Mayfield Lavender Farm in Surrey has become one of the most photographed lavender fields in the UK. The farm’s 25-acre flower field blooms in the summer months with French and English lavender varieties attracting hundreds of visitors who come to wander around these beautifully scented fields.
I am lucky to have this sensational lavender farm near me and have been a visitor for many years. It can get pretty crowded as it has grown in popularity but not in size.
My top tip is to arrive just as it is opening to take advantage of the fewer number of people. By doing this, you can usually get some great shots with no-one in the background!
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Why is Mayfield Lavender Field so popular?
Not only do the beautiful flowers make Mayfield stand out from other lavender field locations in the UK – but also the ingenious idea to place props all around the farm. The quintessential red English phonebox, the shiny silver Airstream trailer and the big red tractor offer some fabulous photo opportunities.
And it’s not just Instagrammers who have discovered this sensational lavender field near London – although if you check the hashtag #mayfieldlavender, you will see thousands of lavender photos uploaded on Instagram.
Mayfield lavender photography is now so popular that professional photographers are booking this setting for wedding parties, birthday celebrations and family and pet sessions. With the fairytale carpet of purple flowers interspersed with the pop of colour from the farm’s props, it promises to result in the prettiest lavender photoshoot ever!
Lavender photography tips: wear anything white, yellow, or light blue, it will make a subtle contrast to the purple flowers. A straw hat is also an excellent idea. Sit down between the bushes and get the person who is taking the photo to place as much lavender as possible in the shot. Voila! You will be surrounded by the lavender, and the result will look delightful.
Mayfield Lavender Farm Shop
Mayfield isn’t a “pick-your-own” farm, and so picking lavender is prohibited. If you want to take lavender home with you, then the farm shop sells bunches of cut lavender, as well as potted varieties for the garden. Body lotions, natural essences, biscuits and chocolate as well as other lavender based products are also on sale in the shop.
Mayfield Lavender Farm Cafe
Once you have finished taking photos in the lavender field, you can head to the outdoor seating area (covered by gazebo’s to protect you if it rains) and order something delicious from the seasonal menu.
I particularly love the lavender afternoon tea complete with lavender tea and scones, but then I am a lavender fanatic so I would enjoy anything made with lavender! Fancy something other than tea? Why not try the home-made lavender cider that can be included with your afternoon tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where: The field is approximately 10 miles from Central London at 1 Carshalton Rd, Banstead SM7 3JA.
Best time to visit: 1 June – 31 August, seven days per week from 9 am to 6 pm. The lavender is usually in full bloom by the second week in July (dependent on weather)
Lavender Farm entrance fee – £4 per adult and for children over 16 with younger children admitted free. (2020 prices)
How: There is ample parking on-site for cars or travel by train/bus/taxi.
- Take a train from London Victoria to Sutton station and take a cab from outside the station to the farm.
or
- Take a train from London Victoria to West Croydon station and then take the 166 bus to the farm.
Dogs on leads are allowed in the lavender field.
For more information, visit mayfieldlavender.com.
Things to do and see in the area: Situated by the Surrey Downs, an area of outstanding beauty. The area offers charming walks and a chance to visit picturesque villages and pubs.
For more information www.visitsurrey.com
Read Next: The English Countryside: A Photographic Journal
