A vibrant sunflower maze, complete with farm animals, play areas, and a miniature train, is providing a popular summer destination for families near Manchester. The Hayloft Cheshire, located in Bold Heath, has expanded its offerings beyond traditional farming to become a multifaceted attraction, drawing visitors with a range of activities designed to entertain children and adults alike.

The Annual Sunflower Maze Experience

The centerpiece of the summer attraction is the expansive sunflower maze. For a fee of £3.50 per person, visitors can navigate the towering stalks, participate in a letter hunt to decipher a hidden word, and take home two complimentary sunflower stems. Additional stems can be purchased from the pick-your-own area for £1 each, allowing guests to extend the floral experience.

The Hayloft Cheshire, established in 2017, is operated by the Owen family, who are fourth-generation farmers. They have successfully diversified their agricultural operations to include a variety of leisure and event facilities.

Beyond the Blooms: A Wealth of Activities

Beyond the sunflower fields, the farm offers a diverse array of attractions:

• Miniature Train: A charming miniature train ride is available for £3.50 per person, offering a scenic tour of the farm grounds.
• Play Barn and Outdoor Areas: Children can enjoy an air-conditioned play barn, as well as free-to-access outdoor facilities. These include a sports field equipped for swing ball, football, and tennis, a den-building barn featuring slides and swings, and a dedicated children’s play area.
• Pedal Tractor Barn: A popular feature for younger visitors is the pedal tractor barn, allowing children to engage in imaginative play.
• Farm Animals: Families can visit a variety of farm animals, including Belted Galloway cows, ponies, goats, sheep, and guinea pigs, providing an educational and engaging experience.

Dining and Refreshments

The farm also caters to visitors seeking refreshments. An air-conditioned coffee shop offers a place to relax, serving coffee and other beverages. Complementing the coffee shop is an ice cream parlour that features locally produced Cheshire Farm ice cream, providing a cool treat on warm days.

Seasonal Events and Future Plans

The Hayloft Cheshire is not just a daytime attraction; it also hosts a calendar of special events. Rod Owen, who manages the farm with his three children, Evie, Thomas, and Seb, highlighted the farm’s extensive Halloween event, which involves growing pumpkins across 25 acres. This event is often followed by a bonfire and firework display.

The venue has also ventured into themed evenings, including a successful “Hayloft Hoedown,” a country and western-themed night featuring live music, line dancing, and a barbecue. Due to its popularity, another Hoedown is scheduled for Saturday, August 29th, with tickets available.

Looking ahead, the farm has ambitious plans, including the return of “Hayloft Live,” a family-focused music festival that previously attracted 2,000 attendees two years ago. The family aims to increase capacity for this event in 2027.

In addition to these larger events, the farm hosts weddings and functions, leveraging its facilities and an in-house catering team of three chefs. The venue also plans “Sunflower Sundowners” during the summer, offering drinks and stone-baked pizzas with extended opening hours on selected dates.

Visiting The Hayloft Cheshire

The Hayloft Cheshire is open daily from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The farm’s address is Sandy Lane, Bold Heath, Widnes, WA8 3XP. Information about upcoming events and opening times can be found on their Facebook page.

The combination of seasonal attractions like the sunflower maze, permanent family-friendly facilities, and a diverse events calendar makes The Hayloft Cheshire a significant destination for local families and visitors seeking varied entertainment options throughout the year.