Out Of London: Mayfield Lavender Farms

Something I have always wanted to do was stand in the middle of an endless flower field somewhere abroad. Oddly specific, I know, but what fun is seeing others visit one on social media if you don't try it out yourself? So, I decided to make the most of my time in London and head out of the central city to the small rural town of Surrey, which happens to have a gorgeous lavender field on a farm. To get there, you can take the train from Victoria Station all the way to Purley Station, where you then take the 166 Bus to Oaks Park, which goes directly to the front of the farm. Little side note: don't chase down the wrong bus with the same number heading in the opposite direction, which is exactly what I did. So, take a guess who walked a mile and a half down off the beaten paths border lining farms? Still, it was worth it for what was in store!

Entry into the farm is a minimal price of 5 GBP, but children under 12 are free. The lavender fields are 25 acres, with row after row of the purple flowers teeming with buzzing bees. There's a little train for kids that takes you around the farm, a little garden café with lavender themed pastries and tea, as well as their famous lavender cider. There's even a gift shop with lavender scented oils, candles, soap and tea bags. You didn't even need to stop and smell the flowers; the scent that wafted through the air was so pleasantly sweet and fragrant. (If you have hay fever, you'll have quite the field day out here! Apologies for the bad pun.) I picked a great day to come out; it was warm and sunny with just a slight breeze blowing through the sprigs. Be sure to check the weather forecast for the day before venturing out here!

A few important things to remember; you're not allowed to pick the lavender; they sell pre-bundled sprigs you can purchase at the gift shop. I personally witnessed a member of security confiscate some flowers from someone who picked them from the fields. Also, there are a lot of honeybees, so if you're allergic to bee stings I would seek medical advice before visiting the farm.

It was absolutely stunning, and I'm so happy I got to check something off my bucket list! And I took some really great photos!

Cheers!

-Mikayla