Britain’s largest lavender farm is welcoming visitors again this summer, opening its gates for the season starting this week. The expansive 110-acre property in Kent, known as Castle Farm Lavender Fields, will reopen to the public on Friday, June 19, and remain accessible through the end of July while the flowers are at their peak.
A Blooming Attraction in the Garden of England
Located in Sevenoaks, just an hour’s drive from London, this family-run farm is home to more than 45,000 lavender plants. Since launching its lavender-growing venture in 1998, Castle Farm has grown into the UK’s largest lavender producer. Nestled in the ‘Garden of England,’ the farm’s award-winning blooms have earned five consecutive gold medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The farm also features a specialised on-site distillery, allowing essential oils to be extracted within hours of harvest.
Activities and Experiences
Visitors can explore the farm in several ways. A one-hour self-guided walk through the renowned Darenth Valley fields costs free for under-twos, £4.50 for children, and £7 for adults aged 16 and over. For a longer session, lavender picnic sites are available for 2 hours 30 minutes, where guests can bring their own food. Picnic tickets are free for under-twos, £7.50 for children, and £14 for those aged 16 and over. Dogs are not permitted for picnics. An upgraded picnic experience with cakes, alcohol (including lavender gin), fruit, crisps, and biscuits starts from £60 for two people.
For flower enthusiasts, guided tours explain growing processes, oil extraction, and lavender farming. Adult-only classes include wreath workshops (£75) and breathwork classes (£24.50) among the lavender rows. Access to the fields requires a ticket to one of the events, but public footpaths crossing the farm and the farm shop remain accessible.
The Farm Shop and More
The Lavender Barn, awarded Small Farm Shop of the Year 2025 by the Farm Retail Association, is open Tuesday to Sunday year-round and online. It offers lavender honey, soaps, and other fresh lavender-infused products. The picturesque fields have been used by brands and TV programmes, including Kelly Brook for ITV This Morning, River Island, Morrisons, Carlsberg, and Selfridges. Photography packages are available for engagements, family shots, and even pet and equine photography. The farm can also be hired for weddings, with photos in the fields and ceremonies in a 400-year-old barn or outside, weather permitting.
Visitor Feedback
On TripAdvisor, Gilly01234 called it a ‘fantastic few hours for our family of five,’ describing the fields as ‘a stunner, with endless rows of fragrant flowers and cracking views across the Darenth Valley.’ They added, ‘Staff were lovely, the barn and shop were a treat, chock-full of lavender goodies.’ However, they noted, ‘At £27.50 for the family, it’s a tad pricey… Still, worth every penny for the memories.’ Another visitor said the fields are ‘beautiful’ with ‘interesting little stalls,’ but ‘extremely busy and quite expensive.’ Overall, experiences, views, and customer service are highly praised, though some find it costly but worthwhile.
Tickets are available to book now, with more released in the summer depending on lavender growth.
