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?
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 ๐ ) 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 ๐ 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
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 ๐
Click on the pictures below to see what we’re talking aboutย ๐
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Want more? Check out our favourite Offbeat Day Trips from London
Those shoes look like they were made for dancing in lavender fields. Ace pics!
Thanks Delia – that’s what those shoes ended up doing all day ๐
Gorgeous pictures xx
Thanks Jade ๐
Yayyyy! Finally! So congratz on the 50th post and the place and pictures do absolute justice to the occasion :)… Fab pictures-just too fab:)
So happy to hear you enjoyed them, especially THE Gallery ๐
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.
Thanks Snig- would love to know what you thought of it ๐ Do pack a picnic – there isn’t much too eat around there
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 ๐
congratulation on your 50th post!!
BIG FAN of BP:)
Thanks a million Priyadarshini ๐ We always look forward to reading your warm comments – love hearing from you
I can’t imagine a better outfit for exploring a lavender farm! <3 GORGEOUS pictures, like always!
Thanks Karisa ๐ It’s the location working its magic
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!
Thanks Roxanne. The aroma was gorgeous – omnipresent yet not overwhelming. This is the place for you if you’re a fan of lavender ๐
How amazing are these photos?! As I said on facebook, I adore the photo on the second row, right side. It is perfection. What a beautiful place.
Thanks a ton Meagan. That’s my favourite photo too – I have no clue when Vid clicked it, but I love it ๐
gorgeousness!
Thanks ๐
Ooooh!!! I HAVE to go there!
Walking through a lavender field like that is SO on my bucket list!
Bookmarking this!
Sofie you will LOVE it. August is the best time of the year to visit the farm ๐
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.
Haha Sher – guzzling makes the experience so much better ๐
really love the photos n the just love the way u dress . the look is soo modish .. love ur photos n u ..
Thanks a million Kushagr – this is my favourite kind of look ๐
This one is a fab post! You look lovely Savi… I have heard lavenders attract bees. Wonder how they kept them away here…
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.
gorgeous photos !
Thanks Freya ๐
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
๐
“Life is not about how many moments u have, it is about how many moments take away ur life!”
Megha it’s good to hear from you. The buckle is crazy isn’t it? I love it ๐ As for the nails, I’m too lazy (even impatient) to grow ’em – haha
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. ๐ 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. ๐
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 ๐ I love the picture with the bee too
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.
Love Lavender! This place would be an absolute paradise for me ๐ ๐ Great pictures…love your dress and accessories Savuuu xxx
It was dreamy Shilpi – endless rows of aromatic purple *sigh* ๐
Savi those shoes are absolutely adorable <3 u carry them off so well.. u look like a princess lost in lavender fields! ๐
Aww thanks Nidhi ๐ I love those shoes too.
i soooooo wanna go there… amazing pictures and accessories !
great work (Y)
xoxo
Thanks Malavika. This might tempt you to put London on your bucket list ๐
OMG, this post is just AMAZING! The photography is mind blowing and the place looks so serene and beautiful. Like heaven on earth ๐ Savi I loved ur choice of clothes and accessories ๐
Thanks Ramya. The place is gorgeous, especially when the lavender is in full bloom. Glad you enjoyed the post ๐
Such gorgeous photos, I’d love to go but I hate the smell of lavender! ๐
Awww that’s a shame Sara
Lavender fields look amazing, but I get a terrible headache from Lavender. ๐
Uh oh ๐ In that case, you should probably hop over to our post about other getaways near London. There are bluebells and strawberries on offer ๐ https://www.bruisedpassports.com/wheres/5-offbeat-and-free-day-trips-from-london