Summer is a joyful time of the year, from BBQs in the garden, picnics in the park, weekend trips to the coast and evening strolls to a beer garden.

But if there’s one true sign the warmer months of the year have arrived, it’s the many sunflower fields popping up all over North Yorkshire.

However, did you know there are some fields where you can pick your own (PYO)?

PYO sunflower fields are a great way of making the most of a summer’s day with family and friends (and provide the ideal opportunity to fill your home with bright and beautiful blooms).

Let’s take a look at some in the county to visit for 2024.

Mallard Grange Farm

Location: Mallard Grange Farm, HG4 3BE

Mallard Grange Farm opened its multi-coloured sunflower field at the beginning of August. It is now open daily from 10am until 4pm.

You can pay by cash or card, with prices starting from £1.50 for bright yellows to burnt oranges and deep red sunflowers.

If you want to bring your furry pals, dogs are welcome on grassed areas only.

As well as sunflowers, The Flower Field at Mallard Grange Farm has 33 different varieties of wildflowers available to pick from.

The website adds: “The experience is designed to be very relaxing and offer a moment of peace and mindfulness, a great way to reconnect with nature.

“Listen to the gentle buzz of honey bees, soak up the incredible views and tune into the bird songs.”

The Flower Belt

Location: Helmsley, YO62 5EE

Prices for PYO sunflowers at The Flower Belt cost £2 per stem or £7 for five, according to its website.

If you want to take even more blooms home with you, The Flower Belt has 32 different varieties of wildflowers to choose from.

The website continues: “Simply fill a jam jar or metal vase with as many flowers as ​you'd like and we'll wrap them up for you to take home."

The sunflower field is usually open from 10am until 5pm but visitors should check The Flower Belt’s social media accounts to keep up to date with the most ​relevant opening times and days.

A recent customer shared on Google reviews: “Had the most beautiful time picking wildflowers and soaking up the view! It was a hot day and knew the delicate flowers would wilt, so purchased a jam jar (£2) to keep the flowers fresh for the journey home. There’s coffee and cake to enjoy but lots of seats dotted about! Could spend hours there!!”

Pop Up Patch

Location: Sutton-on-the-Forest, York, YO61 1EN

The Pop Up Patch in Sutton-on-the-Forest is open seven days a week from 10am until 4pm throughout the summer season for those who want to pick their own bunch of bright sunflowers.

You can also fill your vases at home with wildflowers and large cutting flowers from the Pop Up Patch.

Its Facebook page says visitors can also make the most of the café on site, a children’s playground and free parking (not to mention it’s the ideal place for a picnic).

Dogs are welcome to come along too.

Someone who visited with their family recently posted on Google reviews: “Good value and a great place to take the children....lots of climbing adventure and play activities.

"The sunflower maze is lovely, and it's great to be able to pick your own flowers. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the cafe has a lovely selection of snacks and drinks.”

Please visit the websites and social media pages of each location for current availability as well as dates and times.