The Mayfield Lavender farm provides us with our very own piece of Provence. It’s a haven of purple haze that runs as far as the eye can see and is conveniently located in Surrey’s very own suburb of Banstead. As the lavender begins to blossom, this family run business is getting ready to unlock the gates to its fields, making it the perfect time to plan your visit.
Back in 2000, Brendan Maye was determined to showcase the beauty and fragrance of lavender, so he planted the first seed of the story by securing the lease of the fields. He later recruited the help of his wife Lorna and together they restored acres of land, nurturing the neglected farmland back to life. Soon after, they opened Mayfield Lavender Farm to the public and attracted visitors from all across the world, turning their dream into a reality.
In just a few weeks’ time, you’ll be able to wander the fields for yourself and enjoy the English summer with the many events hosted at Mayfield Lavender Farm. Whether you’d rather get up close and personal to the hundreds of honey bees, sip on an iced lavender lemonade at your leisure or simply capture a perfect photo of the purple sea, there’s something for everyone.
If you don’t manage to plan a visit before it closes in September, the neighbouring Plant Nursery in Epsom is open all year round. It offers an equally impressive 12 acres of lavender, fruit trees and glasshouses, in addition to a gift shop and tea room that offers all things – yes, you guessed it – lavender (from infused treats to the humble plant itself).
Mayfield Lavender Farm: 1 Carshalton Rd, Banstead SM7 3JA
Mayfield Lavender Nursery & Gift Shop: 139 Reigate Rd, Epsom KT17 3DW
mayfieldlavender.com