so already.

Sunflower Sundowners

Join us for an evening stroll through the flower field and enjoy a tipple from the Tipsy Toot as the sun sets. Sunflower Sundowners will run on August 25th, 26th and 27th between 5pm and 9pm. Hot food will also be available. No booking required, but entry is first come, first served.