Close

Search the Site

Written by Savi, 45 Comments

Imagine 27 acres of thick purple foliage – rows upon rows of fragrant lavender glistening in the sunlight. You would be forgiven for thinking you are in Provence, the lavender capital of the world. Except you’re not.

Believe it or not you’re still in London, less than fifteen miles away the humdrum of Central London. We must admit we were very sceptical when we first heard about a lavender farm just off Croydon. On getting to the farm, we tip-toed towards the rickety gate with trepidation but the aromatic purple haze at Mayfield Lavender put all our doubts to rest within seconds.

Here there are rows of blue, mauve, and purple as far as the eye can see. Thousands of stems of powdery lavender, dancing in the sunshine, make for a perfect dreamy getaway, without so much as leaving the city. Bumble bees hover over ย the incandescent blues and purples, clinging to the occasional stem before moving on to the next.

There is magic in the air.ย ย You will want to run your fingertips along the endless rows of lavender, stoop down to smell the plants, and twirl in the fields all at once. Then there are rustic picnic tables surrounded by lavender fields and a li’l kiosk selling fairy-cakes and lavender ice-cream. ย Next to it, a little shop with lavender-coloured bunting sells bunches of dry lavender, aromatic soaps, and essential oils. What more could one ask for?

 

Offbeat London Mayfield Lavender Farm

 

We spent hours walking in the fields and picnicking and finally shot these photos on an overcast evening (the mighty weather gods are always there to remind you you’re still in London not Provence ๐Ÿ˜‰ ) when the lavender fields were at their resplendent best.

I wore a shapeless err.. loose and breezy maxi-dress to compliment the rustic nature of the farm. I combined it with a pair of stocky brogues covered in glitter – Vid calls them ‘the disco shoes’. They are ugly and cool at the same time don’t ya think? I love ’em ๐Ÿ™‚ I combined the long, flowy dress with layered necklaces, statement rings in turquoise hues, and a miscellaneousย mรฉlange of silver bracelets I’ve collected from local markets all over the world. The ethnic bag is from a souk in Morocco – it’s tan with a brightly-coloured embroidered patch. Its unrefined aesthetic and rough edges are totally up my street

 

Offbeat London Mayfield Lavender Farm

 

Fact File

  • Entry to the lavender farm is FREE
  • The best season to visit is between June and September when the lavender is in full bloom
  • There is a car park at Mayfield Lavender Farm and parking is free
  • It is easy to get to the farm using public transport. Take the train from London Bridge to Tattenham Corner. Get off at Woodmansterne. At Woodmansterne, take the 166 bus and get off at Oaks Park. The bus drops you at the gate of Mayfield Lavender Farm.
  • More information on their websiteย http://www.mayfieldlavender.com/

 

Mayfield Lavender is the kind of place that makes one stand up and take notice. After we had guzzled beers, devoured their lavender-flavoured fairy cakes, shot photos by the dozen, all we really wanted to do to was toย stand back and let the romance of the place sink in.ย Mayfield Lavender – the ultimate bohemian getaway without so much as leaving the city. Perfect for urban gypsies ๐Ÿ™‚

 

Click on the pictures below to see what we’re talking aboutย ๐Ÿ™‚

 

[nggallery id=5]

 

 

Want more? Check out our favourite Offbeat Day Trips from London

45 thoughts on “A Bohemian Getaway: Mayfield Lavender Farm, London

  1. Yayyyy! Finally! So congratz on the 50th post and the place and pictures do absolute justice to the occasion :)… Fab pictures-just too fab:)

  2. I love everything about this post!!! The fields, the dress, jewellery and definitely the sparkly shoes. I am glad you posted this, now I am going to visit this farm for sure. I love going on a single day getaways around London.

    1. Thanks Snig- would love to know what you thought of it ๐Ÿ™‚ Do pack a picnic – there isn’t much too eat around there

  3. guys this is so beautiful…lavendar everywhere..just imagining it makes me go to my lala land!! seriously beautiful pictures…savi u r a gorgeous woman, um sure u know that ๐Ÿ™‚
    congratulation on your 50th post!!
    BIG FAN of BP:)

    1. Thanks a million Priyadarshini ๐Ÿ™‚ We always look forward to reading your warm comments – love hearing from you

  4. So So lovely! Love the colour contrasts with the lavender and the maxi dress.
    I’m jealous, because I love lavender, and I can’t imagine how divine those aromas would have been!

    1. Thanks Roxanne. The aroma was gorgeous – omnipresent yet not overwhelming. This is the place for you if you’re a fan of lavender ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Thanks a ton Meagan. That’s my favourite photo too – I have no clue when Vid clicked it, but I love it ๐Ÿ™‚

  5. I adored lavender before this post! Gah, so beautiful! I’m just wondering if beer guzzling is a prerequisite whilst visiting?:) Thanks so much for sharing; I can’t wait to visit this glorious place.

  6. really love the photos n the just love the way u dress . the look is soo modish .. love ur photos n u ..

    1. Thanks Pallavi. You’re right – there were a lot of bees at the farm (notice the close-up of the lavender plant with the bee?). Unfortunately it’s tough to keep them away.

  7. the two things that catch my attention in these pics is:
    The buckle on ur bohemian bag
    the red nail color on ur short nails

    ๐Ÿ™‚
    “Life is not about how many moments u have, it is about how many moments take away ur life!”

    1. Megha it’s good to hear from you. The buckle is crazy isn’t it? I love it ๐Ÿ™‚ As for the nails, I’m too lazy (even impatient) to grow ’em – haha

  8. What a place for a day-picnic. Absolutely gorgeous those flowers & the romance of the place captured beautifully with the camera. Never really liked the color lavender before but now I’m kind of crushing on it. The picture with a bee in it so adorable. ๐Ÿ™‚ About your look there isn’t one thing I like because I like it all…the eccentric shoes, the boho bag, the junk on your fingers and the lovely print on your dress. You look fabulous Savi. ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Thanks Shivangi – I love the fact that you read our rambles so closely. We always have so much fun putting the write-up and photos together, so it’s amazing to know someone out there is enjoying it it ๐Ÿ™‚ I love the picture with the bee too

      1. Anything written about travelling catches my attention but your posts on Bruised Passports come with such lucid articles and stunning pictures that I can’t help but enjoy reading them as much as you enjoy putting them together.

  9. Love Lavender! This place would be an absolute paradise for me ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚ Great pictures…love your dress and accessories Savuuu xxx

  10. Savi those shoes are absolutely adorable <3 u carry them off so well.. u look like a princess lost in lavender fields! ๐Ÿ˜€

  11. OMG, this post is just AMAZING! The photography is mind blowing and the place looks so serene and beautiful. Like heaven on earth ๐Ÿ™‚ Savi I loved ur choice of clothes and accessories ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Thanks Ramya. The place is gorgeous, especially when the lavender is in full bloom. Glad you enjoyed the post ๐Ÿ™‚

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *