Lavender fields are all the rage right now, but forget Provence – what if I told you that you could discover these glorious fields of purple just 40 minutes outside of Bristol?
Somerset Lavender Farm is one of the most beautiful places to spot lavender in the U.K and a must-do day trip this summer. With 5 acres of fragrant fields and 50,000 lavender plants to explore, this family-run farm offers a unique experience for all the senses.
Planning your visit to Somerset Lavender Farm
Getting there:
Somerset Lavender Farm is located in the tiny village of Faulkland, near Radstock in Somerset, just a 40-minute drive from Bristol and 20 minutes from Bath. Given its remote location, driving is the easiest option but you can also take the 414 or 424 bus from Frome to Faulkland, where it’s just a short walk from the bus-stop. Full timetables can be found at fromebus.co.uk.
Know before you go:
Somerset Lavender Farm opens its gates to the public every summer, from May to September. You can visit the farm from Wednesday to Sunday, between 10am and 5pm. The farm and cafe also re-opens for 6 weeks during the Christmas period, for those on the hunt for lavender-themed gifts!
Entrance to Somerset Lavender Farm is free but there is a donation box at the main gate for parking. Be sure to support the local business (and keep your house smelling lovely!) by purchasing fresh lavender and other souvenirs from the farm shop, or stopping for a coffee and cake in the cafe before you go.
The grounds are completely dog friendly and our Golden Retriever, Marnie, was in her element discovering all the new sights and smells. Purple is definitely her colour, too, don’t you think?!
What to see and do at Somerset Lavender Farm
The Lavender Fields
The rolling lavender fields are the show-stopper attraction and should be your first stop. The smell is what hits you first but seeing row upon row of hazy indigo is something you won’t forget in a hurry. You can wander through the fields, admiring and photographing the breath-taking landscape as you go.
Lavender Garden
Just in front of the lavender fields is the Lavender Garden, where over 20 varieties of lavender are grown. Each is labelled, so you can easily learn about the different types and admire the many beautiful shades and scents.
Flower and Vegetable Garden
Just beyond the car-park, you’ll spot clusters of vibrant flowers growing in the Flower and Vegetable Garden. Farm workers gently go about their business here; pruning the plants and hand-picking the veg. It’s so relaxing, it almost feels like you’ve stumbled into someone’s back garden!
Plant Nursery
The circular metal tank that houses the Plant Nursery stands in stark contrast to the rest of this quaint site. But inside, you can shop for your own pretty lavender plants and herbs, starting from just £3.50. Perfect for brightening up your kitchen windowsill!
Farm shop
This cosy little farm-shop also sells fresh lavender by the bunch and plenty of other souvenirs to take home with you. Or cool down with a scoop of local dairy ice-cream from the counter!
Cafe
The cafe at Somerset Lavender Farm is just as charming as the rest of the grounds. Step inside and you’ll find home-made cakes, fresh-smelling coffee and plenty of lavendery goods to browse. The lavender on the farm is grown and harvested for essential oils, which you can pick up here.
Be sure to try a slice of the lavender and almond cake while you’re here (when in Rome and all!)
Visiting lavender fields has been on my bucket list for some time now and Somerset Lavender Farm by far exceeded my expectations. Pictures speak a thousand words and it’s easy to see just how pretty the lavender fields are – but the whole farm has a unique charm and Zen vibe to it that I didn’t expect. It’s the perfect escape from the city and an ideal way to spend a summer’s day!
Travelling elsewhere in the U.K.? Check out my guide to visiting Tyntesfield Estate – another of Somerset’s top attractions – or find our where to spot street art in nearby Bristol.
