The sight of purple lavender stretching out into the distance is a huge part of the Instagrammer’s seasonal floral calendar, and I’m definitely guilty of jumping on the lavender fields bandwagon. I’m not a great photographer, but there’s something about the hazy purple background of a lavender field that elevates any photo.

There are so many lavender fields in the UK that I’m always surprised when people say that they’d love to go but there isn’t one near them. I’ve put together a little list of all the lavender fields I’m aware of - is there a lavender field near you?

South England

Mayfield Lavender

Located close to the M25 and just a short drive from London, Mayfield Lavender is a stunning setting and, at £2 per adult entry, it’s a cheap day out. Tractor rides available through the fields, and a cafe selling all kinds of lavender flavoured produce. Open June - September, 9am-6pm.

Photographers notes: I love Mayfield, as it’s easy to get those ‘nothing on the horizon shots’, as the fields gentle slope up. They have two fields, which tend to come into bloom at slightly different times, which means the blooming time is extended. If you’re a professional photographer wanting to shoot here, you’ll need to contact them beforehand for a special license. Single session fee £50, or full day £100. Evening photography passes are available from 7pm-9pm for a £100 fee (for portrait sessions only)

1 Carshalton Rd, Banstead SM7 3JA

Website: https://www.mayfieldlavender.com/

Hitchin Lavender

Hitchin Lavender is a huge lavender farm, with 25 miles of lavender, as well as sunflower fields and wildflowers. Hitchin send you out into the fields with a little bag to fill with lavender cuttings, which is a lovely way to take a little bit of that beautiful scent home with you.

Open from late May to early September, 10am-5pm, with occasional late openings to 9pm if you want to catch the golden hour. Adult entry £5 (including picking)

Website: http://www.hitchinlavender.com/

The Hop Shop

Castle Farm, Redmans Lane, Shoreham, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 7UB

Access to the lavender fields is possible only via a tour and with a guide. See their website for tour dates and prices.

Website: http://hopshop.co.uk/

Lordington Lavender

Open for one week each year in July, booking advised. £6 per person for a day ticket.

Lordington Farm, Chichester, PO18 9DX

Website: http://www.lordingtonlavender.co.uk/

The Lavender Fields

Open days in July, usually for two weekends. Tours, tractor and trailer rides, and various workshops (lavender wand making, willowcraft). £4 entry, under 12s free.

Hartley Park Farm, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 3HP

Website: http://www.thelavenderfields.co.uk/

South West England

Cotswold Lavender

Open daily from early June to early August, 10am-5pm. £3.50 for adults, £2.50 for children (under 5’s free). Lots of different varieties of lavender planted, and poppies growing in amongst it too which makes for some lovely pops of red.

Photographer’s notes: We visited Cotswold Lavender in 2018 and I thought it was lovely. All planted on a gentle slope, with trees and one pylon on the horizon, so easy to avoid the pylon (or edit out). It’s worth noting that the lavender is planted quite close together, so not quite so good for children running through the lavender, as I was a bit worried about the bees!

Hill Barn Farm, Snowshill, Broadway, Worcestershire WR12 7JY

Website: https://www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk/

Somerset Lavender

Five acres of lavender with over 20 varieties. Open May-September, Weds-Sun (closed Monday and Tuesday) 10am-5pm.

Somerset Lavender, Horsepond Farm, Faulkland, Somerset. BA3 5WA

Website: http://www.somersetlavender.com/

East of England

Norfolk Lavender

100 acres of lavender and rosemary

Norfolk Lavender, Caley Mill, Lynn Rd, Heacham PE31 7JE

Website: https://norfolk-lavender.co.uk/

Suffolk Lavender

Open June - September, weekends only, 10am - 4pm

Suffolk Lavender Farm, Four Acres, Holly Lane, Bucklesham, Ipswich, IP10 0BW

Website: https://www.suffolklavenderfarm.co.uk/

The Midlands

Shropshire Lavender

Open from late June to early August, every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-5pm. Entrance free.

Shropshire Lavender, Wellbank Farm, Pickstock, TF10 8AH

Website: http://www.shropshirelavender.co.uk/

North of England

Yorkshire Lavender

60 acres of farmland, including a lavender maze and lavender spiral.

Yorkshire Lavender, The Yorkshire Lavender Farm, Terrington, York, YO60 6PB

Website: http://yorkshirelavender.com/

Wolds Way Lavender

12 acres, with nature walks, wildflower meadows, and giant beehive, as well as rows of lavender. Open June - September, opening times vary, 10am-4/5pm.

Wolds Way Lavender, Sandy Lane, Wintringham, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 8HW

Website: http://woldswaylavender.co.uk/

Inglenook Farm

A lavender and chamomile farm, with cafe and artisan shops on site.

Inglenook Farm, Moss Nook Lane, Rainford Bypass, St Helens, Merseyside WA11 8AE

Website: https://www.inglenook-farm.co.uk/

Hopefully I’ve inspired you to consider visiting a lavender field and capture some beautiful photos! If you fancy more reading, you can read about our 2016 and 2017 lavender fields trips.

Main photo by by Léonard Cotte on Unsplash