Because we’re a working family farm, many of the questions we receive are about opening times, bookings and what to expect when you visit.
We’ve answered the most common questions below, but if there’s anything else you’d like to know, we’d be delighted to help.
Planning Your Visit
Where is Flavour First Farm?
We’re located just outside Donaghadee, County Down: 224 Killaughey Rd, Donaghadee BT21 0LJ.
Please note that Flavour First Farm is not open to the public year-round. We open only on selected event days throughout the seasons, so please check our website before travelling.
What are your opening hours?
Our opening days and times vary depending on the event and the season.
Please check the individual event page before travelling for the latest opening information.
How long should I allow for my visit?
Most visitors spend around 60-90 minutes exploring the farm, although you’re very welcome to stay longer and enjoy everything at your own pace.Which Flavour First experience is right for me?
Throughout the year, Flavour First Farm opens for a variety of seasonal experiences. Each one celebrates a different time of year, giving you a reason to visit again and again.
🌻 Summer at Flavour First Farm
August – September
Our biggest summer experience.
Explore thousands of sunflowers alongside dahlias, gladioli, lavender, wildflowers and more as they bloom throughout the season. Meet our Highland cows, pygmy goats and pigs, wander the Maize Maze, discover the Fairy Village, pick your own flowers, enjoy refreshments from The Potting Shed and simply slow down and enjoy being outdoors.
🎃 Autumn at Flavour First Farm
September – October
A relaxed harvest celebration.
Pick your own pumpkin straight from the field, gather beautiful autumn flowers, meet the Highland cows and enjoy a wholesome countryside experience with muddy boots, crisp air and everything autumn should be.
🌸 Seasonal Workshops
Throughout the year we also host a variety of seasonal workshops and experiences including floral workshops, creative events and countryside gatherings.
Keep an eye on our website and social media for upcoming dates.
🛍️ The Collective
The Collective is home to a growing community of local makers, growers, artists and independent businesses.
Pop in to browse handmade gifts, artwork, locally grown produce and seasonal treats while supporting small businesses from across the borough.
Tickets & Booking
Do I need to book?
Most of our events are pre-bookable only, and we strongly recommend booking in advance.
During Summer at Flavour First Farm, if capacity allows, we can sometimes accept walk-in visitors. However, to avoid disappointment, we always recommend pre-booking your visit online.
Can I buy tickets when I arrive?
During Summer at Flavour First Farm, if we have availability, we may be able to accept walk-in bookings.
Many events sell out in advance, so booking online is always the best way to guarantee entry.
If you’re already at the farm, simply scan one of our QR codes to purchase tickets while you wait.
Can I change my booking?
Yes.
If adverse weather means we’re unable to open, or your plans change, you’ll be able to amend or transfer your booking through your Beyonk confirmation (subject to availability).
Do children need a ticket?
This depends on the event.
Summer at Flavour First Farm
- Children under 3 years visit free.
Autumn at Flavour First Farm
- Children under 2 years visit free.
Please check the individual event page for full ticket information.
Do carers require a ticket?
Carers accompanying a paying visitor are admitted free of charge.
Please refer to individual event listings for any event-specific information.
During Your Visit
Can I bring a picnic?
Yes.
We’ve created a dedicated picnic area for visitors to enjoy.
Please note that seating within and immediately outside The Potting Shed is reserved for customers purchasing food or drinks.
Please help us keep the farm beautiful by taking your rubbish home or using the bins provided.
Is food and drink available?
Yes.
The Potting Shed serves a selection of teas, coffees, cold drinks, traybakes and seasonal treats during our events.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads.
Please clean up after your dog and dispose of waste responsibly.
Dog mess spoils the experience for everyone and repeated issues may unfortunately result in dogs no longer being permitted.
Is Flavour First accessible?
Accessible parking is available close to the entrance for Blue Badge holders.
As we’re a working farm, some paths are bark-covered, grassy or naturally uneven and may not be suitable for every wheelchair or mobility scooter. Please note we currently have no level access toilets on the farm.
Throughout the summer we also offer dedicated Accessible Evenings on selected dates.
If you’d like to discuss accessibility before your visit, please get in touch.
What should I wear?
We recommend dressing for the weather and wearing comfortable footwear suitable for walking around a working farm.
Even on sunny days, fields can be uneven and occasionally muddy, so sturdy shoes or wellies are always a good idea.
Pick Your Own Flowers
Can I pick flowers?
Yes!
During selected events you’ll be able to enjoy our Pick Your Own flower fields.
Choose your favourite stems from the designated areas and pay for what you pick before leaving.
Do I need to bring anything?
If you’d like to pick flowers, we recommend bringing your own snips.
Flowers are priced individually and can be paid for at the Pick Your Own Pay Station.
Please only pick from designated areas.
Our Animals
Can we see the Highland cows?
Yes!
Our Highland cows can be seen during our public event days and are one of the highlights of visiting Flavour First Farm.
They’re always happiest grazing peacefully while visitors enjoy watching them.
What other animals can we see?
Alongside our Highland cows you’ll also meet our playful pygmy goats and our three little pigs (seasonal).
Summer at Flavour First Farm
What if the sunflowers aren’t all in bloom?
Nature doesn’t work to a calendar, and that’s all part of the experience.
Throughout the season you’ll discover different flowers at different stages of bloom, from fresh buds to towering sunflowers in full flower.
Alongside the sunflowers you’ll also find dahlias, gladioli, see out growing lavender hill, wildflowers and many other seasonal blooms, meaning every visit offers something new to discover.
Autumn at Flavour First Farm
Does my admission ticket include a pumpkin?
No.
Admission gives you access to the farm experience.
Pumpkins are chosen and purchased separately so everyone can pick exactly the one they love.
How much are the pumpkins?
Our homegrown pumpkins are priced by size – 50p per kg.
🎃 Little Pickers
🎃 Harvest Pumpkins
🎃 Patch Giants
Are the pumpkins grown on the farm?
Yes.
Every pumpkin has been planted, grown and harvested right here at Flavour First Farm.
The Collective
What is The Collective?
The Collective is home to a growing community of local makers, growers, artists and independent businesses.
You’ll discover handmade gifts, artwork, locally produced food, seasonal flowers and much more.
As our makers change throughout the year, there’s always something new to discover.
I’d love to become part of The Collective. How do I apply?
We’re always interested in hearing from passionate local makers, artists, growers and independent businesses.
Simply get in touch and we’d be delighted to tell you more – flavourfirstenquiries@outlook.com
General
Is Flavour First a working farm?
Yes.
Flavour First is a real working family farm.
Our flowers bloom when nature decides, our crops grow with the seasons and every visit is a little different.
We think that’s part of the magic.
What happens if the weather is bad?
As many of our experiences take place outdoors, severe weather may occasionally mean we need to close for the safety of visitors and staff.
If this happens, we’ll contact you as soon as possible and you’ll be able to amend or transfer your booking. If this is not possible, we will arrange a refund.
Can I fly a drone?
No.
For the safety of our visitors, animals and neighbouring properties, drones are not permitted unless prior permission has been granted.
Can I smoke or use disposable BBQs?
Disposable BBQs and open fires are not permitted anywhere on the farm.
Can I take photographs?
Absolutely!
We love seeing your photos.
Don’t forget to tag Flavour First Farm on social media so we can see your visit.
Please be mindful of other visitors and avoid entering flower beds or restricted areas to get the perfect shot.
Still have a question?
If there’s anything we haven’t covered, we’d love to hear from you.
Simply get in touch by sending us a message on social media or drop us an email and a member of the Flavour First team will be happy to help.