A Guide To Cotswold Lavender Farm For A Perfect Day Out

At first sight, the rolling hills of the Cotswolds region appear to be covered in a dreamy blanket of purple and blue. But a closer look will reveal that this is no ordinary view; it is the vibrant sight of lovingly tended lavender fields. If you’ve ever wanted to visit the Cotswold Lavender Farm, this guide is your ticket to making the most of your day out. We’ll delve into the essentials of planning your visit and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the lavender fields. Let’s begin this vibrant journey together and discover the captivating allure of these magnificent lavender fields.

Less popular than its rivals Mayfield Lavender Farm and Hitchin Lavender Farm, the Cotswold Lavender Farm might be trickier to get to but is definitely worth that extra travel time. Only accessible by car (sorry public transport aficionados) the Cotswold Lavender Farm is this hidden gem of tranquil purple fields to spend the perfect day with friends and family.

Planning Your Visit to the Cotswold Lavender Farm

When planning your visit to the Cotswold Lavender Farm, it’s essential to consider a few key factors to ensure you make the most of your experience. With breathtaking lavender fields as far as the eye can see, it’s important to plan your visit to maximize your enjoyment and capture the true essence of this magical place.

What is Cotswold Lavender Farm

Started in 1994, the Cotswold Lavender Farm fields have grown over the past 30 years from a few 100 plants to 70 acres and 35 species of lavender and 350,000 plants. The farm is still run by the same family and expanded the business. The farm has its own distillery where they extract the essential oils from the lavender to make their own creations from toiletries to home products, passing by food and drinks.

When to Go

First and foremost, it’s crucial to check the farm’s opening times and dates. It’s always a good idea to double-check the farm’s website or contact them directly to confirm the opening hours, as they can vary depending on weather conditions.

Another aspect to consider is the weather. While visiting the Cotswold Lavender Farm on a sunny day can be an absolute delight, it’s worth noting that you won’t be alone and the peak visiting hours can get really busy. If you prefer a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds, consider visiting early in the morning (which is what I did). Not only will you have a better chance of capturing stunning photos without the crowd, but you’ll also be able to fully immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of the lavender fields.

What to Bring

Additionally, if you wanted to take some Instagram-worthy pictures in the stunning purple fields, you can bring a dress to wear on top of your more comfortable and casual attire. Opt for light colours to contrast with the bold purple – white or yellow will do very well.

Moreover, don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent to ensure you’re fully prepared for your outdoor adventure.

Lastly, consider bringing along a camera or smartphone capable of capturing high-quality images. The lavender fields provide the perfect backdrop for stunning photos. However, if you are visiting the site to have professional photographs taken, you would need to seek permission from the Cotswold Lavender Farm.

So, now we covered what you need to know before going, let’s dive into what you can see during your visit to the Cotswold Lavender Farm. So pack your camera, and put on your walking shoes!

Exploring the Cotswold Lavender Farm

The Cotswold Lavender Farm beckons visitors with its breathtakingly beautiful lavender fields. The vibrant colours and delicate fragrance of the lavender transport you to a world of serenity and tranquillity. But what exactly can you see and do when you are there? Here is the list of the 6 things to do at the Cotswold Lavender Farm.

1 – Lavender Fields

Well, this makes sense because we are visiting a Lavender Farm after all. With 35 species of lavender stretching over 70 acres, there is quite a lot for you to see.

2 – Wildflowers

Because it is not all about lavender! The site counts 350,000 different plants that you can find between the rows of lavender and on the north edge of the farm. Stretching over 4 acres, the colourful red and yellow wildflowers support the wildlife of insects such as bees and butterflies.

3 – Traditional meadows

As you walk through the purple lavender fields and the rainbow of colours of wildflowers, you also find areas of traditional meadows on the north edge of the farm. As you can only visit the farm during summertime, the traditional meadow grounds can be dry and turn yellow, especially after a heat wave.

4 – The Beechwood Adventure Trail

Let’s get the kids entertained with the Beechwood Adventure Trail. Venture into the forest in search of the teepee camp, test their balance by walking on wood trunks and improve their skills with the orientation trail!

5 – The Distillery

Before leaving, take a peak at the distillery near the coffee/ souvenir shop. Inside the barn, you can find trailers used to collect the lavender. Steam comes from under the floor of the trailer and makes the oil glands of the lavender burst. The oil evaporates with the steam and is collected into a cylinder to be separated from the water. One full trailer can extract enough essential oil to produce 15,000 bars of soap! That’s a lot of showers!

6 – Coffee and Souvenir Shop

Don’t leave the Lavender Farm before stopping by the coffee and souvenir shop. Enjoy a warm cup of Earl Grey and Lavender tea whilst looking for the perfect gift. With a range of toiletries, cooking and home products from lavender soap and body lotion to lavender candles passing by lavender-flavoured chocolate, there is something for everyone.

By following the above recommendations and planning your visit accordingly, you’ll be well on your way to immersing yourself in the beauty of the Cotswold Lavender Farm.

Whether you seek a peaceful retreat, a photography expedition, or simply a chance to be surrounded by nature’s wonders, this enchanting destination is sure to leave a lasting impression. So pack your camera, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to embark on a truly captivating adventure in the delightful world of the Cotswold Lavender Farm.

Cotswold Lavender Farm Map

Don’t get lost when visiting the farm. Pick up your free map at the entrance to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, a visit to the Cotswold Lavender Farm is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of the magical lavender fields. From exploring the stunning lavender fields to delving into the vibrant history of lavender farming in the region, there is so much to discover and enjoy. Remember to capture unforgettable moments through stunning photos, allowing yourself to be captivated by the essence of this fragrant oasis. Whether you choose to simply relax and indulge in the soothing aroma or take home some lavender products, a trip to the Cotswold Lavender Farm promises to be a memorable experience. Start planning your trip today and let the lavender fields cast their enchanting spell on you.

If you are looking for Lavender Farms closer to London, check out the Best Lavender Fields Near London post!

And you, where is your favourite lavender farm? Let me know in the comments below.

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