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  1. Do you enjoy visiting National Trust properties, or maybe you have never been to one before?  From now until Friday 28th August 2026 you can visit a National Trust site with the family for FREE!

    You can use your free pass at over 200 England, Wales and Northern Ireland locations which include gardens, castles and historic houses.

    In Dorset we have Kingston Lacy where you can explore the stunning house, beautiful gardens, acres of parkland and 2 fun play areas, or visit Corfe Castle which was established by William the Conqueror and partially destroyed in the English Civil War.

    This summer you can also visit Brownsea Island which is a tranquil nature reserve in Poole Harbour, famous for its rare red squirrels and rich wildlife habitats.  (Please note though that ferry costs will still apply.)

    Clouds Hill is the former home of T. E. Lawrence and the early 19th-century cottage can be found in Bovington.

    The Hardy Monument is a 72-foot-high monument on the summit of Black Down near Portesham.  It was erected in 1844 by public subscription in memory of Vice Admiral Sir Thomas Hardy, flag captain of Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar.

    Max Gate is the former home of Thomas Hardy and is located on the outskirts of Dorchester.  It was designed and built by Thomas Hardy for his own use in 1885 and he lived there until his death in 1928.

    Or spend the day exploring the beautiful Thorncombe Woods which is a 26-hectare Local Nature Reserve and ancient woodland in Dorchester.  It offers shaded mixed woodland, open heathland, and a preserved Roman Road.  Close by the Visitor Centre you will find Thomas Hardy's Cottage, a small cob and thatch building that is the birthplace of the English author Thomas Hardy.

    Many National Trust properties offer fun activities for children in the summer holidays and these can include trails, children’s entertainers, nature crafts and games.

    This single-use pass allows FREE entry for two adults and up to three children, or one adult and up to four children, from the date of issue up until Friday 28th August 2026.  This pass does not include free parking at locations which charge a fee.

    Some locations may be busier at certain times and on certain days, weekdays are usually quieter than weekends. Some properties may require booking in advance and it is advisable to check the webpage of the place you’d like to visit to see if you need to pre-book.

    To check which locations are included the offer, please visit the National Trust.

    To take advantage of this offer, simply pick up a copy of the Express, Daily Star or The Mirror from Saturday 4th to Sunday 12th July 2026.  Inside, you will find your voucher to bring to a National Trust property of your choice.

    Please note, passes may be limited and terms and conditions may apply.

    NATIONAL TRUST FREE DAY PASS OFFER SUMMER 2026

    Dorsetmums has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this site and does not accept liability for any errors or omission. 

  2. Summer and sunflowers go hand in hand and there’s not many sights that are as stunning as a sea of huge bright yellow flowers. Sunflowers typically bloom later in July and August, however the specific timing will vary depending on the growing weather conditions.

    To see where in Dorset you can journey on a sunflower trail in 2026, or visit to pick your own, please see below.

    Unsplash Sunflower allyson-beaucourt-8bEMXJ_NwF4-unsplash

     

    DORSET SUNFLOWER TRAIL

    Info: The Dorset Sunflower Trail raises money for the Dorchester County Hospital Emergency and Critical Care Unit.

    Enjoy a leisurely walk through the stunning sunflower fields which takes approximately 30 minutes or head on the accessible trail which is shorter and ideal for those with mobility requirements.  During the open period there will also be special events including sundowner sessions with live music, a licensed bar and sunset views over the sunflowers.  Visitors can also purchase fresh bunches of sunflowers and gifts, plus fresh produce from the café.

    Open date: Wednesday 5th August 2026
    Cost: £6 per person, under 5’s are free
    Address: Maiden Castle Farm, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9PR
    Website: Maiden Castle Farm

     

    SUNFLOWER SAUNTER AT COPPET HILL

    Info: Meander through acres of sunflowers and take in the impressive countryside views.  While you’re there, you can enjoy lunch, a drink and treat from the tea room. 

    Open date: Friday 24th July 2026
    Cost: £5 for adults, under 16's are free
    Address: Purcombe Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6RL
    Website: Coppet Hill Sunflowers

     

    NORTH FARM

    Info: North Farm have only recently starting growing sunflowers and it’s proved to be a very popular farm to visit.  You can view the spectacular fields and pick your own, plus there’s a catering van for refreshments on busy days.  

    Open date: Mid July 2026
    Cost: Free entry, PYO is £1 per stem
    Address: North Farm, Horton Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7HL
    Facebook: North Farm Sunflowers, Sweetcorn & Pumpkins

     

    SOPLEY FARM

    Info: Pick your own sunflowers, flowers and fruit are available at Sopley Farm, plus there’s a farm shop and baked goods to purchase in the bakery.

    Open date: June 2026
    Cost: Free entry, pay for what you pick
    Address: Sopley Farm, Sopley, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 7AZ
    Website: Dan Tanners

     

    GULLIVERS FARM SHOP SUNFLOWER PYO

    Info: You’re free to walk through the field at your own pace, choosing and picking your own sunflowers to take home.  Children can also enjoy crafts and follow the nature trail.

    Open date: Saturday 1st August 2026
    Costs: Free entry, pay for what you pick
    Address: Gullivers Farm Shop, Station Road, West Moors, Dorset, BH22 0JG
    Website: Gullivers Farm Shop

     

    Need more ideas for the summer?

    PYO Fruit Farms

    Events & Info

    Summer Holiday Events

    Car Boot Sales

    Summer Fireworks Displays

    Attractions & Places to Visit

    Soft Plays & Play Cafes

    Free & Low Cost Places to go with Kids

    Pubs with Play Parks

    Splash Parks & Paddling Pools

    Unsplash Sunflower allyson-beaucourt-8bEMXJ_NwF4-unsplash 

    Dorsetmums has made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this site and does not accept liability for any errors or omission.  Please also note that an farm or attraction may close at any time and you should consider contacting before travelling.