Confetti flower fields open to the public at Hatter’s Farm, Takeley
An award-winning pumpkin farm at Takeley is hoping to carve a niche for itself in the field of confetti flowers.
For the first time, family-run Hatter’s Farm is bursting into colour courtesy of five acres of larkspurs, which are used to make confetti.
For eight days from Saturday (August 5), members of the public can visit with kids and cameras and take a winding walk through the fields featuring five varieties of flowers.
The admission price includes the chance to climb a bale mountain and tackle a hay bale maze. There is an additional charge for the seven-acre maize maze.
Hot food and drinks will be available, although visitors can take their own picnics. Dogs on leads are also welcome.
Farmer Ross McGowan said: “Customers will also have the chance to buy some of our pre-picked flower bunches and handmade confetti.” Unlike the pumpkins, people will not be able to pick their own flowers.
The McGowan family have been farming in Essex since 1940. In 2015 they started growing pumpkins and squashes for the wholesale market. Three years ago Ross returned home to the family farm and welcomed visitors to pick their own pumpkins straight from the field in which they had grown.
He said: “In 2023 we have added our confetti flower fields. This year is a trial year as it is the first time our family has grown flowers at a commercial scale. Hopefully it will all go well and we can go ahead with bigger plans for summer 2024. We are limiting the number of tickets and as a result we are expecting to sell out.”
Hatter's Farm, which was a winner in the London and South East England Prestige Awards in 2022, is near the Four Ashes crossroads at Takeley, off the B183 to Hatfield Broad Oak (postcode CM22 6NP).
The confetti flower fields are open from Saturday August 5 to Sunday August 13, 10am to 4.30pm, with last entry at 3.30pm.
Admission is £4 for adults, £2.50 for children aged 3-15 and free for children two and under. There is an additional charge of £3.50 for the maize maze. Tickets can only be bought online (there is a 40p booking fee). For details and to book, click here.
