You check the weather app and see it’s going to be a glorious day in London tomorrow, with not a single cloud in the sky. Being a Brit, you know you have to make the most of this day as it might not come often, and wonder how you should spend it. Why not consider a trip to a lavender field? Sounds random I know, but on a beautiful summer’s day, with the sun warming your skin, it’s a great activity for the senses. The lavender smell surrounds you as you take in the stunning views of seas of purple. At least this was my experience, when I visited Mayfield Lavender Farm in the beginning of July, located between Banstead and Purley.
However, this day out isn’t something you can experience all year round. The farm opens around mid-June but the lavender doesn’t fully bloom for about 2-3 weeks. The best time to visit is from July till mid-August before most of the lavender is harvested. It’s open on weekdays from 9 am to 6 pm and weekends from 9 am to 7 pm. But don’t worry about booking in advance! You pay £5 upon entry and kids below the age of 12 get in for free.
I planned my visit on a Friday, where London was predicted to reach 30 degrees Celsius. Some people would think that was crazy, but I arrived at around 9.30 am to avoid the sun cooking me alive! This turned out to be a great decision, in more ways than one, as the farm started to get busy from around 10.30 am. I was able to avoid photobombers in my pictures, as you know I had to get the perfect shots of my outfit! I wore a bright yellow dress from Asos which contrasted beautifully against the purple surroundings. My 11 year-old sister captured my images using my iPhone, but for all my fellow content creators wishing to have professional pictures taken, you’ll have to pay a fee in advance through Mayfield Lavender’s website.
One thing I was apprehensive about was the bees! I had seen several people on social media warning others to stay far far away from the farm if they’re afraid of bees and wasps. My fear was a lot more pronounced when I was a child, but I still have the potential to have an episode of flapping, waving and running away if a bee decides to target me!
Now don’t get me wrong, there were a lot of them on the farm, so if you’re allergic, it’s probably still best to avoid this trip. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the bees didn’t pay me any attention and were very much engrossed in their life-long jobs, collecting pollen and nectar from the lavender. Who would have guessed right?! There was one brave bee that decided to circle around my head a few times for a laugh, but remembered its role, and got back in line!
After you’ve had a lovely stroll around the lavender, and got your obligatory pictures around the field, perhaps next to the red telephone box, you may be tempted to pick some of the lavender. You don’t want to leave empty-handed after coming all this way, but fear not, as the farm has a cute little shop located near the entrance that sells pots and cuttings of lavender. There is also a café for you to buy some light refreshments and take a breather from the sun under some shade. While the farm doesn’t have built in toilets, there are portaloos along side a sink area to wash your hands.
Mayfield Lavender Farm is just one of a few lavender fields located in the UK, so if it’s not the most convenient for you, don’t be put off from exploring one of the others!
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Taneshia Jasmine
Very interesting read. Thank you for posting.