Dorset Sunflower Trail - one of the best things to do in Dorchester
We will be open every day from Tuesday 28 July - Sunday 16 August 2026 from 11am until last entries at 4pm. Follow our social channels for any later opening times.
Every summer, we open the gates to our sunflower fields in Dorset’s county town of Dorchester for a few weeks of adventure, colour and fun. There’s nothing quite like a field of sunflowers in the middle of summer to put a smile on your face!
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Thank you to everyone who visited in 2025 - you helped raise a fantastic £15,100 for Dorset County Hospital Emergency and Critical Care Unit.
We were so proud to be part of The One Show on 28 August 2025, sharing the incredible work that the hospital does. Please watch the 4 minute clip below and consider making a donation to support this vital unit.
Me and my family visited yesterday and they are memories we shall cherish forever and never forget.
The most beautiful sight! I was lost for words x
Rachel Goddard
Our theme for 2026 is Love the Buzz
From the excitement of visiting the trail, to the bees enjoying the flowers and the buzz of raising money for our local hospital, this year's theme celebrates everything we love about Dorset Sunflower Trail.
Plan your day
- Booking your tickets isn’t essential, but we recommend it to guarantee your spot during busy times
- Only £6 entry per person (under 5s are free)
- Our sundowner sessions feature live music and a licensed bar. They take place every Thursday evening from 30 July (weather dependent)
- Free parking is available on site - enter ‘Dorset Sunflower Trail’ into your sat nav
- Please note that dogs are not permitted
Two sunflower trails, endless memories
- The shorter sunflower trail (around 10 minutes) is accessible for prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs (weather permitting), but please note that it is an earth track with some stones, so is not perfectly flat
- The longer sunflower trail takes about 30 minutes and is ideal if you want to really stretch your legs and see as many sunflowers as possible!
- You’re welcome to do both trails and to stay as long as you like
One of the most scenic places to visit in Dorset
There are plenty of photo spots along the way, so don’t forget your camera and to share your adventure on social media. We love to see your posts too, so please tag us in!
An affordable day out in Dorset for a great cause
We believe in keeping things simple and affordable. Entry is only £6 per person and under 5s are free, with a large proportion of all proceeds going directly to Dorset County Hospital Emergency and Critical Care Unit.
One of the best things to see in Dorchester, Dorset
Whether you’re a local or visiting from further afield, Dorset Sunflower Trail is one of the most joyful things to do near Dorchester. It’s a must for anyone looking for somewhere picturesque to visit in Dorset with family or friends.
Explore the most colourful Dorchester attraction
With over 900,000 sunflower seeds sown in 2026, this year’s display promises vibrant bursts of colour at every turn!
Really enjoyed our visit to the sunflower trail, very well organised and a great way to spend the afternoon. The sunflowers are spectacular and really make you smile, not to mention all the busy bees and butterflies too!
Natalie Philipps
One of the best places to go in Dorset
Dorset Sunflower Trail is all about making happy memories and enjoying the wellbeing boost that comes from being outdoors. Kids can run among the blooms, couples can stroll hand-in-hand and everyone can take home a little sunshine - along with a bunch of sunflowers or a bee-themed gift from our Sunshine Shack!
We love seeing families, friends and visitors of all ages enjoying the fields. There’s something magical about sunflowers that brings people together.
Relax and refuel
After your walk, treat yourself to something tasty from our Cafe on Wheels (CoW) that serves a range of refreshments and snacks. You can then sit, relax and soak up the atmosphere.
New for 2026, there will be traditional wooden family games available, including hoopla and noughts & crosses, handcrafted by Dorchester Timber, for children (and grown-ups) to enjoy playing!
There are several toilets, including disabled toilets that can be used for baby changing, so you can relax and enjoy your visit.
In our Sunshine Shack shop you’ll find lots of fabulous sunflower and bee-themed goodies. And we’ve also created a tent packed with fascinating facts about bees and their vital role in nature.
Sundowner sessions and special events
Check out our Thursday evening Sundowner sessions starting on 30 July, when we open from 6.30-9.30pm. There will be live music, a licensed bar and (hopefully) magical sunset views over the sunflowers. These sessions are weather dependent - booking will open nearer the time and will be announced via our email newsletter, Instagram and Facebook.
We will also be running Sunflower Yoga and Soundbath Yoga sessions - dates to be confirmed.
Photo competition
We will be running a photo competition again this year and hope to also re-run the children's art competition to win fabulous prizes!
Last year's photo competition winners were Richard Hall, Sarah Pikarski and Jordan Summers with these spectacular photos!
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We also run special activities for local groups, including runners and artists, so there’s always something new to discover.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Dorset Sunflower Trail be open in 2026?
We will be open every day from Tuesday 28 July - Sunday 16 August 2026 from 11am until last entries at 4pm. Book your tickets online and follow our social channels for any later opening times.
How much does it cost to visit?
Entry is only £6 per person, with under 5s going free. A large proportion of all proceeds will be donated to Dorset County Hospital Emergency and Critical Care Unit.
Do I need to book in advance?
Booking your tickets isn’t essential, but we recommend doing so to guarantee entry, especially during busy periods.
Is the trail suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
Yes, the shorter trail is flat in order to be suitable for prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs. However, it is an earth track with some stones, and how easy it is to navigate will depend on the weather.
Are dogs allowed?
Unfortunately we cannot let dogs in the Sunflower Field. Dogs are allowed on the Maiden Castle Hill Fort nearby. Registered disability assistance dogs are the only animals allowed onto the Sunflower Trail.
What facilities are available?
We have toilets, including disabled that can be used for baby changing, a Cafe on Wheels for refreshments and the Sunshine Shack for gifts and sunflower bunches.
Can I bring a picnic?
You are welcome to bring a picnic that can be enjoyed on one of our picnic tables.
Can I pick sunflowers?
You can’t pick them yourself, but you can buy freshly-cut sunflower bunches to take home from the Sunshine Shack.
Is there parking?
Yes, plenty of free parking is available on site.
How do I get to the Dorset Sunflower Trail?
We're just outside Dorchester - enter ‘Dorset Sunflower Trail’ into your sat nav.
What happens if it rains?
The trail is open in most weathers, but please wear suitable footwear as the ground can get muddy during and after rain.
Can I fly my drone over the Sunflower Trail?
Drones are not permitted over the Sunflower Trail without prior permission.
Can I take photos on the Sunflower Trail?
Yes of course, the Sunflower Trail is an amazing place to take beautiful pictures of your family and friends. You could even get the chance to photograph the bees and butterflies. However professional photographers who will profit from their photographs must contact us to pre-register.
What other tourist attractions are there in Dorchester and Dorset?
To find more things to do in Dorchester and across Dorset, take a look at Discover Dorchester and Visit Dorset.
Feedback
If you would like to leave us any feedback, please contact us on social media or using the enquiry form below.
We'd also be hugely grateful if you could leave us a Google review or Tripadvisor review as it helps more people discover us and supports our efforts to raise additional funds for our charity.
