English Lavender Fields – Somerset Lavender
I have been influenced – not surprisingly really considering the amount of time I spend on line. Last year I kept seeing pictures of beautiful English lavender fields and some stunning photography. So given the chance this year I dragged my mum out for the day to the depths of Somerset in search of the chance to experience this myself. Our destination was the closet lavender farm I could find, called Somerset Lavender which is about 7 miles south of Bath.
Somerset Lavender Farm
It was a lovely day out with my mum. But here’s the thing, I was a little bit disappointed. Pictures I’d seen of large farms in Kent and the Cotswolds were stunning. Huge fields, neat rows of lavender and vivid colours (I guess they may well have been enhanced).
The whole site is full of bees of every variety and when you crouch down you can hear the hum. Also unlike most other lavender farms this one is free to visit (donations requested).
The Best Time to Visit a Lavender Farm
Lavender is in flower in June and July. Sadly by the end of July when we went, some of flowers were starting to go over and the colours did not live up to my expectations. It was partly the light, any good photographer knows that midday is not good for capturing colour. That said, it is a lovely place.
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refreshments at Somerset lavender
It was coffee time when we arrived (that’s late morning for mum and I!) so it was a pleasure to see the coffee shop and lots of seating. There’s no fancy coffee machine but we had a very good cafetiere and had no qualms about sampling the cake, one of which was almond and lavender. Very nice it was too. Check for opening times.
The cafe also had a shop section where you could purchase items like essential oil, candles and dried lavender.
The farm planted it’s first English lavender fields in 2003 to supplement the dairy farm income. Now all the cows have been replaced with lavender. According to the website there are two main fields. The first field is planted with English Angustifolia lavender that flowers in June and July, the second has a mixture of English lavender and hybrid intermedia lavender that flowers later during July and August.
As well as the fields there is a pretty Lavender Garden, an area packed full over 20 different colours and varieties of lavender. There is also a Healing Garden with many herbs, from the ordinary thyme and mint to the more unusual healing herbs such as arnica and echinacea. Finally there is a beautiful flower & vegetable garden that had an amazing row of sweet peas. There are also are various plants available to buy.
At the end of the summer, the lavender is harvested and distilled to make essential oil. Lavender oil has been used for centuries for it’s scent and healing properties. Lavender was used to scent the water in Roman baths, it name originates from the Latin “lavare” meaning “to wash.” Romans also used it as a perfume, insect repellent, flavouring and even added dried lavender to their smoking mixtures.
English Lavender Fields Instagram and Selfie Heaven!
For many of the younger generation, having the best pictures for your social media is a priority. I have to say I did attempt a few with my mum for my Instagram story, but I never really know where to look!
This is one of my favourite photos of the day!
Somerset Lavender offer special times for photo shots and professional photographers outside of usual opening times.
We spent a lovely couple of hours wandering around at the Somerset Lavender Farm. The farm is child friendly and accessible. They have also planted sunflowers which will come later in the year (August to Setepmber).
Lifton Farm Shop Strawberry Fields in Devon
You can also try pick your own lavender in Devon. This popular farm shop has a range of pick your own options throughout the year as well as a lovely lavender field. Thank you to Lauren for these fun photos. Follow her at great local content on Instagram here.
If you don’t live in the South West here’s a list of some of the many other English Lavender fields that might be nearer you.
More English Lavender Fields to Visit in 2021
Hitchin Lavender, Hertfordshire
Snowshill Lavender Farm, Oxford
Norfolk Lavender – Norfolk
Mayfield, Banstead, Surrey
Cotswold Lavender, Cheltenham, Worcestershire
The Hop Shop, Sevenoaks, Kent
Kentish Lavender (The Hop Shop) – Shoreham, Kent
Suffolk Lavender Farm, Bucklesham, Ipswich,
Lavender Fields, Alton, Hampshire
Lordington Lavender, Chichester
Long Barn, Hampshire
Shropshire Lavender, Pickstock
Yorkshire Lavender, Terrington
Wolds Way Lavender, Yorkshire
Inglenook Farm, Saint Helens
Welsh Lavender, Builth Wells, Powys
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For more ideas of where to visit lavender fields across the UK take a look at these ideas from Big Family Little Adventures HERE.
If you enjoy days out, gardens and visiting country houses why not take a look at some of my other blog posts such as the lovely Cadhay House in East Devon or Stourhead in Wiltshire.
Hi! I am Clare and I live in glorious East Devon with my family.
Join me in finding new places to explore in the West Country as well as further afield.
I hope you enjoy reading and taking inspiration from this website. 
Hi Clare, what a brilliant site you have. I was looking for lavender field near me (Axminster) and see one in Somerset. Amazing interesting thing for holidays makers plus us locals with information of where to go. Thank you…… Chris