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 they are plus how and when to visit these fragrant fields.
Lavender fields in the UK
Updated June 2021
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.
Lavender fields have been calling me ever since I clapped eyes on a gorgeous photo of a lavender farm 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 France 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
Contents
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 farm is the way to do it.
Read on for my list of lavender fields in the UK with all the information you need to help plan your visit and make a bee-line to a lavender farm near you. Happy lavendering.
Bees bumbling away in lavender UK
When is the best time to visit lavender fields in the UK?
If you want to wander through an English lavender field 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 in the UK is late in 2021 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 that perfect lavender field photo. Maybe take a look at their Facebook page which will usually have up-to-date photos of how the fields are looking.
A picker in the lavender fields, England
Where are 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 UK lavender fields…
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. Mayfield is also the nearest lavender field to London.
Mayfield Lavender Farm, UK
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.
Location: Mayfield Lavender Farm – Croydon Lane, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 3BE – about fifteen miles from London.
Opening Hours: The farm is now open every day from 9am to 6pm (including Sundays) 01 June until 31 August 2021. (Last entry for cars is 5.45pm).
Entry Fee: Entry is £4 per person. FREE entry for Children 16 years and under. Advance booking is not required but the car park operates on a first come first serve basis. It can get busy at the weekends so weekdays are best.
Facilities: There is a gift shop and café. Mayfield are adjusting to the relaxation of the lockdown rules and will be operating with new social distancing measures in place for the shop and café. There are tractor rides and a small red train.
Other Information:
- No picnics are permitted on the lavender farm
- No drones are allowed
- Dogs are allowed but must be on a lead at all times
- Charges for professional photographers and photo shoots
Getting there: From 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.
Dried lavender from Mayfield Lavender Farm
If you like lavender farms you might want to check out the best Bluebell Woods in Sussex
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.
Location: The Lavender Fields, Hampshire – Hartley Park Farm Business Centre, Selborne Rd, Alton GU34 3HS. Tel: +44(0)1420 511 146
Opening Hours: The field – annual open days for 2021 have not yet been advised. Check back for opening times – I’ll update here when the information is available on their website.
Entry Fee: Entry is £3 per adult with under 12’s £1. No booking required.
Facilities: The lavender shop is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00am-16:00pm. The cafe remains closed. Group tours are available on request.
Other Information: Refreshments are available to purchase. Some stalls/activities are subject to an additional cost. Parking is free. No dogs.
Lavender field in the UK
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.
Location: Lordington Lavender, Chichester, Lordington Farm, Lordington, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 9DX.
Opening Hours: These lavender fields in West Sussex are open for one week only each year. For 2021 it’s Saturday 10 July – Sunday 18 July. 10am-4pm (Last entry at 4pm, lavender fields to be cleared by 4.30pm).
Entry Fee: No booking required. £6 entry fee for adults is paid on the gate (bring cash as card payments do not work on the gate. Under 12s go free.
Other Information:
- Some areas are not accessible to wheelchair users.
- Well behaved dogs on leads are welcomed.
Lavender Field UK
Castle Farm Lavender, Kent
Castle Farm – Lavender fields in Kent
Another lavender field near me is Castle Farm. These lavender fields in Kent open on Monday 21st June 2021 for pre-booked lavender walks and lavender picnic events. Access is only via a pre-booked time slot to allow for safe social distancing. Please check Lavender Field Walks for details if you’d like to enjoy the iconic purple fields.
Visiting is by pre-booked ticket only and tickets are released on a rolling ten-day schedule.
Lavender walks: Enjoy 45 minutes strolling through the most famous field. Take photos, enjoy the calming scent and walk to the top of the field to take in the spectacular views of the valley. Don’t forget to take a picture of the iconic bench in the field. £4 per adult, £2.75 per child (12yrs-5yrs), free under 5’s. Each ticket price includes a 25p booking fee.
Lavender picnics: Bring your own picnic and spend two hours enjoying the lovely Ladybird Lavender field planted with over 60,000 Lavender plants. You’ll also find a fancy bench in the field which makes a good photo prop. £11 per adult, £6 per child (12yrs-5yrs), free under 5’s. Each ticket is subject to a 25p booking fee.
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.
Location: Castle Farm Lavender and The Hop Shop, Castle Farm, Redmans Lane, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 7UB.
Opening Hours: Farm shop is open daily all year round, but for the lavender the season is generally late June until the end of July. Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm, Sundays 10am to 5pm.
Entry Fee: To see and learn more about the Lavender you’ll need to take a lavender walk which costs from £7.50 per person (2021 prices are not yet on the website). The walk through the fields takes around 45 minutes. Entry is free to the Lavender viewing area from the lane.
Facilities: The farm shop is open daily all year round, but for the Lavender the season a one-way drive through system is in place. Tuesday – Saturday from 9am – 5pm, Sundays 10am-5pm
Other Info:
The ground is fairly level and suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.
Car Parking on site at Castle Farm will only be provided for pre-booked, ticketed lavender picnic and walk events.
There will be a seasonal public car park on Redmans Lane if you want to just park and view the Lavender from the footpath, or go for a walk along the Valley. Parking £2.50 per vehicle. Park at the Lullingstone Park Visitor Centre if you require picnic facilities and toilets.
Lavender field UK
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.
Location: Norfolk Lavender – Caley Mill, Lynn Road, Heacham, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 7JE.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 10 am – 4 pm.
Entrance Fee: The lavender field on site is free to visit. The animal garden tickets are: Adult: £6.00 and Child (2-16): £5.00.
Facilities: Gift shops, tea room, play areas, animal garden, plant nursery.
Getting there: Norfolk Lavender is on the main A149 road just 3 miles south of Hunstanton, Follow the brown tourist signs.
Lavender Fields Norfolk
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.
Location: Hitchin Lavender – Cadwell Farm, Ickleford, Hitchin Herts, SG5 3UA.
Visiting is by pre-booked ticket only and tickets are released on a weekly basis.
Opening Hours: The farm is open to visitors from Saturday 26 June to Sunday 09 July 2021 from 09:00 – 20:00 hrs.
Entrance Fee: Prices are £6 for adults, £4.50 for children 4 to16 and for disabled people. Under 4s go free. An additional online booking fee applies.
Facilities: You’ll find a field kitchen and a wagon in the lavender field offering a wide choice of hot and cold drinks, savoury snacks, light lunches, cakes and ice creams.
Other Info: Picking is permitted but you’ll need to provide your own scissors. There is a charge of £3 per bag picked. Dogs on leads are welcome although any doggy deposits should be taken away with you.
Getting there: It’s a 30-minute train journey from London Kings Cross to Hitchin; then a 10-minute taxi ride. Parking is free.
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 will be planted in 2021.
A lavender garden showcases 20 different varieties of lavender plants. There is also a rose arbour and a healing garden packed with herbs and a camomile seat.
Location: Somerset Lavender Farm – Horsepond Farm, Faulkland, Somerset BA3 5WA.
Opening Times: 01 May to September 2021, Wednesday – Sunday. 10:00 – 17:00 hrs.
Entry Fee: Entry is free but donations are appreciated.
Accessibility: The lavender garden and farm shop and cafe are all accessible with no steps.
Facilities: Farm shop and on-site café.
Other Info: Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Getting there: Travelling by public transport is lengthy but not impossible bus from Radstock or Frome to Faulkland and a 3 minute walk to the farm. Checkout the timetable at fromebus.co.uk Bus 414 or 424 please note there are NO BUSES on SUNDAYS.
The farm is near the colliers way cycle path – best to take a map and keep it with you. From Wellow it’s about 3 miles.
Cotswold Lavender, Worcestorshire
Cotswold 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 lavender fields stretch for over 140 miles.
Location: Cotswold Lavender – Hill Barn Farm, Snowshill, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7JY.
Opening Times: The fields, shop and tearoom will be open daily 16 June to 05 August 2021. 10:00 – 17:00 hrs. Last entry to the fields at 4.45 p.m.
Entrance Fees: £7 for adults and £3 for children age 5-15 yrs. Under 5’s are free of charge. Tickets to be purchased on arrived. Card payments only. Commercial photographers will need to purchase a licence.
Facilties: Gift shop and tea rooms.
Getting there: The nearest train station is Moreton in Marsh (6 miles). Take a taxi from the station to the farm. (you may want to book a taxi to collect you as they can be in high demand)
By car Cotswold Lavender is not far from the National Trust Property Snowshill Manor. Follow the brown Snowshill Lavender tourist signs.
Full day tour of the Cotswolds from London – check prices and availability
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: Yorkshire Lavender – The Yorkshire Lavender Farm, Terrington, York, YO60 6PB.
Opening times: Daily 01 May – 21 September 2021. 10:00 – 17:00 hrs. The Tea room 10:00 – 16:30 hrs. *Closed from 14:30 on Saturday 28 August for a private function*
Entrance Fees: Adults £6, Children (3-16) £3.50, Concessions and Students £5.50, Family of 4 – £18, Family of 5 – £20. Pre-book your tickets here.
Facilities: Tea room, gift shop, plant nursery, sculpture park and play area.
Getting there: Find detailed directions here, including current road closures.
World’s Way Lavender
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.
Location: World’s Way Lavender, Wintringham, York, YO17 8HW.
Opening Times: The Visitor Centre, Shop, Tea room, Plant sales and Farm are open daily until 26 September 2021. 10:00 – 16:00hrs (July & August 10:00 – 17:00 hrs) Closed on Fridays during term time.
Entry Fees: Adults £6.50-£8, Concessions £6-£7.50, Children (2-16yrs) £5.50-£7, Family ticket (2+2 £21.50-£27) (2+3 £24-£30). Admission includes Parking. *Tickets must be pre-booked online.*
Facilities: Tea room, shop and plant sales area. There is also a narrow guage railway (extra £2)
Other info: Dogs are welcome
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.
Location: Welsh Lavender – Cefnperfedd Uchaf, Maesmynis, Builth Wells, Powys, Wales LD2 3HU. Tel: +44 (0)1982 552467
Opening Times: Open to all visitors, shoppers and wild swimmers year round 11:00 – 16:00 hrs daily. Gates close at 17:00hrs.
Entry Fees: £5 per adult / Over 65s and concessions £3 / Children free
Facilities: Light refreshments available to enjoy on the grounds. Visit the distillery to see how essential oil is distilled. Gift shop
Other info: Well behaved dogs on leads welcome as are picknickers. All are required to take any litter home.
The farm is open most hours of most days throughout the summer and often out of season.
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.
Tickets can be pre-booked here.
Location: Scottish Lavender Oils Ltd, Tarhill Farm, Kinross, KY13 9EZ. Tel: +44 7751 549210 [email protected]
Opening Times: The fields are open from 21 June 2021 for six weeks. Early bloom bookings are currently available. The fields will be in full bloom in 2-3 weeks.
Admission fees: Adults £7 and children £4. Currently all tickets are discounted by £2 while the lavender is just beginning to bloom until 25 June.
Have you visited a fragrant field of lavender? If not you should, it’s a wonderful experience.
If there’s a UK lavender field near you that I’ve missed please let me know and I can add it to the list which is updated each year.
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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.
The bees love both so that’s good too!
Oh what a wonderful pictures. The phone box in the middle of the lavender fields is just amazing. Love it!
It’s such a pop of colour amongst the lavender and totally unexpected! I need to go back 🙂
Wow, this looks so amazing! I had no idea how many places there were in the UK to see lavender. Thanks for the list!
The fields are beautiful – a visit to see them is good for the soul!
Lovely aren’t they ? We went to one this year in the Cotswolds so picturesque!
I think it’s going to be an annual event for us now!
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! 🙂
They are so photogenic but you’ll have to wait until next year – the season’s over now.