Social News Assistant Editor Samantha Bartlett visited a picturesque lavender farm. However, although it may look like it could be Provence in France it’s actually based right here in the UK
Provence, in the south-east of France, is globally famous for its expansive lavender fields, which blanket the region in vibrant shades of purple and violet every summer. Known locally as “blue gold,” lavender farming is a cornerstone of Provence‘s agricultural economy and cultural identity, historically fuelled by the perfume industry in nearby Grasse.
So you would be forgiven for thinking that the stunning lavender field I visited recently is based there. However, instead of being in France, it’s situated right here in the UK. Lordington Lavender Farm is a family-operated, working farm situated in the South Downs National Park near Chichester, West Sussex.
Founded in 2002 by local farmer Andrew Elms following his shift away from dairy farming, it covers 10 acres of stunning French Maillette lavender – a variety exceptionally valued for its superior essential oil quality.
The farm, which is perfect for a sunny day out, stands out particularly because it functions with a rigorous commitment to conservation, employing no chemical fertilisers or pesticides, rendering it an environmentally-friendly sanctuary for bees, butterflies, and more than 12 red-listed bird species.
As it remains a working commercial farm, it welcomes visitors for just a short window in July annually when the flowers achieve their peak purple display.
This weekend (Sat July 18-Sun July 19) marks the final Open Days, so if you fancy experiencing this magnificent attraction, you’ll need to get there sharpish.
Visitors will find countless chances to wander amongst the lavender rows while capturing plenty of photographs and observing local wildlife such as bees and butterflies.
I visited recently with my family and my young son, who adored racing up and down the rows and discovering the butterflies amongst the lavender. There are also plenty of opportunities for snapping photos, including an egg chair, toy tractor and a table and chairs set to pose alongside.
Beyond the lavender fields themselves, visitors can opt to take a tractor ride down to the farm from the car park, which naturally my little one adored.
Educational talks about lavender are available too, alongside a ‘Hay Play’ zone for children, featuring some small slides, bowling and tin cans for entertainment.
In addition to this, there’s a new maize maze. The weekend of my visit featured alpacas, lambs and Pygmy goats as well, though sadly they won’t be present this coming weekend.
Despite being outdoors in the sun, there’s ample shade and numerous refreshments to sustain you, ranging from cakes to lavender-flavoured ice cream, fresh strawberries and Pimm’s.
Visitors can even browse the shop and purchase their pure, steam-distilled essential oils, natural soaps and potted lavender plants to bring back home.
All in all, we enjoyed a wonderful day out in a distinctive setting that I’m confident my little one will cherish for years ahead, so I’d strongly suggest heading down for a visit if you’re available this weekend.