Dorset Sunflower Trail

Discover the Magic of Maiden Castle Farm’s Dorset Sunflower Trail 2026

Visit Maiden Castle Farm this summer for an uplifting outdoor family experience at the Dorset Sunflower Trail, a vibrant event raising funds for the Dorset County Hospital Charity’s Emergency and Critical Care Unit.

The Dorset Sunflower Trail will be open every day from Tuesday 28 July to Sunday 16 August 2026, welcoming visitors from 11am, with last entry at 4pm. Any extended opening times will be announced on the trail’s social media channels.

Every summer, the gates open to the sunflower fields on the outskirts of Dorchester, just eight miles from central Weymouth, for a few weeks of colour, adventure and family fun. A stroll through the vibrant sunflower fields is a quintessential summer experience and a wonderful way to brighten the day.

Love the Buzz

The theme for the 2026 Dorset Sunflower Trail is Love the Buzz.

From the excitement of exploring the trails, to the bees enjoying the flowers and the buzz of raising money for Dorset County Hospital, this year’s theme celebrates everything people love about the Dorset Sunflower Trail.

Plan Your Visit

Booking in advance isn’t essential, but it is recommended during busy periods to guarantee entry.

Admission is £6 per person, with under 5s visiting free.

The popular Sundowner Sessions take place every Thursday evening from 30 July (weather dependent), featuring live music and a licensed bar.

Free parking is available on site. Visitors can simply enter “Dorset Sunflower Trail” into their sat nav.

Please note that dogs are not permitted.

Two Sunflower Trails to Explore

Visitors can choose from two beautiful sunflower trails.

The shorter trail, which takes around 10 minutes, is suitable for prams, pushchairs and wheelchairs (weather permitting). As it follows an earth track with some stones, the surface is not completely flat.

The longer trail takes around 30 minutes and is perfect for anyone wanting to stretch their legs while enjoying as many sunflowers as possible.

Guests are welcome to explore both trails and stay for as long as they wish.

One of Dorset’s Most Scenic Days Out

With plenty of dedicated photo opportunities along the route, the Dorset Sunflower Trail is an ideal place to capture colourful summer memories. Visitors are encouraged to bring a camera and share their photos on social media, tagging the Dorset Sunflower Trail so the team can see their adventures.

An Affordable Day Out Supporting a Great Cause

The Dorset Sunflower Trail offers an affordable family day out, with admission priced at just £6 per person and free entry for children under five.

A large proportion of all proceeds is donated directly to the Dorset County Hospital Emergency and Critical Care Unit, helping support vital local healthcare services.

A Colourful Attraction Near Weymouth

Whether visiting from nearby or further afield, the Dorset Sunflower Trail offers a memorable day out just up the road from Weymouth. It’s an ideal destination for families, friends and anyone looking to enjoy one of Dorset’s most colourful seasonal attractions.

Over 900,000 Sunflowers

More than 900,000 sunflower seeds have been sown for the 2026 season, creating a spectacular display of colour that promises stunning views throughout the trails.