Instagram has given prominence to many previously unheralded trends, the latest of which is lavender fields. The purple plant has grown in popularity recently and as a result, more and more farms are opening to the general public. We’ve compiled a list of the four best lavender fields around London for you to visit, giving you the opportunity to stock up on lavender products and even get the perfect family photo. We recommend checking the lavender is in bloom before travelling as the season can vary year on year.
Mayfield Lavender Farm, London
Plonking a red phone box in the middle of your lavender field is always going to get people’s attention and that’s exactly what Mayfield Lavender Farm did a few years ago, gaining Instagram fame in the process.
Located just inside London boundaries, the 25 acre farm makes you feel like you’re walking through a purple dream. Lavender is expected to bloom from the end of June this year and the farm is open to the public from 1 June – 1 September 2019 with a £2.50 entry fee per adult. Be warned though, it can get very busy during weekends so we’d recommend visiting during the week if you can.
If you’re driving, there is limited free parking available on site. Alternatively, you can take a train from London Victoria to West Croydon and then take the 166 bus to the gate.
Address: Mayfield Lavender Farm, 1 Carshalton Lane, Banstead, SM7 3JA
Hitchin Lavender, Hertfordshire
If you live North of the river, Hitchin Lavender fields are probably your best option, giving you a selection of over 25 miles to pick from.Want to pick your own lavender to take home with you, from a selection of over 25 miles?
There’s a £6 entry fee (£3 for kids), and for that you get access to their fields as well as a bag to fill with lavender for you to take home. They’ve got plenty of food available for both you and the kids in their 17th century barn where you can buy lunches, cakes and drinks, although you can bring your own picnic should you prefer. A great option given the beautiful hillside location offers views all over the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire countryside.
They host regular events throughout the summer, including open air cinema, yoga, beekeeping and meditation. The farm is open to the public from 27 May 2019, with lavender expected to be in flower from mid-June.
Free parking is available onsite, however if you’re using public transport from London, you need to get the train from King’s Cross to Hitchin Station. From Hitchin station, they recommend getting an Uber which will cost around £8 each way.
Address: Hitchin Lavender, Cadwell Farm, Ickleford, Hertfordshire, SG5 3UA
Lavender Fields at Hartley Park Farm, Alton, Hampshire
Alternatively, if you’re based further South, you can head to the Lavender Fields at Hartley Park Farm. The opportunity to stroll through all seven varieties of lavender they grow is restricted to just four open days this year. Entry is £4 (under 12s £1) and also includes talks and tours about the lavender, plus tractor rides.
You can visit the fields on 6,7 13 and 14 July. Outside of the four days, there is no access to the fields to the general public however the lavender shop is open all year round.
You can get to the Lavender Fields by bus from Alton, Petersfield or Clanfield, and both the number 38 and 37X stop right outside the farm, or if you’re driving there is parking available on site.
Address: Lavender Fields at Hartley Park Farm, Selborne Road, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 3HP
The Hop Shop and Castle Farm Lavender, Kent
Colouring the view out of the train window between Orpington and Sevenoaks, The Hop Shop and Castle Farm’s bright purple fields are located right next to the train tracks. The fields belong to the Castle Farm empire, who are the largest producer of lavender in the UK with over 1,100 acres of land dedicated to the plant.
It’s free to visit a small viewing area near the car park but in order to access the lavender fields, you will need to pay for a guided tour with one of the staff. They also host different events throughout the lavender season, including photography evenings and lavender picnics as well as selling a huge range of lavender products in their farm shop, which extends as far as lavender flavoured ice cream.
The Hop Shop farm shop is open all year, but access to other parts of the farm is only available in peak lavender season, late June-late July.
Car parking is limited and during busy Lavender Season weekends costs £2. If getting there by public transport, the farm recommend getting a taxi from either Swanley, Sevenoaks or Orpington stations.
Address: The Hop Shop at Castle Farm, Redmans Lane, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7UB
