Lavender Farm UK: Lavender Farms Near Me

Lavender is a species of plant that belongs to the mint family. It is traditionally used for a variety of commercial purposes, like the use of its oil and foliage.

Historically, it is thought that lavender originated from the Mediterranean, Middle East and India, before being grown for its many uses today. With that being said, the name lavender comes from the Latin term 'lavare', which translates to 'to wash'. In the Roman era, lavender was used to scent baths, beds, clothes and the body, which is not dissimilar to its uses today.

What Is a Lavender Farm?

For those who grow lavender, it can be a profitable and great tourist attraction. Lavender is a very sought after plant since it can be used in so many different ways, from food products to medicinal purposes, and scents for products.

A lavender farm is exactly that; a farm where lavender is grown. The purpose of growing lavender is to distribute it to consumers who will buy and repurpose the lavender. This can be done in the form of selling dried lavender.

Traditionally, you would find lavender farms in climates that closely match up to Mediterranean ones. However, that doesn't mean that there are not plenty of lavender farms that you can visit which are much closer to home as some lavenders can handle harsher conditions.

In the UK, the most commonly grown lavender is English lavender. It is a bushy shrub that has a strongly aromatic scent that is easily recognisable by those who have smelled it before. They are most commonly thought to be purple, but they can come in blue, pink and white.

Lavender plants love the sun and they cannot handle wet soil. If it is grown in the shade, it will not thrive.

If you are interested in visiting a lavender farm, we have listed some local UK sites that are well worth the visit.

Lavender Farms in the UK

The UK has plenty of lavender farms that are great for a day out 

Cotswold Lavender

Location: Hill Barn Farm, Snowshill, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7JY

This attraction opens during the summer when their English Lavender fields come into flower. It is an easy location to find, situated in a small village by the National Trust Property, Snowshill Manor. They grow large amounts of lavender and harvest it in July. The farm is a third-generation family location that has been growing lavender since 1999, delivering some of the best quality English lavender essential oils and other lavender based products.

You are also to see over 40 different types of lavender, with around 500,000 plants on the farm. This location also grows camomile. Cotswold lavender explores the importance of the right weather conditions for growing lavender, such as:

• Soil
• Position
• Spacing
• Planting
• Watering
• Pruning

As an added bonus, Cotswold lavender is a dog-friendly location. You can bring your dog along with you, but they must remain on the lead.

The website for this location can be found here: Cotswold Lavender

Mayfield Lavender Farm

Location: 1 Carshalton Road, Banstead, SM7 3JA

Mayfield lavender farm is a 25-acre farm located 15 miles from central London. Throughout the summer, this location is very popular with tourists. The farm opens in June and typically closes in August, but be sure to check the website for regular updates.

This farm offers a range of different ways to explore. For example, you can choose to go on their tractor ride and tour the farm in a way that you have yet to experience. They grow three different varieties of lavender, all of which can be seen during the season. This attraction brings a selection of different wildlife, such as butterflies and bees.

In 1990, Brendon Maye created Mayfield Lavender and in 2002, the site was used to grow lavender. In its first year, the location grew 70,000 plants, with the help of BioRegional. Over time, the location suffered great losses, but it now thrives as a functional lavender farm.

The website for this location can be found here: Mayfield Lavender

Oak Tree Lavender Farm

Location: 25 Croydon Lane, Banstead, SM7 3BE

Oak Tree lavender farm is a young field that was only established a few years ago. The farm is often referred to as Surrey's very own secret lavender garden. This farm differs from many others as they have a 'pick your own lavender' option, where you can visit and pick lavender, which is a large bunch costing just £3 (2022).

This field has plenty of space for your children to visit and spend time outside surrounded by the lovely lavender scent. In addition to the lavender, you can find a cafe and a lavender trail that is 1.3km long. 

Note that this farm will only be open during the lavender season, so be sure to check the website before planning your visit.

The website for this location can be found here: Oak Tree Lavender Farm.

Castle Farm

Location: Redmans Lane, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7UB

The farm has been functional since 1892, but today it operates as the largest growing lavender farm in the UK with over 130 acres of field growing the plants. Though lavender is not the only crop they produce. You can also find wheat, barley, rapeseed, apples and pumpkins as well as grass-fed cattle.

They have a great approach to farming, with their stance being that they are dedicated to running a successful agricultural production that is integrated with wildlife and the protection of the environment. They regard a high standard of welfare over their livestock and provide them with comfortable, stress-free environments. 

They ensure that they participate in active conservation, maintaining their land and planting trees each year. 10% of its areas are managed with the notion that wildlife and the environment have priority over food production. 

They are environmentally aware in regard to recycling and the disposal of their waste. The packaging they have is re-used where possible and they segregate their waste into different sections before proceeding with recycling.

As with most lavender farms, this location opens in late June when the season starts, but the attraction is open for other sites, such as the produce.

The website for this location can be found here: Castle Farm

Hitchin Lavender

Location: Cadwell Farm, Ickleford, Hitchin Hertfordshire, SG5 3UA

This lavender farm is a small, family-run lavender farm that allows you to wander the fields and pick your own lavender. You are able to bring your own food or pick a meal from their field kitchen.

In addition to your welcome, they allow visitation from your dogs and their entry into the variety of footpaths that are located around the lavender field. The site does remain closed throughout the year but opens during the lavender season.

Their website deals with all products lavender. You can find gift ideas, ways to relax, well-being and lavender based oil products. They have been in business for over 120 years and through their blog, you can keep up to date with the latest news and information.

The website for this location can be found here: Hitchin Lavender

Norfolk Lavender

Location: Caley Mill, Lynn Road, Heacham PE13 7JE

This lavender field has around 100 acres of land as well as an oil distillery. They are open all year round, but the most popular time to visit is during the summer months when the lavender is at its peak.

You are able to experience much more than just the lavender fields with public access being granted in the oil distillery, including tours and guides on how production works. In addition to the fields, you can find much delight in the Meadow Gardens as well as the animal gardens. Note that these are not open all year round, so be sure to check their website before planning your visit.

Norfolk lavender farm was founded in 1932 and it now includes over 100 different types of lavender. 

The website for this location can be found here: Norfolk Lavender

Yorkshire Lavender

Location: Terrington, York, YO60 6PB

Another family-run farm, Yorkshire Lavender has been running for twenty-seven years and operates on 60 acres of land. Upon your visit, you are able to walk among the lavender flowers and witness the variety of colours, from white to pinks, blues and lilacs. 

You can also view the Purple Patch Garden, the Lavender Maze, Themed Gardens, the Bog Garden and the Natural Wild Flower Grassland Meadow. Throughout the year they also offer events and workshops, such as:

• Alpaca Walks
• Easter Weekend - Hanging basket workshops and face painting events

You can also find food in the tea room, as well as activities for children like the play area.

The website for this location can be found here: Yorkshire Lavender

Somerset Lavender

Horsepond Farm Faulkland Nr, Radstock, BA3 5WA

This location has two five acres of land that extends over the property, where lavender is grown to harvest essential oil and dried flowers. You can visit the lavender garden and find the 20  different varieties of lavender.

You can also find other attractions at this location, with their Healing Garden that grows thyme and mint. Their flower and vegetable garden grows different types of vegetables that are actually used in the cafe on location.

The lavender garden attracts a variety of different wildlife from butterflies to moths and the hummingbird moth all of which you get to experience.

The website for this location can be found here: Somerset Lavender

Finchingfield Lavender

Howe Street, Braintree, CM7 4JB

This lavender field is a very unique destination. You are able to enjoy luxury camping and glamping in pitches that are placed within a wildflower meadow. They are a micro lavender farm, where campers will have access to the lavender field that overlooks sunset views.

They are only open during June and close in September, so ensure that you check the site before you visit. You can also expect to see different activities that take place throughout the year, such as Easter tree planting, seeding or lavender harvest and days out in nature.

No dogs are allowed on the campsite as they house lots of chickens, ducks and goose.

The website for this location can be found here: Finchingfield Lavender

Lordington Lavender

Farm Lane, Lordington, Chichester, PO18 9DX

Lordington Lavender farms have open days where you are able to go and explore the open lavender fields. You can experience tractor rides, which are great for the whole family, especially if you are taking children along with you.

Every July, the fields become available to the public and you do not require a booking to enter. Just simply turn up and pay for entry. They have over ten acres of land, where you can walk up and down the rows of lavender as well as buy and consume their homemade lavender food items.

You can expect to see various wildlife, from butterflies to honeybees. You may also want to experience their evening events that allow you to watch the sunset over the beautiful landscape.

The website for this location can be found here: Lordington Lavender

Why Are Lavender Farms Important?

Aside from lavender being important in terms of commercial sales, an excellent resource for health and its other wellness benefits, it carries advantages that make its production important.

There is a high demand for lavender products, they are extremely popular and can be used as a scent, an ingredient and as a medicinal product. This means that the production of lavender is integral to keeping up with the high demands.

Additionally, due to this high demand, the lavender farming sector can profit from a high income when it is grown for sale purposes. You can also harvest the product and make your own lavender based products and sell those to the consumer for extra profit.

You might also want to consider the importance of growing lavender for purposes such as sleep assistance, aromatherapy, hair support, types of skin treatments and pain relief. Many people benefit from lavender in these instances, which makes the production of the plant that much more important.

Lastly, their growth can be enjoyed by those who love all things nature. Most lavender farms are open to the public, so allowing us to understand how and why this plant is grown can be important in facilitating its production.