When the city hustle gets too much, and your Instagram feed needs a serious colour injection, London’s surrounding counties offer the perfect, fragrant escape. From “Pick Your Own” farms to sprawling purple seas, the UK’s best lavender fields bloom just a short trip from the capital.
Here are four must-visit spots for soaking up the scenery, snapping that perfect photo, and bringing home the sweetest scent of summer.
1. Cotswold Lavender Views
The Cotswolds are already famed for their idyllic charm, and in summer, they add a breathtaking purple layer to the rolling landscape.
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The Vibe: Classic, picturesque English countryside meets a vast, fragrant purple vista.
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The Experience: Known for offering spectacular views, this spot is perfect for a full-day road trip. The surrounding area makes it easy to combine your lavender visit with exploring chocolate-box villages.
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Best For: A Road Trip Picnic! Pack a blanket and your favourite treats to enjoy lunch with a view that stretches for miles.
2. Mayfield Lavender Sea (Banstead, Surrey)
Arguably the most famous and accessible lavender field from London, Mayfield offers the definitive “sea of purple” experience.
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The Vibe: A huge, easily recognizable expanse of colour that has become an iconic summer destination.
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The Experience: Wander through 25 acres of purple and don’t miss the red phone box nestled in the fields—it’s a classic photo opportunity!
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Best For: The Perfect Photo Op. This destination is all about soaking up the sheer scale of the bloom and capturing those vibrant purple hues.
3. Pick-Your-Own in Hitchin (Hertfordshire)
This Hertfordshire gem offers a more hands-on, rustic experience, allowing you to not just look, but actually harvest the beautiful flowers yourself.
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The Vibe: Authentic farm experience focused on enjoying the process of cutting and gathering lavender.
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The Experience: Wander and pick your own lavender—a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and ensure you take home a natural souvenir.
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Best For: Taking Home the Fragrance. Whether you’re planning to make oils, sachets, or just want a fresh bouquet, this is the perfect place to become a lavender farmer for the day.
4. Castle Farm Vibes (Shoreham Valley, Kent)
Located in Kent’s beautiful Shoreham Valley, Castle Farm is one of the largest lavender farms in the UK and offers incredible views across the North Downs.
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The Vibe: A family-run farm deeply rooted in the local landscape, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a wide range of lavender products.
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The Experience: Explore the magnificent fields nestled in the picturesque Shoreham Valley, known for its superb light and rolling hills.
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Best For: The Full Farm Experience. After your stroll, check out their farm shop for lavender oils, honey, food, and other local produce.
Essential Lavender Travel Tip
Timing is Everything!
Lavender is a seasonal crop, and its peak bloom in the UK typically runs from mid-June to mid-August. Always check the farm’s official website before planning your trip, as weather variations can cause the peak season to shift by a week or two each year. Don’t miss the window!