Created by Brendan Maye in 2002, Mayfield Lavender Field is a 25-acre organic lavender farm with a café and shop situated near Banstead in Surrey. The lavender is grown on one of the same fields it was originally grown in the 18th and 19th centuries, at that time supplying the likes of Yardley. Mayfield Lavender Farm has been open since 2006 so it can get busy at peak times, such as weekends in July/August, so it’s worth heading there during the week if at all possible. The lavender is typically in bloom from the middle to end of June until the end of August and it’s fantastic for photographs.
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Opening hours
Mayfield Lavender Farm is open 7 days a week from June 1st until August 31st 2021. Opening times are 9am to 6pm with the last entry at 5:45pm (gates are locked at 7pm). The address is 1 Carshalton Rd, Banstead SM7 3JA. Entry is £4 per person excluding children under 16 who go for free. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a lead.
Parking
Parking is free to visitors who have paid the entry fee but it is worth noting the car park does have limited capacity. Entry can be restricted during busy times and Mayfield Lavender Farm does do its best to accommodate visitors. If there is no capacity at the onsite car park, visitors will be directed to a local sports club (charges may apply). Access to the farm from there is over a stile and 50 metres from the rugby club entrance on the other side of the road. Coaches are not permitted at Mayfield Lavender Farm as there is not enough space to turn around once inside the car park.
Café & shop
Picnics are not permitted at Mayfield Lavender Farm but there is an alfresco café with tables for lunch and snacks. There’s typically a good selection which includes very good homemade cake and in July and August lavender cream tea! Mayfield Lavender Farm is also licenced to sell alcoholic drinks including their unique lavender cider. Lavender products can also be purchased from the shop whether it be a bunch of fresh lavender, lavender plants or delicious treats. There is no permanent toilet building on site but there are portable toilets.
Tractor rides
Tractor rides are available during the peak season when its possible to see three different varieties of lavender in bloom. Tractor rides cost £2 per person and tickets can be purchased from the café or shop. Tractor rides typically start from around 10:30am and take around 15 minutes.
Private events
It is not currently possible to rent the party areas due to the pandemic. In the past, private parties have been held amid the lavender as there are two gazebos that seat 16 people each. but in the past, it has been possible to have a private party amid the lavender. Tours for 12+ people were also possible. Hopefully, parties and tours will return in 2022.
Photography
The emphasis is on fun family photographs and there is no charge for this at the farm. Each year there is a photography competition with a prize of £200 for the best entry. Last year a video competition also ran for the first time. It’s worth checking out the entries on the site gallery before you enter and the competition is stiff. For all commercial photography (such as weddings, models, landscape or portrait photography), photographers need to register at the shop and pay a small fee.
