Last Updated on 26/08/2026 by Ting Dalton
Quick facts: Mayfield Lavender Farm 2026
- Address: 1 Carshalton Road, Banstead, Surrey, SM7 3JA
- 2026 season: 6 June to 23 August 2026
- Opening times: Every day, 9 am to 6 pm (last entry 5:15 pm)
- Tickets: Adults (12+) £7.50 | Children (5–11) £2.50 | Under 5s free | Family (2 adults + 2 children) £18
- Booking: Anyday tickets available online at mayfieldlavender.com
- Parking: Included with entry (limited spaces)
- ULEZ: Mayfield Lavender Farm is outside the ULEZ zone
A trip to our local lavender farm is an all-time favourite family day out for us. We’re lucky enough to have Mayfield Lavender Farm only a 10-minute drive away, and we visit every summer. If you time it right, you can have the fields almost to yourself for perfect family photos – and let the kids run free in the fresh open air. The smell alone is worth the journey. And if you’re travelling from the city, the trip from London to Mayfield Lavender Farm is easier than you’d think.
The Mayfield Lavender field is a 25-acre organic farm in Banstead, Surrey – just 15 miles southwest of central London. During the summer months, the fields turn into endless rows of lavender in every shade of purple. You can wander through them, breathe in that sweet scent and watch the bees go about their work. My kids love nothing more than running between the rows and trying to climb aboard the tractors.
The farm is run by the Maye family, who don’t use any pesticides or fertilisers. It’s the largest organic lavender farm in the UK, certified by the Soil Association. Although it only opened to visitors in 2002, lavender has been grown on this same land since the Victorian era – these were once part of the lavender fields that stretched across this part of Surrey in the 18th and 19th centuries.
It’s worth knowing that Mayfield actually has two locations – the original farm in Banstead and the Secret Lavender Garden at their Epsom site, which also has the year-round Glasshouse Cafe and gift shop. We love going there for hearty breakfasts and lunches. And in the winter, their wreath-making lessons are also highly recommended!
For 2026, you can book Anyday tickets online in advance via the official site, so you can pick the date that works for you.
Mayfield Lavender Farm: Best time to visit
Lavender starts to bloom towards mid-June and reaches full bloom in July. Visit in July or early August to see the fields at peak bloom – the purples are at their most vibrant and the scent is strongest. As you can see from my photos taken over different months, the colour changes quite a bit depending on when you go.
Late June is your best bet if you want fewer crowds. The lavender won’t be in full bloom yet, but the fields are still a lovely shade of purple and the atmosphere is much more relaxed.
July and August weekends get very busy – this is one of the most popular spots on social media in the summer months, and it shows. Go during the week if you can, and try to arrive as soon as the gates open at 9 am. We’ve done this a few times and had the field of lavender to ourselves for a good 10–15 minutes before others started arriving.
Allow a couple of hours for a relaxed stroll around the fields and a ride on the Looby Loo locomotive. If you plan to grab lunch at the cafe, give yourself a bit of time for queues on busy days.
How to get to Mayfield Lavender Farm from London
Getting from London to Mayfield Lavender Farm is straightforward, whether you’re driving or using public transport. The farm is about 15 miles southwest of central London, making it an easy day trip.
By car
Pop SM7 3JA into your sat nav or Google Maps. The drive from central London takes around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Mayfield Lavender Farm is not in the ULEZ zone, so there’s no charge to worry about.
Parking at the farm is included in your admission fee, but spaces are limited. If the car park is full, staff will direct you to a nearby sports or rugby club, which may charge a small additional cost. Last car entry is 5:15 pm, and the gate locks at 6 pm, so make sure you leave in time.
If you can’t get a space, nearby Oaks Park has parking, and it’s a short walk to the farm.
By public transport
All routes start at London Victoria:
- Via West Croydon: Train to West Croydon, then take the 166 bus directly to the farm gate bus stop. This is the simplest route but can get busy in peak season.
- Via Sutton (slightly faster): Train to Sutton, then the S1 bus to Banstead (Woolpack stop), then the 166 bus to the farm gate.
- Via Purley: Train to Purley Station, cross the road to the large Tesco and catch the 166 bus to Oaks Park.
- Fastest option: Train to Sutton or Cheam, then a short taxi ride to the farm.
What to expect at Mayfield Lavender Farm
Three varieties of lavender grow here: two types of Lavandula angustifolia (Folgate and Maillette) and a hybrid called Grosso, produced by natural cross-pollination. The flowers are harvested and distilled each year to produce lavender essential oil, which is sold in the gift shop alongside other essential oils and lavender products.
The farm is spread across gently undulating ground with mature trees for shade. There’s a classic red telephone box in the middle of the fields (a social media favourite) and a beloved Massey Ferguson tractor called “Fergie” that’s perfect for photos. Expect bees and butterflies everywhere – they’re very well-behaved and we’ve never had a problem, even with the kids.
New for 2026: Every entry ticket now includes a lavender cutting to pot and take home. You can also adopt one of Mayfield’s new lavender plants for £5 as part of their Adopt-a-Plant scheme.
Fun tractor rides
The Looby Loo locomotive takes you on a 15 to 20-minute ride around the property to admire the lavender, bees and butterflies. It’s a great way for families to see the whole farm without tiring little legs – and you get some lovely photos from up on the tractor, too.
Rides start from 10:30 am and run throughout the day. Tickets cost £3 per person and are available on-site from the shop or cafe. Babies in arms travel free. No need to book.
There’s also a stationary tractor that children can climb aboard and pretend to drive – always a hit with ours.
The cafe and gift shop
There’s an al fresco cafe next to the fields serving sandwiches, warm meals and some lovely lavender-infused treats. The lavender cream teas are a must – think a lavender scone with jam and cream. You can also try their lavender lemonade, lavender cider and lavender afternoon tea hampers. Prices are in line with usual high street food costs.
The gift shop stocks Mayfield lavender plants, lavender toiletries, aromatherapy oils, gift sets and lavender-infused foods. It’s hard to leave without picking something up.
Important: No outside food or picnics are allowed at the farm.
Photography competition
Every year, Mayfield runs a photography competition open to all visitors. Submit up to three photos for a chance to win £200 – details on the Mayfield Lavender website.
Events and experiences at Mayfield Lavender Farm
Throughout the summer season, Mayfield runs a programme of special experiences alongside standard visits. In previous years, these have included sunset yoga among the lavender, private bee safari tours of the on-site hives, evening picnics with Pimm’s overlooking the fields, and private party hire.
The events change from year to year, and new ones are often added as the season progresses. Check their events page for the latest programme, prices and booking.
Mayfield’s Secret Lavender Garden, Epsom
Mayfield’s Epsom site has been home to their Glasshouse Cafe and gift shop for years, but in summer 2025 they opened the Secret Lavender Garden here too – and it’s returning for 2026. Tucked away just 3 miles from the main farm, it’s a more intimate experience with around 12 acres of lavender, an apple orchard with over 500 fruit trees, and winding trails through themed fields.
The Secret Garden uses timed entry sessions of around 2.5 hours, with limited numbers per slot, so it feels peaceful even during peak bloom. It’s a different vibe to the main farm – quieter, more curated, and picnics are welcome here.
Highlights include themed fields (Provence, Tuscany), a red telephone box and a purple keyhole door that are both great for photos, a bird sanctuary and the orchard.
Address: 139 Reigate Road, Epsom, KT17 3DW (same site as the Glasshouse Cafe)
Check the Mayfield website for confirmed 2026 dates, session times and ticket prices.
The Glasshouse Cafe and gift shop, Epsom
If you want to visit outside lavender season – or extend your day trip – head to Mayfield’s Glasshouse Cafe at the Epsom site. It’s open all year round and well worth a stop in its own right.
The cafe serves breakfast, lunch and their popular lavender afternoon teas (bookable in advance). The gift and plant shop stocks lavender products, plants grown in their own glasshouses, and seasonal gifts. At Christmas, they sell Nordman trees and run a festive shop.
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
- Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm
Address: 139 Reigate Road, Epsom, KT17 3DW
Getting there by public transport: Train from London Victoria to Epsom, then the 166 bus from the clock tower to the Driftbridge bus stop. The cafe is 100 metres from the railway bridge. Free parking is available.
FAQs
How do I get from London to Mayfield Lavender Farm?
The easiest route is by car – pop SM7 3JA into your sat nav and it’s around 45 minutes to an hour from central London. By public transport, take a train from London Victoria to West Croydon, Sutton or Purley, then the 166 bus to the farm gate. See the full transport breakdown above.
Where is Mayfield Lavender Farm?
The farm is at 1 Carshalton Road, Banstead, SM7 3JA – about 15 miles southwest of central London. Their second location, the Secret Lavender Garden, is at 139 Reigate Road, Epsom, KT17 3DW. The two sites are roughly 3 miles apart.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
For 2026, Mayfield has introduced Anyday tickets which you can book online in advance through the official site. This lets you choose your preferred date. You can also pay on arrival.
How much is the entrance fee?
For the 2026 summer season: Adults and over-12s pay £7.50, children aged 5–11 pay £2.50, and under-5s go free. A family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) costs £18. Parking at the farm is included in the admission fee at no additional cost.
What is the best time to visit lavender fields in the UK?
Anytime between mid-June and the end of August. The fields are quieter in late June and still a lovely shade of purple. In July and early August, the lavender reaches full bloom and the colours are at their most vibrant. Weekends are busy during the summer months – visit midweek and arrive early for the best experience.
Are dogs allowed at Mayfield Lavender Farm?
Yes, well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome. If your dog doesn’t enjoy crowds, it might be best to leave them at home during peak weekends.
Is there disabled access?
Mayfield welcomes guests in wheelchairs and mobility vehicles, but not all of the field is level ground. The rows between the lavender can be accessed but they’re not very wide.
Are there toilets at Mayfield Lavender Farm?
Yes, there are portable toilets on the property. Because the farm sits on Metropolitan Green Belt land, permanent facilities can’t be built. They’re cleaned regularly.
Can I visit Mayfield outside of summer?
The lavender farm itself is only open during the summer season (June to August). But the Glasshouse Cafe and gift shop in Epsom is open all year round – it’s a lovely spot for afternoon tea, browsing the plant shop and picking up lavender gifts.
More days out in Surrey
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