This may look like Provence – but it’s actually Mayfield lavender farm in Banstead in Surrey, a village not far from Croydon. These beautiful purple lavender fields, beloved of Instagrammers, is a lovely place to visit for families. You can walk or run and play in the fields, explore the little landmarks around the farm such as the red telephone box and the tractor (all of which are great photo opportunities), visit the cafe and the shop and ride a little train around the whole farm.
The scent of lavender brings, for many, an association with the English toiletries brand Yardley – and often their grandmother’s dressing table as well.
But at one point, lavender was one of the most popular fragrances and in the early 19th century the lavender fields of Carshalton, Wallington, Mitcham and Banstead were at the centre of the English lavender industry. As well as perfume, lavender oil was believed to have healing properties and many ladies had bags of lavender in their drawers, and it was common to see lavender sellers hawking bunches in the street.
Most of the lavender fields in this area have gone but not entirely – Mayfield lavender farm in Banstead is the largest organic lavender farm in the UK, and open to the public to visit. It was started by someone who used to work for Yardley, but on the site of one of the original Victorian lavender fields, and was planted together with an environmental organisation called BioRegional. After Yardley changed hands and the new owners no longer wanted the farm, the man behind it and his wife turned it into a thriving stand-alone business.
The farm is very popular with Instagrammers and professional photographers who can get amazing shots among the lavender but it’s also a great place to visit for a day out with children.
It is now closed for the season as the lavender is being harvested, but if you haven’t already been, make sure it is on your list for next year. It’s fairly easy to reach – it’s not too far from Croydon or Sutton – and open every day. Entry is £5 per person or free for under 14s; parking is free and I’ve always managed to get a space though I’ve only ever been on a weekday and even then sometimes it is quite busy. There is info about parking on their website so have a read before you come (and of their rules e.g. no picnics).
The little train ride costs £2.50 per person and is fun for kids, albeit a little bumpy; it takes you around the outside perimeter of the farm (look out for the wildflowers planted along the side), and runs at regular intervals.
We have visited a few times as we live fairly close by – first when my daughter was just a few months old, we had a professional photoshoot during a visit to the farm with my sister and niece. Then last year my daughter went with two of her friends from nursery and their mums – they had a great time playing hide and seek in the tall lavender towards the back of the farm. This year I took my parents and we enjoyed a drink and ice cream in the cafe – the lavender tea is quite nice!
Mini Moo Life 
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