Well we certainly picked a good day to visit Mayfield Lavender Fields - yesterday was glorious sunshine - today we've woken up to non-stop rain!
Mayfield is located in Banstead in Surrey, around seven miles from our home in Caterham. We visit a couple of times a year, but I honestly think that at the moment it is at its most beautiful.
Seriously, you could be in Provence! Who'd think you weren't too far from Croydon!
The Lavender Farm is located on Croydon Lane in Banstead, there is a large parking area, but the 166 bus runs from Coulsdon and Purley right to the entrance. When you're approaching you cannot miss the bright purple glow - Lee was quite taken by it (it was his first visit).
Entrance is only £1 per adult and under 16's are free! If you spend over £5 in the gift shop or cafe you will receive £1 off when you hand in your ticket.
Of course where there are flowers - there are bees, not so many as I have seen in previous years, and as they are honey bees they tend to mind their own business, they are really only interested in the lavender.
The front field is in beautiful bloom at the moment - it's really vibrant purple. The back field is a different variety, but again lovely to stroll through. Even my three year old son said: "Wow, look at all these beautiful flowers!"
There is a shiny red tractor and trailor which gives rides around the fields for £2 per person.
The fields are open daily from 9am-6pm until mid September. The gift shop stocks many products made from the lavender including oils, biscuits, lemonade, cakes and scones. We tried a large scone (£2) it was yummy. There is food available and tables with large parasols to sit at. You can also hire out one of the gazebos for a party!
Bunches of lavender cost £4 each.
Mayfield is very popular with photographers and each year they hold a competition where the prize for best photograph is £200.
It is a fabulous place to visit, and inexpensive too and if you fancy a picnic afterwards head to Oaks Park which is just down the road.
