It's this time of year again when all the Instagram feeds are turning purple and all the photographers are rushing to photograph lavender fields.
The good news is that you don't have to go to Provance as there are a few lavender fields in the UK!
Last week I visited The Hop Shop at Castle Farm in Kent. It's a working farm and lavender harvest has already started but you can still catch the blooms on a guided tour on the 26th, 29th and 30th July. On a tour you will also learn about different varieties of lavender and visit the distillery where aromatic oils are made. They also offer aromatherapy massages and picnics in the lavender fields. Sadly this years season is coming to an end but you can already start planning for next year!
All the items used for the picnic are available to buy in the farm shop (it's open all year round). I am planning to go back for pick your own apples and to stock on lavender honey that is absolutely delicious!
Another place I visited a few times over the years is Mayfield lavender farm in Surrey. This one is much more touristy (very little chances of being alone in the field) but is a bit easier to visit as there are no guided tours - you just pay the entry fee and can stay as much as you like. It is also available to visit later in August - best to check their website for details.
Last year they installed a red phone booth on the field so it became an even bigger tourist attraction.
Other fields I have not yet visited but have heard of are Cotsfold Lavender, Hitchin Lavender, Somerset Lavender, Norfolk Lavender and Yorkshire Lavender.