Visiting Lavender fields in the UK has become a popular activity during June and July. There are lavender farms all over the UK in England Scotland and Wales. Read on to discover where to find the lavender fields in the UK and when to visit.
A wander through a lavender field is an assault on the senses. The sight of rows of billowing purple disappearing into a hazy horizon takes the breath away and so does the fragrance.
Lavender fields have been calling me ever since I clapped eyes on some gorgeous images of lavender fields in Provence, France. Row upon row of purple haze paled into the horizon on a misty summer’s dawn. I was instantly enchanted and knew I’d have to see these lavender fields for myself one day.
But did you know you don’t actually have to get yourself to Provence to see them? There are plenty of lavender fields in England and the UK. Visiting a UK lavender farm should definitely be on your list of summer things to do in the UK or part of your UK staycation.
Lavender fields in the UK 2024
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Imagine strolling through a field of lavender as you’re enveloped by the aromatic scent that permeates the air. You’re surrounded by the gentle buzzing of happy little bees bumbling away in their sweet little world. If you want to soothe your soul then a walk through a lavender field is the way to do it.
Read on for my list of the best lavender fields in the UK with all the information you need to help plan your visit. So, be ready to make a bee-line to a lavender farm near you – happy lavendering.
When is the best time to visit lavender fields near me?
If you want to wander through a lavender field in England you’ll need to know when this fragrant plant blooms. Lavender season is variable and can last from mid-June until mid-August depending on the year’s weather.
If the weather is warmer earlier in the year, the season will start earlier and finish earlier. Likewise, if the weather’s cooler the lavender will take longer to bloom. The lavender season can be in the UK due to the cool, wet weather. However, during a normal British summer, if there is such a thing, the lavender should be at its best from the beginning to mid-July.
Each Lavender Farm has a different schedule depending on when they harvest the lavender so visiting times will be different for each of them. Also, the visiting season varies between each one with some finishing mid-July and others staying open until the end of August and even up to September.
You should check with each farm before you go and find out how the lavender is looking, especially if you want to capture some perfect lavender field photos. Maybe take a look at their Facebook page which will usually have up-to-date photos of how the fields are looking.
Where to find the best lavender fields in the UK?
There are lavender fields sprouting up all over the UK and a visit to one is good for the soul. I’ve listed all the farms I could find below and more seem to be appearing annually. Hopefully, there’s a lavender farm near you so you can visit your own piece of purple paradise.
Many lavender farms have facilities like cafés, shops and play areas in addition to the lavender fields themselves. Some allow you to take food and have special picnic areas amid the lavender so you can make a lovely occasion of your visit.
Check out the lavender farm websites before your visit (details below) because some farms will only allow visitors as part of a tour. Read on for my list of lavender fields in the UK…
Lavender Farms in England
Mayfield Lavender Farm, Surrey
I’d never considered that there might be lavender fields near me but after a bit of research discovered that there are many home-grown English lavender fields and one of them is only an hour’s drive from home!
There is a lavender field in Sussex but the aromatic Mayfield Lavender Farm in Surrey is actually nearer to me. If you’re looking for a lavender field in London, Mayfield is the nearest.
The lavender fields at Mayfield Lavender Farm are selfie heaven. There’s a classic British red telephone box in the middle of the field which makes the perfect prop for many a facebook profile pic. The red against the purple looked amazing.
Little gazebos can be rented for private parties amongst the lavender and I believe there’s a Silverstream Caravan parked up in the lavender field.
There’s a café at the lavender farm and a shop selling everything lavender from fresh posies to organic essential oil, soap, lotions and even lavender tea. The smell of the posies inside is almost overpowering. The family run Mayfield lavender farm produces organic lavender.
Address: Mayfield Lavender Farm – Croydon Lane, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 3BE – about fifteen miles from London.
Getting there: This is the nearest lavender farm to London. The fastest route is to take a train from London Victoria to Sutton or Cheam (30-minutes) and then it’s a 10-minute cab to the farm.
Drivers should use SatNav postcode SM7 3JA. Parking is free to visitors who have paid the entry fee although it is limited.
For more information check the Mayfield Lavender Farm website
If you like visiting flower farms you might want to check out the Grinter Farms sunflower fields or the best Bluebell Woods in Sussex
Norfolk Lavender
Norfolk Lavender Farm was founded in 1932 and cultivates over 100 acres of lavender on private land on the Sandringham Estate. There is also an oil distillery and children’s animal farm.
Address: Caley Mill, Lynn Road, Heacham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 7JE.
Getting there: Norfolk Lavender is on the main A149 road just 3 miles south of Hunstanton, Follow the brown tourist signs.
Castle Farm Lavender, Kent
Another lavender field near me is Castle Farm in Kent. Tickets go on sale in late June and this year there’s a choice of three events – Lavender Walk Field Access, Lavender Picnics and Guided Lavender Tours.
Tickets for these lavender fields in Kent do not go on sale earlier than this because the flowering date of the lavender can vary depending on the weather in early summer.
Please note that visiting Castle Farm lavender fields is by pre-booked ticket only.
The footpath: Throughout the summer flowering season you can also view the lavender fields from the Darent Valley footpath behind the farm, along from the Lullingstone Visitor Centre. There is no access to the lavender fields but small kiosk sells refreshments and a small selection of goods.
Address: Castle Farm Lavender and The Hop Shop, Castle Farm, Redmans Lane, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 7UB.
For more information visit Castle Farm Lavender and The Hop Shop website
Lordington Lavender, Chichester
Lordington Lavender farm grows 4 acres of Mailette lavender to produce high quality essential oil. Conservation of habitat and the environment is paramount to them and no fertilizers or pesticides are used.
The farm has become a haven for wildlife. Red listed species of birds can sometimes be seen including skylarks and barn owls.
Address: Lordington Lavender, Chichester, Lordington Farm, Lordington, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 9DX.
For more information visit Lordington Lavender, Chichester website
Hitchen Lavender Farm, Hertfordshire
Hitchin lavender field sits 35 miles north of London outside the small market town of Hitchin on a rolling south facing hill with views across the Hertfordshire countryside.
Sunflowers are cultivated on the eastern side of the farm and these flower around mid-August depending on the weather.
Address: Hitchin Lavender – Cadwell Farm, Ickleford, Hitchin Herts, SG5 3UA.
For more information visit Hitchin Lavender website
Read more about Hitchen Lavender, and their sunflower fields, on Biggsy Travels.
Somerset Lavender Farm
Somerset Lavender Farm is located just south of Bath in Somerset. There are two lavender fields spread over five acres pack with over 50,000 lavender plants. Another five acres have recently been planted.
The lavender gardens showcase 20 different varieties of lavender plants. There is also a rose arbour and a healing garden packed with herbs and a camomile seat. A 6.5 acre field of sunflowers is expected to bloom in early August
Address: Somerset Lavender Farm – Horsepond Farm, Faulkland, Somerset BA3 5WA.
For more information visit the Somerset Lavender Farm website
Cotswold Lavender, Worcestorshire
Colswold lavender fields are located just 2 miles south of the Cotswold town of Broadway. Hill Barn lavender farm is a working farm and its sweeping lavenders fields stretch for over 70 acres.
Location: Cotswold Lavender – Hill Barn Farm, Snowshill, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7JY.
For more information visit the Cotswold Lavender website
By car Cotswold Lavender is not far from the National Trust Property Snowshill Manor. Follow the brown Snowshill Lavender tourist signs.
If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds you might light to explore the Cotswolds prettiest towns and villages.
Full day tour of the Cotswolds from London – check prices and availability
The Lavender Fields, Hampshire
Set in the heart of the Hampshire countryside, the field is a local landmark managed by fourth generation farmers. English lavender was introduced to the farm back in 1999. Along with the lavender fields is a beautiful wild flower meadow of approximately half an acre.
Location: The Lavender Fields, Hampshire – Hartley Park Farm Business Centre, Selborne Rd, Alton GU34 3HS.
For more information visit The Lavender Fields, Hampshire website
Yorkshire Lavender
This family run, hillside farm, offers 60 acres of sweet smelling lavender, a lavender maze and specialist plant nursery. It’s just 14 miles from York, and three miles west from Castle Howard so visit all three and make a weekend of it. Be sue to try the lavender infused scones and ice cream at EJ’s Tea Room.
Location: The Yorkshire Lavender Farm, Terrington, York, YO60 6PB.
For more information visit Yorkshire Lavender website
World’s Way Lavender, Yorkshire
This working Lavender Farm is set on the edge of the Beautiful Yorkshire Wolds. Over one hundred varieties of Lavender are cultivated throughout the 12-acre site. The Lavender flowers from July through to September. Lavender in the outer fields are grown for extracting oils in the farms distillery. Raised beds mean the lavender is accessible for all to enjoy.
Address: World’s Way Lavender, Wintringham, York, YO17 8HW.
For more information visit the World’s Way Lavender website
Cornish Lavender
Cornish Lavender is one of the best places to see lavender in England’s south west.
Unusally, this lavender farm sits on the coast about 25 miles north of St Ives. The area enjoys a temperate climate and the farm grows hardy species of lavender which grow well by the sea.
After wandering through the beautiful Cornish lavender fields enjoy a cream tea with lavender scones and shortbread in the tea rooms or take part in one of the many workshops available.
The gift shop sells home produced essential oils and candles infused with lavender oil. You can also buy bunches of dried lavender to fill your home with the gloroious scent of lavender once you get home.
Address: Cornish Lavender, Great Carnbargus Farm, Perranporth, Cornwall TR6 OJG
Visit the Cornish Lavender Website for more details.
Lavender Fields in Wales
Welsh Lavender
The farm has stunning views across Mynydd Epynt, is open year round but note the lavender is not in bloom until July and is harvested in August. Visitors are welcome to walk in the lavender fields and notes are available for self-guided tours. There’s a pond on the site which is popular with wild swimmers.
Distillation begins in late July and lasts until mid-August.
Address: Welsh Lavender – Cefnperfedd Uchaf, Maesmynis, Builth Wells, Powys, Wales LD2 3HU.
For more information visit the Welsh Lavender website
Lavender Fields in Scotland
Tarhill Farm, Kinross
Tarhill lavender farm is the biggest in Scotland and grows seven different varieties of lavender, including Folgate and Grosso. It’s located along the banks of Loch Leven Nature Reserve and is a sustainable farm.
You’ll find extra bees at Tarhill too because it also has honey bee hives to help with pollination. 100,000 very happy bumble bees at the farm makes for an extra special buzz! You can also book a tour of the distillery.
Location: Scottish Lavender Oils Ltd, Tarhill Farm, Kinross, KY13 9EZ.
For more information visit Tarhill lavender farm website
Have you visited a fragrant field of lavender? If not you should, it’s a wonderful experience and makes for a lovely day out if you take a picnic.
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Suzanne Jones is a full-time travel blogger and writer at The Travelbunny website which she started in 2011 during her time as a professional travel planner. This serial traveller enjoys exploring new destinations, culinary encounters and the outdoors. When she’s not indulging her wanderlust or writing about her adventures you’ll most likely find Suzanne, camera in hand, enjoying coastal walks on England’s South Coast.
Suzanne also runs Hello Sussex a website which showcases the best of East & West Sussex. Read more about Suzanne here…
helen angove
Saturday 3rd of August 2019
Phacelia is grown in fields in Cornwall and that is beautiful too. Same colour as Lavender and grown as a pollinator mix for bees and a green fertilizer too. We grew it for the first time this year at The Woodland Collection and will definitely be growing it every year from now on.
Suzanne Jones
Saturday 3rd of August 2019
The bees love both so that's good too!
Natalia
Friday 17th of August 2018
Oh what a wonderful pictures. The phone box in the middle of the lavender fields is just amazing. Love it!
Suzanne Jones
Sunday 19th of August 2018
It's such a pop of colour amongst the lavender and totally unexpected! I need to go back :)
A Lady in London
Monday 3rd of October 2016
Wow, this looks so amazing! I had no idea how many places there were in the UK to see lavender. Thanks for the list!
Suzanne Jones
Monday 3rd of October 2016
The fields are beautiful - a visit to see them is good for the soul!
Garth
Thursday 29th of September 2016
Lovely aren't they ? We went to one this year in the Cotswolds so picturesque!
Suzanne Jones
Friday 30th of September 2016
I think it's going to be an annual event for us now!
Becky Padmore
Wednesday 21st of September 2016
Oh wow, I didn't know about these thanks for letting us know where they are! I will be heading out with my camera soon! :-)
Suzanne Jones
Thursday 22nd of September 2016
They are so photogenic but you'll have to wait until next year - the season's over now.