The season for frolicking in fields of flowers is almost upon us – and right on cue, this jaw-droppingly gorgeous field of lavender is preparing to open its gates for the occasion. Much like myself, lavender really starts to thrive in the sunny months. And despite the mild identity crisis that the weather in London seems to be experiencing at the moment, summer is slowly but surely (heavy emphasis on the ‘slowly’ part) emerging onto the horizon. And with the return of the warmer weather, comes the return of Mayfield Lavender Farm.
Mayfield Lavender Farm
If you’ve not already been to Mayfield Lavender Farm, it’s highly likely that you’ve seen it slapped all over your Instagram feed. Each and every year, Londoners flock to the field of fragrant flowers, ready to caption their photos with the likes of ‘lav-ley day for it’ or ‘live, laugh, lavender’ (or perhaps that’s just me). Set amongst the sweeping scenery of the North Surrey Downs, less than an hour from central London, Mayfield Lavender Farm offers 25 acres worth of beautiful blooms. It only opens for a few months a year, but its long-awaited reopening is very nearly upon us.
Mayfield Lavender Farm will be swinging open its gates on June 6 and will remain open until August 23. Peak bloom is set to be in July, and this is when the flowers are likely to be their most vibrant – but the exact dates are weather dependent, and peak bloom can never be guaranteed. To be quite honest with you, though, the views are pretty darn breathtaking throughout the entire season, so I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
Mayfield is also the first organic lavender farm, accredited by the Soil Association. There are no chemical fertilisers, herbicides, or pesticides used on the fields, making it a thriving habitat for wildlife, too.
If a wander through the picture-perfect purple petals leaves you you feeling a tad peckish, fear not. There’s an outrageously cute cafe on-site that overlooks the sea of lavender. Serving up a whole host of food and drink, there’s sure to be something to keep you fueled and hydrated. There’s also a shop at-hand, so that you can take the soothing scent of lavender home with you in the form of a diffuser, a hand cream, or even a bath bomb.
Getting to Mayfield Lavender Farm from London
You’ll find Mayfield Lavender Farm at 1 Carshalton Road, Banstead, SM7 3JA. It’s approximately an hour’s drive from London, and there is a car park on-site (but spaces are limited). Non-drivers can hop on a speedy train service from London Bridge to Woodmansterne, and walk or hop on an onwards local bus from there.
Weekends at Mayfield Lavender Farm are particularly busy, so we’d recommend you visit during the week, if you can. Whilst you can buy your tickets at the gate upon arrival, it’s encouraged that you book them in advance to avoid disappointment. Find out more, plan your visit, and book your tickets here.
