This summer the National Trust are encouraging families to play together, be active and get creative outside with a whole host of activities and games. Each National Trust place offers something different, so why not plan a few days out during the summer holidays? From outdoor theatre performances to bushcraft workshops, there are loads of special events to enjoy at National Trust places in Dorset this summer.
BCP Areas:
9am-5pm
Christchurch – Sopley Farm, BH23 7AZ.
Free entry, only pay what you pick.
8am-6pm
Wimborne – North Farm, Horton Road, BH21 7HL.
Brand new sunflower field in Wimborne.
Free entry, only pay what you pick (cash only). Dogs on lead welcome.
Surrounding Areas:
Fordingbridge – Bickton Manor Farm, SP6 2HA.
Picking Patch – PYO, escape room, arts & crafts, barrel train, graffiti area, games area and a puzzle maize maze.
Various prices for activities please check their FB page.
9.30am-5.30pm
Bridport – Purcombe Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum, DT6 6RL.
Sunflower Saunter at Coppet Hill – A kilometre of pathways through the West Dorset sunflower field.
£5 for adults – Under 16’s go free. Dogs on lead welcome.
(Wednesday-Sundays) – 10am-4pm
Blandford – Littleton Drove, Blandford Saint Mary, DT11 9AE
Sunflowers at Blandford – 1 acre sunflower trail and pick your own sunflowers.
Free entry, just pay what you pick. Dog friendly.
Open from 10 August 2025
Blandford Forum – Gorcombe Farm, DT11 9AG
Check out the sunflower field and meet the 3 Pygmy goats.
Free entry, only pay what you pick.
11am-4pm
Dorchester – Maiden Castle Farm, DT2 9PR
Dorset Sunflower Trail has a main & a shorter accessible trail, story time, a charity run plus sundowner sessions.
£5 per person – Under 5’s are free.
There are plenty of trails to discover and explore at Moors Valley Country Park and Forest.
Play Trail – You can wriggle through giant snakes in the ‘Snake Pit’, attempt the ‘Crocodile Crossing’ and balance on the fallen forest of ‘Timber’.
Trail Length – 1 mile.
Accessibility – Suitable for pushchairs.
Music Trail – Discover our lakeside Music Trail. At each station you’ll find a musical or percussion instrument, each beautifully tuned to produce a soft ambient sound.
Accessible for all ages and abilities.
Tree Top Trail – Halfway along the Play Trail, there is the option to divert onto the Tree Top Trail. The wooden walkway takes you up amongst the trees and allows you to get a real bird’s eye view of the Forest.
Trail Height & Length – 5 metre high and 200 metre long
Accessibility – Not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs however, there is a connecting path from start to finish.
*Brand New for 2025* Stick Man Trail – Pick up your Stick Man Activity Pack for £4 from the Information Point at the Visitor Centre.
Trail Length – 1.9km – The trail starts at the Totem Pole.
Accessibility – Mostly level gravel surface, suitable for pushchairs
Age – This trail is aimed at families with children aged 3-9, but can be enjoyed by all
Forest Walkies with Wallace and Gromit – until October 2025
Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company.
Get your Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit pack £5 from the Visitor Centre.
Includes a tote bag, a bandana for your dog and a pencil and activity leaflet to complete on the trail.
Date: 24 July – 2 September Time: 10am-4pm
Family Activity Trail – Walking with the Elementals
Faery’s, Gnomes, Elves, Pixies & Mermaid Doors & Houses will be along the trail, you might even catch a glimpse of a Dragon door when walking round!
£6 per trail sheet & prize to be collected from ‘Rock & Rose’ (near the Education Centre).
31 July 10am-3pm – Community Wildlife Adventure Day! – more info here.
29th July onwards
Join us for our Festivals themed trail in the Minster.
30th July onwards on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings between 10.30am-1pm
Fun in the Forest Garden
30th July – 21st August every Wednesday 1-3pm
Cream Teas, Games and Crafts in the Minster
10th August 1-am-12pm
Garden Games, Crafts and Ice cream on the Green outside the Minster.
More events to follow.
