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.

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.

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.

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!

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: TBC
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: TBC
Cost: TBC
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: TBC
Cost: Free, only pay for what you pick
Address: Gorcombe Farm, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 9AG
Facebook: Pick a Sunflower Pumpkin at Gorcombe

 

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 dates: 22nd August - 1st September 2024
Costs: Various prices for activities
Address: Bickton Manor Farm, Fordingbridge, SP6 2HA
More info: 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: TBC for sunflowers
Cost: Free entry, only pay for what you pick
Address: Sopley Farm, Sopley, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 7AZ
More info: 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: TBC for sunflowers
Cost: Free entry, only pay for what you pick
Address: Cat & Fiddle Farm, Lyndhurst Road, Hinton, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 7DS
More info: Dan Tanners

 

FARMER PALMERS SUNFLOWER TRAIL - 2024 DETAILS TBC

Need more ideas for the summer?

PYO Fruit Farms

Car Boot Sales

Summer Fireworks Displays

Food, Music & Fun Summer Festivals

Free & Low Cost Places to go with Kids

Pubs with Play Parks

Splash Parks & Paddling Pools

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.