There is something unmistakably nostalgic about an English summer spent in the countryside. The scent of freshly cut grass, baskets brimming with sweet strawberries, rows of towering sunflowers swaying gently in the breeze and the promise of homemade ice cream waiting back at the farm shop. It’s a simple pleasure, yet one that never loses its appeal.
Fortunately, you don’t have to venture far from Liverpool to experience it.
Across Cheshire, Lancashire, the Wirral and North Wales, family-run farms throw open their gates each summer, inviting visitors to slow down and savour the season. Some are celebrated for acres of golden sunflower fields stretching towards the horizon, while others have cultivated generations of loyal visitors who return year after year for the freshest strawberries they’ll taste all summer.
Whether you’re planning a leisurely Sunday drive, entertaining little ones during the school holidays or simply searching for somewhere a little different to spend a sunny afternoon, these are the sunflower farms and countryside destinations worth adding to your summer diary.
Claremont Farm, Wirral
Just twenty minutes from Liverpool, Claremont Farm feels wonderfully removed from city life. Nestled on the Wirral, it has become one of the region’s best-loved countryside destinations, balancing its working farm roots with beautifully curated seasonal experiences.
Summer brings flourishing Pick Your Own fields where strawberries, raspberries and blackberries can be gathered at their peak, while colourful sunflower fields provide one of the area’s most photographed backdrops.
After wandering through the fields, settle into the café for coffee, generous slices of homemade cake or a leisurely lunch showcasing produce from the surrounding farmland. Before heading home, it’s worth browsing the excellent farm shop, stocked with artisan cheeses, freshly baked bread and locally sourced ingredients.
Drive from Liverpool: Around 20 minutes
Kenyon Hall Farm, Warrington
Few farms have mastered the art of the summer day out quite like Kenyon Hall. Set within the Cheshire countryside, it has earned a reputation as one of the North West’s finest Pick Your Own destinations.
As the seasons unfold, visitors can gather strawberries, gooseberries, currants and raspberries before strolling through expansive sunflower fields that bloom towards the end of summer.
The experience extends far beyond fruit picking. The beautifully presented farm shop champions independent producers from across the region, while the café serves seasonal dishes alongside exceptional cakes that have become something of a local institution.
If you’re only planning one countryside escape this summer, Kenyon Hall is difficult to overlook.
Drive from Liverpool: Around 35 minutes
Libby’s Patch Farm, Gawsworth
Tucked away in the rolling Cheshire countryside near Macclesfield, Libby’s Patch has become one of the region’s most charming seasonal attractions. Its four-acre sunflower maze invites visitors to weave their way through thousands of towering blooms while following interactive clue trails that make the experience just as enjoyable for adults as it is for children.
As a family-run farm, the atmosphere feels warm, welcoming and refreshingly authentic, with plenty of opportunities to pause for photographs among the flowers before enjoying homemade cakes, refreshments and locally prepared food. If you’re looking for one of the most picturesque sunflower fields within easy reach of Liverpool, Libby’s Patch is well worth the hour’s drive.
Be sure to book ahead, as tickets often sell quickly during peak bloom in late July and August.
When is the best time to visit a sunflower field?
Strawberry season generally begins in late May before reaching its peak throughout June and early July, although this naturally depends on the weather.
Sunflower fields typically burst into bloom from late July through August, with some lasting into early September. Many sunflower farms only open for a few weeks while the flowers are at their very best, so it’s worth checking each farm’s website or social media before setting off.
Are sunflower farms pram and wheelchair friendly?
Most of the larger farms featured in this guide offer accessible parking, cafés and toilet facilities.
Main visitor areas, farm shops and cafés are generally suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. However, sunflower fields and Pick Your Own areas are working farmland, meaning paths can become uneven or muddy after wet weather.
If accessibility is important, it’s always advisable to contact the farm before your visit to check current conditions.
What to take with you
To make the most of your day, don’t forget:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun cream
- A picnic blanket
- A camera
- Reusable shopping bags for farm shop purchases
- Boots if rain is forecast
A summer well spent
The beauty of exploring this corner of the North West lies in combining experiences. Spend the morning filling a basket with freshly picked strawberries, wander through acres of vibrant sunflower fields in the afternoon, then finish the day with warm bread, artisan cheese and free-range eggs from one of the region’s outstanding farm shops.
It’s a reminder that some of the finest days out don’t require hours on the motorway. They can be found just beyond Liverpool, where the countryside continues to celebrate the changing seasons with spectacular sunflower farms, exceptional local produce and a warm welcome that’s every bit as memorable as the scenery itself.
Beyond the Sunflower Fields: Farm Shops Worth the Detour
Some of the region’s finest countryside experiences aren’t found in the sunflower fields at all. A leisurely drive through West Lancashire and rural Sefton reveals a collection of independent farm shops where seasonal produce, freshly laid eggs and local craftsmanship take centre stage. These are the places where visitors linger over coffee, stock up on artisan ingredients and reconnect with the slower pace of country life.
Lydiate Hall Farm Shop, Lydiate
Just outside Maghull, Lydiate Hall Farm has quietly become a favourite among locals. Alongside its well-stocked farm shop, visitors can meet friendly farm animals, making it a lovely stop for families with younger children.
Shelves are filled with locally sourced meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, homemade treats and free-range eggs, while the peaceful rural setting encourages you to slow down and browse rather than rush through.
Church View Farm, Lydiate
A few minutes from Maghull, Church View Farm is another hidden gem for anyone who appreciates quality local produce.
The farm shop champions seasonal fruit and vegetables, locally reared meats and freshly baked goods, while its café offers a relaxed setting for breakfast or lunch overlooking the surrounding countryside.
It’s the sort of place where a quick visit for eggs often turns into an hour spent enjoying the views.
Melling Farm Shop & Coffee Garden
Nestled between Maghull and Melling, this charming farm shop pairs excellent local produce with a peaceful coffee garden.
Whether you’re calling in for freshly baked cakes, artisan groceries or simply a flat white in the sunshine, it’s an easy addition to any countryside drive.
Taylors Farm Shop, Ormskirk
For many West Lancashire residents, Taylors Farm Shop is simply part of weekend life.
Just outside Ormskirk, it’s renowned for its exceptional butcher’s counter, seasonal fruit and vegetables, artisan deli and impressive selection of Lancashire cheeses.
If you’re planning a picnic after visiting one of the nearby sunflower farms, there are few better places to stock your basket.
Diglake Farm Shop, Scarisbrick
On the edge of Scarisbrick, Diglake Farm Shop celebrates everything that’s wonderful about buying direct from local producers.
Expect freshly picked vegetables, homemade pies, free-range eggs and carefully selected pantry staples, all sourced with a strong emphasis on quality and provenance.
Windmill Animal Farm, Burscough
While many visitors arrive for its popular family attractions, Windmill Animal Farm is equally appealing for those looking to experience rural Lancashire.
During the summer months, seasonal events often include sunflower displays, while the resident animals, indoor play and outdoor adventure areas make it one of the North West’s favourite family days out.