Best Lavender Fields Near London: Complete Guide

Imagine the charming English countryside with rows of purple plants stretching along the rolling hills, while a gentle breeze carries the sweet aroma of lavender. This inviting picture is indeed a reality, and luckily for us, it’s only a short tour away from London. Whether you’re looking for a great spot to spend a summer day, or a perfect place to take picturesque photos, the lavender fields near London are a must-visit destination. In this article, we are going to show you the most popular lavender fields, provide you with helpful insider tips, and tell you about the best walks to do while you are there. So, let’s get started and explore the beauty of lavender fields!

At A Glance

In a hurry? Check the table below to have an overview of the best lavender fields near London. I go into more detail about each field in this article. You can download the maps of the walks to do around the lavender fields at the end of this article.

	Distance to London	Price	Surface
Castle Farm	approx 23 miles	£4 per adult/ £2.50 per child	10 acres
Mayfield Farm	approx 15 miles	£5 per person/ free for children under 12	25 acres
Hill Barn Farm	approx 95 miles	£7.5 per adult/ £3.25 per child	70 acres

A Brief History Of Lavender Farming in the UK

When you hear the word “Lavender” you imagine the Provence hillsides in the South of France covered in purple, a chilled glass of rose wine on a sunny day, wandering through villages’ cobbled streets with shops selling Christmas santons (traditional provencal figurines) in the middle of summer. But never would you imagine Kent, Surrey or Gloucestershire. But there it is. The sweet perfume of the purple flower is indeed on our doorsteps.

Lavender is not native to the UK and was introduced on the island during the thirteenth century. Whilst lavender has properties to repel lice and moths, it was rarely used in the UK unless by the monks. It is only after the dissolution of the monasteries by King Henry VIII that lavender became accessible to the commoners. Queen Elizabeth I was said to put it in her tea and Queen Victoria had the furniture of the palace polished with lavender.

Whilst the production of lavender declined in France, it found a new life on the chalky and fast-drying soils of the UK. With only one farm in Norfolk just twenty years ago, the UK now sees lavender farms popping up like mushrooms. And lucky for us, some are within a reasonable distance from London!

Lavender Fields Near London

So now we covered the basics, let’s learn more about the lavender fields near London.

1 – Castle Farm Lavender Fields

A castle and a farm shop. This is the setting of the Castle Farm Lavender Field. Located in Kent, between the villages of Shoreham and Eynsford, the Castle Farm Lavender Fields welcomes you for a visit to their domain each year in July. A refreshments and souvenir stall is located at the entrance during the peak season. However, you can discover more products at the Hop Shop across the road from the fields. The site also offers guided tours and a BOY picnic experience in a 10-acre lavender field.

What you need to know

What to do after your visit?

• Head to Lullingstone Castle and the World Gardens, only a short walk from the lavender fields
• Visit the ruins of a Roman villa, also a short walk from the farm
• Walk under the Eynsford Viaduct
• Head to the Castle Hotel in Eynsford for a Sunday roast to remember

Walks Around Castle Farm Lavender Fields

To access the detailed walking guide, click on the name of the walk, in pink on the table below.

	Distance	Elevation	Duration	Difficulty
Otford to Eynsford	9.61 mi (15.46km)	449 ft (137 m)	4 hours 30 min	Intermediate
Darent Valley	4.4 mi (7 km)	43 ft (13 m)	1 hour 40 min	Easy
Eynsford Circular	12.5 mi (20.10 km)	1181 ft (360 m)	5 hours 15 min	Intermediate

2 – Mayfield Lavender Farm

This is the most popular lavender field near London, and by consequence also the busiest one. As the lavender season is short, Insta – aficionados, families and adventurers alike migrate to the Mayfield Lavender Farm at the same time. Whilst the fields deserve to be seen and photographed, with Insta-ready props like a red phone box or a tractor, you need to choose the day and time carefully to avoid hours of queues at the restaurant for a gelato. Say “(lavender) cheese”!

What you need to know

Walk Around Mayfield Lavender Farm

To access the detailed walking guide, click on the name of the walk, in pink on the table below.

	Distance	Elevation	Duration	Difficulty
Ewell to Kenley	16.1 mi (25.9 km)	1280 ft (390 m)	5 hours 30 min	Intermediate

3- Hill Barn Farm

Less popular than its Kent and Surrey sisters, Hill Barn Farm should not be underestimated. Located in the picturesque Cotswold, 2 hours and a half drive from London, this lavender field is a haven of peaceful nature and enchanting scent. Opt for a visit in the morning to avoid the crowds of tourists and get a better chance at snapping this perfect shot. The fields might not be as Instagrammable as its competitors and you won’t find any props for that quirky “lavender field shot” but at least you won’t queue for hours for a cup of lavender tea and some essential oils to take home. The plus of Hill Barn Farm is that you can also visit the distillery and learn more about the benefits of lavender oil.

Read the complete guide: Hill Barn Lavender Farm

What you need to know

Maps of the Lavender Farm Walks

Do you fancy a walk after visiting the lavender fields but don’t know where to go? Simply download the maps of the walks advised above by clicking on the download button underneath the image.

Final Thoughts on the Lavender Fields Near London

In conclusion, visiting a lavender farm near London is a great way to spend the day in nature. The variety of lavender fields near London is stunning and completely worth the drive. Whether it’s an individual stroll among the vibrant purple stalks or a romantic picnic with a loved one, each lavender field is sure to provide a unique experience. So, make sure to lace up your boots, pack up the car and take in the beauty of a lavender field this summer!

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

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