Lavender fields in the UK – 2026 guide
Lavender fields are often associated with Provence in France, but the UK has its very own beautiful lavender farms that can be seen across the country during July each year.
This short guide will provide all the information you need to know to visit a lavender farm at the right time of the year and make the most of your visit.
Nothing beats the scent of lavender in the summer months. Not only are the flowers beautiful, but the wildlife that these plants attract is continuous throughout the season. Used early in the season by spittlebugs who leave their telltale foamy stuff on the stems to feed butterflies in the late summer and the continuous buzz of bees, lavender fields are literally buzzing with life.
Most gardens in the UK will at some point have a lavender bush, however, the lavender farms take this to another level with rows upon rows of lavender that are a sight that cannot be missed in the summer months.
When is the lavender season in the UK?
English lavender blooms from June to early September. It is always worth checking before heading to the lavender farms around the UK to find out when they are harvesting their lavender. Most harvests are made in July, but it will depend on the weather conditions and the weather forecast. There is nothing worse than arriving at the lavender fields and finding they are beautifully cut and green.
When is the best time to go to lavender fields near me?
While the lavender blooms from June to September, the best time is the last week in June through late July, when the flowers are harvested. The purple colour will build as the fields bloom. A visit in early June will still be impressive, but the full colour will be at its best in mid-July.
Lavender varieties that are grown in lavender fields in the UK
There are loads of different species and subspecies of lavender grown in the UK. Many fall into the Lavandula family, but genetically, there is a wide range of variants. There are three main types that are grown commercially in the U.K. for their oils and flowers, but each UK lavender farm will have its own favourite variety.
Lavandula Angustifolia
Also known as English lavender, Lavandula angustifolia is the most well-known and is found in many UK gardens. The best-known varieties are Hidcote and Munstead. These plants are quite compact and have a swarm of flowers. These flowers produce really high-quality oils, can be used for lavender toiletries, and are a key ingredient in lavender perfumes and fragranced products.
Lavandula Intermedia
This species of lavender is a little more unruly and wild compared to English lavender. Known as lavandin or cottage garden lavender, it is a hybrid of Lavandula angustifolia and Lavandula latifolia and grows quite tall with long, flowing stems. These are the lavender plants found across the world, as they produce large volumes of oil compared to other varieties of lavender.
Lavandula Stoechas
This chunky lavender has a completely different appearance to the previous lavender species. Rather than flowers on a stem, this has a solid flower head that has petal leaves called bracts that stick out from the top of the flower head. This is known as French lavender and is more of an ornamental lavender as it doesn’t produce large amounts of essential oils.
Where are the best lavender fields in England?
All of the lavender fields in the UK are unique, and each one has its own personality.
The biggest lavender farm in the UK is Castle Farm near Sevenoaks in Kent. This 1100-acre farm has its own distillery and is the largest producer of lavender in the UK.
Small but equally beautiful is Cotswold Lavender in the small village of Snowshill. The farm has a range of lavender species as well as beautiful wildflower meadows. In the village is the traditional manor house, Snowshill Manor, which is managed by the National Trust.
Norfolk Lavender farms lavender and rosemary and is home to the national collection of lavenders. The farm is centred around a 1930s corn mill and has a small animal farm and cafe as well as lavender fields.
Are there lavender fields in Scotland?
The climate in Scotland is not always the best and this means that lavender growing is not easy. There are only two lavender farms in Scotland – Tarhill Farm on the shores of Loch Leven and Lothian Lavender southeast of Edinburgh. Tarhill Farm is a larger farm whereas Lothian Lavender can only be visited on special open days.
Lavender fields in Wales
Like Scotland, lavender fields in Wales are quite hard to find. The only one that is open during the flowering season is Welsh Lavender in Builth Wells. However, this is more than just a lavender farm and you can spend the night under the dark skies of the farm.
Lavender fields in Northern Ireland
Despite extensive research, there doesn’t seem to be any lavender fields to visit in Northern Ireland.
How to make the most of your visit to a lavender farm
The biggest thing to investigate before visiting a lavender farm is the opening times. Many are run by small family businesses and are not open every day during the season. Most have at least a few days open each season with these being well-advertised.
Arrive early or late. This not only makes the most of the early or late light of the day but also avoids the busier parts of the day. Lavender farms tend to be visited late morning and early afternoon.
Take your camera and wander. Look at the patterns the rows make, the insects on the flowers and the fields within the landscape. It is easy to fill a day in the fields with photography.
If you have mobility issues take time to investigate what is available at the farm. These are working farms with uneven surfaces, muddy fields and sometimes difficult access.
Be prepared for a little retail therapy and eating. Most of the farms produce their own soaps and essential oils that are available to purchase. You may also find small tea rooms serving lavender biscuits and cakes. Not for everyone but worth tasting and if you ask me nothing beats a slice of gooey lavender cake!
If the lavender fields have inspired you to grow your own lavender you may be able to take home plants to grow your own lavender fields.
Visiting UK Lavender Fields
Lavender fields in the UK make the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon. They are filled with beautiful flowers, a whole range of wildlife and the chance for some tasty snacks and soothing soaps.
