Best time to travel to England

Poppy Fields in England

Enjoy rural England in early summer when the countryside turns red with flowering poppies

Best time: mid-June–September (best in late June–July)

Poppy Fields
Poppy Fields
Poppy Fields
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Common poppy or Papaver rhoeas is one of the most beloved wildflowers in England. Poppies are also quite widespread and abundant everywhere: along highways, at farm fields, and in nature preserves. During the summer, many photographers try to capture its amazing bloom. Poppy flowers are famous for their fleeting bloom—the buds open in the morning and by the evening it can already crumble.

When do poppies bloom in England?

Wild poppies in England make their debut around mid-June, peaking later in the month through July, and sometimes later in the summer. The intermittent poppy blooming season may continue well into September or even October. Still, the timeframe between late June and early July is your best bet to capture picture-perfect red landscapes.

Where to find poppy fields in England?

West Midlands

West Midlands, particularly the Kidderminster area, has a few good poppy locations. Check out the small town Bewdley in the Wyre Forest District of Worcestershire. Blackstone Nature Reserve in Bewdley is one of the best locations to make a stunning picture of the red flower carpet. Minworth in Sutton Coldfield and Newport in Shropshire also boast lush poppy fields.

East Midlands

East Midlands is another excellent area to spot poppies. Merry's Meadows near Greetham (Rutland) is one of the most beautiful wildflower sites in England. Northampton also offers breathtaking poppy landscapes, relatively close to London (about 2 hours drive).

North Yorkshire

North Yorkshire is also famous for its beautiful poppy fields. You can find them at the Yorkshire Wolds along the coast and in many picturesque villages, typical for north-eastern England. For example, Middleton Tyas (Richmondshire district), north of Ripon, and Thornton Dale (Ryedale district). Additionally, check out the areas around Hambleton Hough in Selby.

Poppy fields near London

If you're looking for some poppy-clad swaths of land somewhere around the capital city, the closest spot will be Welwyn, Hertfordshire, just a little over one hour north of London. Those who don't mind a bit longer trips, could explore the sceneries of South East England. Some of the most picturesque sights could be discovered on M40 at Bucknell, Oxfordshire, or at Goring Rd & S Stoke Rd in South Oxfordshire, and also outside Brighton.

South West England

Also, South West England has a couple of pretty crimson spots for you to enjoy. Check out Hawkesbury in South Gloucestershire, Wimborne in Dorset, and West Pentire in Newquay, Cornwall, just to name a few. Generally, you can come across a vibrant field of poppies wherever you go at the height of the season.

Practical info

What is the best time to see the red poppy fields in England?

For the perfect holiday picture of England's famous poppy fields, it's best to visit between mid-June and September. Late June and July are the prime months. Once the flowers bloom in mid-June, it reaches its peak by late June and July. However, you can sometimes still witness blooming that continues into September and October. The best time to visit is late June to early July, to enjoy the spectacular landscape of red poppies. Show more

What are some suggested areas to find poppy fields in the West Midlands?

The Wyre Forest District of Worcestershire in Kidderminster and Blackstone Nature Reserve in Bewdley are two good places to enjoy beautiful poppy fields in the West Midlands. Also, Sutton Coldfield has Minworth. Similarly, Newport in Shropshire has picturesque areas to experience the beauty of these red flowers. All of these places provide an excellent opportunity to witness these crimson fields of poppies. Show more

When is the poppy blooming season in North Yorkshire?

North Yorkshire is known for its mesmerizing views of the poppy flowers. Normally blooming by mid-June, the best time to capture the perfect shot would be between late June to July, and sometimes continuing until September and October. Middleton Tyas in Richmondshire district, the Ryedale district in Thornton Dale, and the Hambleton Hough in Selby are all areas where you can spot these crimson fields of poppies. Show more

What are some recommended poppy field destinations close to London?

Just an hour north of London is Welwyn in Hertfordshire, one of the closest spots to see poppy fields. South Oxfordshire is known for its scenic views of Bucknell and Goring Road, while Brighton in South East England has beautiful blooming poppy fields. These areas have some of the most picturesque views that are worth visiting and are close enough from London to make it a quick visit. Show more

Where can I visit poppy fields in South West England?

If you are exploring South West England, then Hawkesbury in South Gloucestershire, Wimborne in Dorset and West Pentire in Newquay, Cornwall are some of the most beautiful poppy field locations. During the height of the season, a vibrant field of poppies can be found in various locations. These regions provide an outstanding opportunity for the avid nature lover to experience the beauty of these breathtaking landscapes. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin