Hitchin Lavender Farm: The Ultimate Guide 2024
If you’re looking for a slice of countryside heaven, you won’t want to miss a trip to Hitchin Lavender Farm.
Tucked away in the heart of Hertfordshire, this dreamy destination boasts acres of rolling purple fields and has sweeping views of the English countryside. I’m lucky enough to live just half an hour from Hitchin Lavender and I visit at least a couple of times each summer!
Just a stone’s throw from London, these lavender fields are a great spot to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy a day out in the sunshine! In this guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the most of your visit!
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– Best Accommodation Site: Booking.com
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– Rent A Car Here: Discover Cars
Things To See At Hitchin Lavender
There’s actually so much to see at Hitchin Lavender Farm, the most obvious is of course wandering through the rows of lavender! The purple fields are on a gentle slope and are filled with an aromatic scent and the buzzing of bees.
The farm is a photographer’s dream with its vibrant colours and picturesque landscapes which make the perfect backdrop for endless photo opportunities!
Visitors can pick their own lavender to take home too, I love placing it around the house, the smell is amazing! This costs £4 per bag of lavender picked and you can purchase the bags at the entrance. Make sure you bring some scissors with you on the day.
At the base of the lavender rows, there’s also a rustic wildflower meadow. Bursting with British wildflowers like Common Knapweed, Lady’s Bedstraw, Poppy, Cornflower, and Forget-Me-Not, this colourful oasis is typically in full bloom from early summer.
A bit later in the year, around August time, you’ll notice a yellow cloud emerging behind the sea of purple, meaning the sunflowers have come into bloom! Like with the lavender, remember your scissors! You can also pick these and pay for them as you leave the farm.
You can also stop at The Field Kitchen, which has a variety of cakes, snacks, and light lunches. Or to cool down in the summer heat, The Wagon serves ice cream, which features a unique lavender flavour.
When To Visit Hitchin Lavender Fields
Timing is key when planning your visit to Hitchin Lavender Farm. The lavender bloom starts during early summer, but Mother Nature likes to keep us guessing and the farm’s opening date varies from year to year. Because of this, the farm keeps you in the loop with social media updates on when the fields are ready which is usually mid-June.
Which month you decide to visit will make a huge difference in what you’ll be able to see. The farm has a variety of different lavender plants, and they all start to bloom at different times.
The first bloom starts around mid-June although this will only be the first few rows of the field. Following on from the early bloomers, the other plants start flowering from mid-July to mid-August, and in my opinion, that’s the best time to visit.
The colourful wildflower meadow blossoms in early summer but sadly doesn’t stick around for as long as its purple neighbours. Last but certainly not least, the sunflowers tend to open around late July and stand tall and golden until mid-August.
As I live very close to the farm, I tend to visit a few times each year, once to see the lavender and once to catch the sunflowers. If you want to try to see both in one visit, early August is the time to try, but it’s never guaranteed.
Weekends and holidays tend to get very busy, if you like to beat the crowds I advise arriving earlier in the day or during the week.
How To Get To Hitchin Lavender
Although it’s tucked away in the countryside, Hitchin Lavender isn’t actually that far from the hustle and bustle of London! It’s in the perfect location for an easy day trip from the big smoke.
Visiting By Train
Hitchin is the closest train station to the farm and from here you will need to take a cab or an Uber. There is a taxi rank outside the train station and the drive is only 8 minutes.
If you’re travelling from London, you can get direct trains from London King’s Cross and St Pancras which take between 35 – 45 minutes depending on which train you catch.
Visiting By Car
If you decide to drive, Hitchin Lavender Farm is easily accessible via the motorway (A1) and the farm has a huge parking area on site which is free.
The address you will need to put into Google Maps is;
Cadwell Farm, Ickleford, Hitchin, Hertfordshire, SG5 3UA
How Much Is It To Visit Hitchin Lavender
If you buy your ticket in advance the cost of entry is £6. If you decide to buy your ticket on the day, the cost of entry is £8.
Once they are on sale, tickets can be purchased here.
There is an additional charge if you want to pick the lavender or sunflowers, and if you want to bring a professional photographer you’ll need to pay a fee.
You can bring your four-legged friends as long as they are kept on a lead and you clean up after them.
Summer Events
Hitchin Lavender Farm also offers some extra activities on specified dates.
You can join in on morning yoga sessions surrounded by the soothing lavender scent which offers a different way to enjoy the surroundings.
Or as the sun sets, the farm turns into an outdoor cinema, where you can enjoy a movie under the stars during those warm summer evenings.
It’s a great addition to your visit, which offers a bit of relaxation and entertainment in a unique setting, but do check the schedule and prices for these events.
Where To Stay Near Hitchin
Although one of the main summer attractions in Hitchin is the lavender farm, this historic market town is noteworthy on its own. I regularly visit Hitchin to wander around the cobbled streets lined with medi-evil buildings or to visit the market that’s open on Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Luxury Hitchin Apartment is in the centre of Hitchin and can accommodate up to 6 people. Bars, shops and restaurants are all within walking distance and Hitchin Lavender Fields are just an 8-minute drive away. The apartment also has parking.
The Fox Inn is in the small village of Willian and is just a 9-minute drive from the lavender farm. With an on-site restaurant, free parking and beautifully decorated rooms this is a great place to stay if you enjoy being away from the centre of town.
Hitchin Lavender FAQ’s
Curious about everything Hitchin Lavender has to offer? Check out these frequently asked questions to get all the details for your visit!
What Is The Best Month To Visit Hitchin Lavender Farm?
The lavender fields are usually open around mid-June to mid-August although this does vary slightly from year to year. The best time to visit, in my opinion, is July to mid-August.
To check what is in bloom you can check Hitchin Lavender’s website and socials for regular updates.
Is Hitchin Lavender Free To Visit?
No, it is not free to visit Hitchin Lavender Fields. Entrance is £8 per adult or £6 if you book tickets in advance.
The lavender barn, museum and play area are free to visit.
What Should I Wear To Hitchin Lavender Fields?
If you live in England, I won’t need to tell you that our weather can be all over the place even in summer!
What you wear will depend on the weather that day. If it’s been raining, I recommend wearing closed sturdy shoes and bringing a waterproof jacket.
On sunny days, sunscreen is a must as there isn’t much shade on the farm.
Apart from that wear whatever you are comfortable wearing.
Final Thoughts: Hitchin Lavender Farm: The Ultimate Guide 2024
Hitchin Lavender Farm offers a summertime sanctuary for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London, and it’s one of my favourite pastimes in the summer months
It may not be well known, but once you discover this gem, you’ll want to visit it again and again. Whether you’re drawn to picking your own lavender, capturing stunning photographs, or simply want to enjoy the scenery while surrounded by the scent of lavender, this farm offers a unique experience for everyone.
If you’re looking for a day out in the UK then Hitchin Lavender Farm should definitely be on your radar!