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  1. Alexandra Park is a wonderful haven in the middle of Parkstone in Poole with pathways to explore, mature trees and wild flowers, an enclosed play park and the recently re-opened café.

    ALEXANDRA PARK POOLE BLOG COLLAGE 1

    We popped into the café to check out the menu and my daughter talked me into ordering her a toasted sandwich and a kids hot chocolate which were both very nice.  The café is lovely and spacious with indoor and outdoor seating.  There is also a front lawn and gardens which are still in working progress but once matured it will look lovely I’m sure.  We especially enjoyed looking in the raised beds which had veggies, herbs and huge poppies growing!

    The café menu is varied with sandwiches and toasties, jacket potatoes and vegan options.  You can also buy ice creams, drinks, cakes and treats.  The staff were really lovely and we were made to feel most welcome.

    ALEXANDRA PARK POOLE BLOG COLLAGE 3

    After visiting the café we went for a stroll around the park spotting plenty of squirrels and blackberry bushes growing before heading to the play area.  The park is enclosed with the exception of a zip line, bucket swing and ball court which is all located nearby.  Within the park you’ll find climbing frames with slides, (one low level for younger children and one for older children), swings, a ground level roundabout, spring rockers, spinner and wooden balance equipment up on the grassy area.  A couple of benches can be found within the play area and there’s more outside the enclosed area too.

    ALEXANDRA PARK POOLE BLOG COLLAGE 2

    There are areas within the park which are reverting back to a more natural meadow.  Since the 1930’s about 97% of our native meadows have been lost.  The grass will be allowed to grow long so they can see which plant species are present and this should provide an ideal habitat for lots of wildlife.

    Good to know:

    • Free parking can be found on the side streets which include Alexandra Road and Palmeston Road.  Please check for any parking restrictions though.

    • There are toilets located within the café.

    • There are numerous free nature based activities running through the year in term time and the holidays.  For more information, please visit The Parks Foundation.

    • Watch out for café events which include summer BBQ’s.  To keep up to date with news, please see Alexandra Park Café on Facebook.

    Need more ideas for things to do in Poole?  You’ll find lots on our list of 50 Things to do in Poole with Kids!

    ALEXANDRA PARK POOLE BLOG COLLAGE 1

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


    DORSET SUNFLOWER TRAIL (DORCHESTER)

    The Dorset Sunflower Trail is back and this year they are raising money for Dorset County Hospital Charity’s Emergency and Critical Care Appeal.

    Enjoy a leisurely walk through the stunning sunflower fields which takes approximately 40 minutes or head on the accessible trail which is shorter and available for those with mobility requirements.  During the open period there will also be special events including sundowner sessions, story time in the sunflowers and a charity run.  Visitors can also purchase fresh bunches of sunflowers and gifts plus fresh produce from the café.

    Open date: 9th August 2024
    Cost: £5 per person, under 5’s are free
    Address: Maiden Castle Farm, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 9PR
    Website: Maiden Castle Farm

     

    SUNFLOWER SAUNTER AT COPPET HILL (BRIDPORT)

    Meander through 6 acres of sunflowers and enjoy a cup of tea, locally made cake and ice cream in the Purcombe Barn.

    Open date: Thursday 25th July 2024
    Cost: £5 for adults, under 16's go free
    Address: Purcombe Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6RL
    Website: Coppet Hill Sunflowers

     

    SUNFLOWERS AT BLANDFORD

    Families can enjoy the 1 acre sunflower trail and pick your own sunflowers.  Refreshments and ice creams are also available to purchase.

    Open date: 3rd August 2024
    Cost: Free entry, just pay for what you pick
    Address: Littleton Drove, Blandford Saint Mary, Dorset, DT11 9AE
    Facebook: Sunflowers at Blandford

     

    GORCOMBE FARM (BLANDFORD FORUM)

    Stroll through the sunflower field enjoying nature and taking photos.  If you’re thirsty or peckish after your walk then you can head to The Happy Farmer Café for coffee, cake or lunch.

    Open from: 10th August 2024
    Cost: Free entry, only pay for what you pick
    Address: Gorcombe Farm, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9AG
    Facebook: Pick a Sunflower Pumpkin at Gorcombe

     

    NORTH FARM  (HORTON)

    This is the first year that North Farm have grown sunflowers and there’s plenty there ready for you to pick.  You are welcome to explore the field, take photographs and bring a picnic if you wish.  Secateurs can be provided to help cut sunflowers or do please bring your own.

    Open date: 27th July 2024
    Cost: Free entry, only pay for what you pick (cash only)
    Address: North Farm, Horton Road, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 7HL
    Facebook: North Farm Sunflowers, Sweetcorn & Pumpkins

     

    PICKING PATCH (FORDINGBRIDGE)

    9 varieties of sunflowers are grown over several acres at the Picking Patch.  Sessions can be booked for the PYO, arts & crafts, escape room, graffiti area, barrel train, games area and puzzle maize maze.  Buy a coffee, hot food, and snacks onsite or bring your own and use the picnic pods.

    Open date: 22nd August 2024
    Costs: Various prices for activities
    Address: Bickton Manor Farm, Fordingbridge, SP6 2HA
    Website: Picking Patch

     

    SOPLEY FARM (CHRISTCHURCH)

    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: July 2024
    Cost: Free entry, only pay for what you pick
    Address: Sopley Farm, Sopley, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 7AZ
    Website: Dan Tanners

     

    CAT & FIDDLE FARM (CHRISTCHURCH)

    The Cat & Fiddle Farm always has a wondrous sea of sunflowers in the field to pick plus other flowers, fruit and veg.  There’s also a farm shop on site and cafe.

    Open date: July 2024
    Cost: Free entry, only pay for what you pick
    Address: Cat & Fiddle Farm, Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 7DS
    More info: Dan Tanners


    Need more ideas for the summer?

     

    PYO Fruit Farms

    Car Boot Sales

    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 event or venue may cancel or close at any time and you should consider contacting before travelling.