Looking for the ultimate family photo backdrop?
Then you’ll be delighted to hear that Aladdin has flown in to Fordingbridge on his magic carpet and created an enchanted maize maze that leads to a field of thousands of sunflowers in a riot of golden yellows.
The rug-steering adventurer has brought camels, snakes, Princess Yasmeena and his trusty friend, the magnificent and spellbinding Genie, so as well following the path to the centre of the lamp where kids can clamber over giant snakes, visit Aladdin’s cave and the carpet bazaar, the whole family can mellow out in the lovely Sunflower Picking Patch.
Spanning four acres and packed with more than 30,000 of the big, blousy blooms – nine varieties in total – it’s a perfect family snapshot location.
Entertaining activities also include hands-on crafts, games and a bee-themed nature trail where humming can be heard and monitored in specially-created wildflower borders.
Suzanne Hennekens, director of the Picking Patch says: “Our events have a sound which is a mixture of birdsong, the gentle rustle of the maize, buzzing of bees and children’s laughter.”

Varying the theme annually lets the family-run business – established in 2018 and voted one of the Top Five Sunflower attractions in Hampshire – retain an element of surprise for visitors and its unique site in the heart of the New Forest with the maze and ‘pick your own sunflowers’ makes it a memorable day out for all ages.
“It strives to connect with the visitors,” said director Niall Smith.
“Our goal is to create outdoor events where people can meet, enjoy themselves in nature and have an exciting time with their families and friends.”
The Picking Patch Fordingbridge is situated beside the A338 near Bickton and is open until August 29.
Book at pickingpatch.com.