Provence may be the poster child for lavender season, but you don’t have to hop on a flight to find sweeping purple fields in full bloom. Across the UK, farms from Somerset to Norfolk put on a spectacular summer show, complete with fragrant flowers, homemade treats and plenty of picnic-worthy views.
From mid June, you can take in swathes of lilac blooms around the country as the UK's lavender fields return in all their glory.
From spectacular seas of purple in Somerset to a maze of mauve and white flowers in Yorkshire, there are plenty of places to see – and smell – these flowers.
Many of the UK's lavender farms produce their own sustainable goods; think lavender-infused creams and essential oils, as well as goodies to eat and drink such as jams, teas and even cider.
Don't leave without a peruse around the family-run stores and cafes (and make sure to leave room for the homemade cakes).
What month does lavender bloom in the UK?
English lavender blooms from June to September, with most farmers harvesting bunches around late July. To see them in their full glory, head to a lavender farm anytime in July, August and early September.
What to Read Next
How long do lavender fields last?
Lavender plants are a perennial, known to survive up to 15 years in some gardens. With the right soil preparation, drainage, pruning and winter protecting, lavender can last for years. Around the UK, most lavender fields will open their doors to the public from July to September, when the summer blooms are at their best.
Here are our picks of the best lavender fields to visit in the UK this summer.
Best Lavender fields to visit in the UK
Scottish Lavender, Fife
Set in the rolling Fife countryside, this peaceful lavender farm comes into its own in summer, when the fields are filled with fragrant purple blooms. Visitors can wander among the flowers, soak up the views and browse lavender products made on site. With its calm setting and softly scented summer borders, it’s an easy place to linger for an afternoon.
Tarhill Farm, Kinross, KY13 9EZ
Wolds Way Lavender, Yorkshire
Set on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, this family-run lavender farm offers rows of fragrant purple blooms, peaceful nature walks and plenty of countryside charm. Visitors can wander through the fields in summer, hop aboard the narrow-gauge railway and browse the farm shop for lavender-infused products to take home. With its relaxed atmosphere and scenic setting, it makes a lovely stop for a slow summer afternoon.
Woldies, Wintringham, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 8HW
Welsh Lavender Farm, Powys
This scenic farm near Builth Wells brings lavender growing to a beautiful hillside setting. Visitors can stroll among the flowers, browse lavender-infused products in the shop and stop for refreshments afterwards. With far-reaching views and a more rural feel, it adds a distinctly different landscape to the list.
Cefnperfedd Uchaf, Maesmynis, Builth Wells, Powys, Wales, LD2 3HU
Cotswold Lavender, Cotswold Hill
Up on a hill overlooking the picture-postcard village of Broadway, Cotswold Lavender has over 35 varieties, covering 70 acres. There are picnic benches amid the lilic blooms so you can stop for lunch. There are also wildflower meadows to see and any kids will enjoy the Beechwood Trail, a woodland play area. Don’t forget to stop at the shop where you can buy the farm’s own produce, from tea to bath goodies.
Hill Barn Farm, Snowshill, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7JY.
Mayfield Lavender Farm, Surrey
Nestled in the heart of the Surrey countryside, just 15 miles from London, this family-owned farm has 25-acres of organic lavender fields to enjoy. The team also produces its own lavender-infused bathroom products that smell as fresh as the fields themselves. Perfect if you want to leave with a little reminder of your visit.
Top tip: the farm is incredibly busy on the weekends, so try to visit during the week if you can. While picnics aren't permitted anywhere on the farm, the on-site cafe is worth trying out (especially the lavender cider).
1 Carshalton Road, Banstead SM7 3JA
Somerset Lavender, Horsepond Farm, Somerset
In the Somerset countryside, Horsepond Farm offers wide swathes of purple lavender through the summer months. Visitors can wander the fields at their own pace before stopping by the shop, nursery or cafe. Later in the season, the farm’s sunflower fields add another draw, making it a lovely option for a South West pick.
Horsepond Farm, Faulkland, near Radstock, BA3 5W
The Lavender Fields, Hampshire
This wonderful lavender farm grows over seven different types of lavender. Expect to see Folgate, Little Lady, Hidcote and Edelweiss blossoming in the Hampshire countryside. They make gorgeous scented products from their own lavender and rosemary essential oils, which you can pick up at the on-site shop.
Hartley Park Farm Business Centre, Selborne Rd, Alton, GU34 3HS.
Lordington Lavender, Chichester
For one week a year, Lordington in the South Downs is open to all. Meander through the seas of purple fields. Why not take a tractor and trailer ride to get down there? There are talks from the founder Andrew Elms and the chance to pick up the natural products made from the farm's crops. Picnics are welcome and you can also get homemade cakes at the cafe. Look out for the birdlife too – there are the likes of skylarks and barn owls to be found on the farm.
Lordington Farm, Lordington, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 9DX.
Norfolk Lavender, Caley Mill
On the west coast of the county, Norfolk Lavender has nearly 100 acres of fields teeming with spectacular sights of lavender, plus an oil distillery, on-site gift shop and a delicious cafe serving up sustainable produce. Norfolk's world-famous fields were first founded in 1932 and have since been offering up visitors delightful lilac views. We recommend picking up the lavender-infused honey on your way out.
Norfolk Lavender, Caley Mill, Lynn Rd, Heacham PE31 7JE
Hitchin Lavender, Hertfordshire
Just 40 minutes from central London, Hitchen Lavender is a brilliant place to visit on the weekend. You'll find 25 acres of lavender to explore – and you’re invited to pick your own (just bring scissors). Drinks and homemade treats are served in the 17th-century barn and there is also a children’s play area and gift shop. If you come back in the height of summer you will also find growing sunflowers and a field of wildflowers.
Cadwell Farm, Ickleford, SG5 3UA
The Lavender Farm, Yorkshire
With unbeatable views over the Vale of York, this family-run farm has hundreds of different lavender and herb varieties to take in, and you can also buy many of them in the plant nursery on-site. The gardens come into their own in the summer, with displays of Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender) in colours ranging from deep purple to white. There’s also a lavender maze to get lost in. The farm is open from the end of march and outside of lavender season, there is plenty to see including a wildflower meadow and a sensory garden.
Terrington, York, YO60 6PB
Somerset Lavender, Horsepond Farm, Somerset
Over in Somerset, Horsepond Farm is home to spectacular fields of purple lavender come summer. Visitors are free to roam as they please and there is a shop, plant nursery and cafe to visit. In August and September, there are also 6.5-acres of sunflowers, where you can pick your own. It is 20 minutes from Bath, so could be planned as part of a mini-break.
Somerset Lavender, Horsepond Farm, Faulkland, Somerset, BA3 5WA
Castle Farm Lavender, Kent
Last but not least, Castle Farm Lavender stretches to a staggering 130 acres and is made up of more than 80,000 plants – making it the largest in England. Either wander round on your own (entry is £7) or book a 30-minute guided tour for £15, which takes you through the process from growing the flowers to the different types of plants. The venue also offers a bring your own picnic option in the 'Ladybird' Lavender field. Afterwards, why not enjoy your very own lavender cocktail from the site's farm market stall.
Castle Farm, Redmans Lane, Shoreham Sevenoaks TN14 7UB
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
Lizzie is the multiplatform editor at Country Living, where you’ll find her writing about unique property market finds and dreamy UK staycation spots. Her specialisms include interiors, property, wildlife, travel, slow living and more. Previously, she’s written for Metro, Evening Standard, Ideal Home, Woman & Home and various other home and lifestyle titles. Lizzie studied English Literature at University of Liverpool, where she also was a writer and editor for her uni paper.
