The heady scent and therapeutic properties of lavender are qualities that have been embraced for centuries, from perfumery and skincare to cooking and relaxation. Lavender's colours and beauty are also to be celebrated this time of year, when fields in high summer are a sea of blue, purple and mauve. We recommend the best lavender farms to visit in the UK, where you can picnic among the rows of flowers and pick some scented sprigs to take home.
The best lavender fields to visit in the UK
Lavender fields to visit in the south east
Mayfield Lavender, Surrey
A family-run organic lavender farm on the Surrey Downs. Visitors can buy a multi-visit pass that allows entry for five visits to the farm, plus a 10% discount in their shop and cafe. The farm hosts sunset yoga classes among the lavender, and a Bee Safari experience, which includes a guided tour of the beehives and how their honey is harvested, plus a glass of lavender lemonade and lavender shortbread on arrival.
1 Carshalton Rd, Banstead, Surrey SM7 3JA. Tel 07503 877707, mayfieldlavender.com
Carshalton Lavender, Surrey
This area of Surrey was once famous as “the lavender capital of the world” and every August its vast fields were swathed in purple and blue. Today on this site in Carshalton there are three acres lavender managed by a dedicated group of volunteers. Their pick-your-own lavender harvest has become a popular annual event – this year it takes place 29-30 July.
Stanley Road Allotments, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 4NQ, carshaltonlavender.org
Hitchin Lavender, Hertfordshire
Explore rows of lavender on the gentle rolling slopes of the Wilbury Hills, then learn about Hitchin's fascinating history of growing lavender in the farm's own museum. As well as the lavender fields there's a cut-flower area where you can pick dahlias, cornflowers, strawflowers, nigellas, cosmos, zinnias and astrantia. You're welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds or tuck into lunch in the Old Barn tea room.
Cadwell Farm, Ickleford, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 3UA. Tel 01462 434343, hitchinlavender.com
Norfolk Lavender
Founded in 1932, this garden hold the National Collection of lavender, boasting over 100 varieties, including the rare Imperial Gem and Miss Katherine. Their network of paths takes in the beautifully landscaped gardens, bamboo wood and herb garden. Children will be thrilled by the animal park, play area and treats in the Lavender Lounge tearoom.
Caley Mill, Lynn Rd, Heacham PE31 7JE, 01485 570384, norfolk-lavender.co.uk
Lavender fields to visit in the south west
Somerset Lavender
Their plant nursery has a selection of over 20 lavender varieties plus a range of herbs and flowers, while their farm shop is stocked with their homemade lavender products. There's also a sunflower field open for picking in the late summer months. In the cafe you can tuck into lavender flavoured treats, including lavender scones, shortbread and ice cream.
Horsepond Farm, Faulkland, England BA3 5WA. Tel 01373 834893, somersetlavender.com
The Lavender Fields, Hampshire
Gorgeous fields of lavender backdropped by woodland in the Hampshire countryside. Alongside the lavender they have half an acre of wildflowers to enjoy, plus children get a free bug hunt kit included with their entry. Their shop is stocked with their own range of products, including lavender chocolate.
Hartley Park Farm, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 3HP. Tel 01420 511 146, thelavenderfields.co.uk
New Forest Lavender Gardens, Wiltshire
The nursery sells a range of lavenders including Hidcote, Arctic Snow, Grosso, Munstead and Loddon Pink, as well as variety of herbs, perennials, roses and grasses. Enjoy wandering the paths among the borders, then some lavender-themed treats in the tearoom.
Giles Lane, Landford, Salisbury SP5 2BG. Tel 01794 323314, newforestlavender.com
Lavender fields to visit in central England
Cotswold Lavender, Worcestershire
Lavender has been grown on this farm for 20 years, thriving on the free-draining limestone the Cotswolds is famous for. You're welcome to bring a picnic and wander among the lavender fields and wildflower meadow, taking in views over Broadway and the Vale of Evesham. You can also visit the distillery to see where the lavender oil is extracted for making their bath products and skincare.
Hill Barn Farm, Snowshill, Broadway, Worcs, WR12 7JY. Tel 01386 854821, cotswoldlavender.co.uk
Warwickshire Lavender Farm
Three varieties of lavender are grown on this farm – Folgate, Maillette and Grosso. They don't allow picking of the lavender but there are bunches for sale as well as their much sought-after lavender honey and range of scented candles, diffusers, soap and skincare. Visitors are welcome to picnic among the fields, or you can find a bite to eat in their cafe, which is open during harvest time until mid-August.
Watery lane, Bubbenhall, Warwickshire, CV8 3BQ. Tel 07766501209, warwickshirelavender.com
Lavender fields to visit in Wales
Farmers Welsh Lavender, Powys
These artisan makers of creams and balms are high up in the Welsh hills, where you can roam and take in views of the Brecon Beacons. Visitors are provided with maps for self guided tours of the fields, gardens and distillery. Remember to bring a towel and swimming cossie for a dip in the wild swimming pond!
Cefnperfedd Uchaf, Maesmynis Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3HU. welshlavender.com
Lavender fields to visit in the north
Yorkshire Lavender
This 60-acre hillside farm sits within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You can pre-order a picnic to enjoy in the lavender-filled grounds, take part in workshops including lavender wreath making and kokedama, even go for a trek with their resident Sheriff alpacas. You'll also find a children's play area and sculpture park on site.
Terrington, York, YO60 6PB. Tel 01653 648008, yorkshirelavender.com
