Last Updated on 29/07/2024
If you’re anything like me and always miss seeing the sunflowers and lavender fields in peak season, this is the post for you! As someone who always misses seeing the fields of lavender in their full purple glory, I’ve learned my lesson and I’ll be sharing tips to plan your perfect day at Hitchin Lavender Fields and Sunflower Farm.
Believe me, when I say, the sights and smells of the lavender are incredible and Hitchin Lavender Fields are worth visiting for these reasons alone!
Whether you are looking for a girls day in the lavender fields, somewhere to entertain the kids or are just looking for new places to add to your British Bucket List – I’ve got all the details below!
When is the best time to visit Hitchin Lavender Fields and Sunflower Farm?
It’s very tempting to visit lavender fields in the UK as soon as the warm summer weather starts (however fleeting it can be), which is often at the beginning of June. Or, if you’re forgetful or unorganised as I can sometimes be with these things, end up visiting at the end of the season when it’s too late.
The best time to visit Hitchin Lavender or lavender fields in the UK generally is the end of June until Mid/end of July as this is when the lavender is in full bloom and a bright vibrant purple colour. The Hitchin Sunflower Farm area opens later in the season when the sunflowers bloom around mid- to the end of August.
Therefore, if you want to ensure you are seeing the sunflowers and lavender fields in bloom, it is best to visit towards the end of the season. Though, not too late as you’ll miss the lavender!
For the 2024 Summer Season, the lavender fields open from the 15th of June 2024 (and are open from 9 am – 8 pm).
Book tickets for Hitchin Lavender here!
However, the barn, museum and play area are open one week earlier.
I saw the lavender fields in Hitchin on the 21st July (I visited between 3-5pm) and this is when the pictures in this post were taken. Though, I do want to return in August to see the sunflowers in bloom. When it comes to the best time of day to visit Hitchin Lavender Fields that all depends on you. Personally, I love the late afternoon sun, but I would love to visit at golden hour to see the sunset in the lavender fields too!
At the weekends the lavender fields in Hitchin are swarming with visitors, therefore it may be best to arrive early.
It’s always worth noting, the unpredictability of British weather means that it is not possible to guarantee a good sunflower season. In light of this, it’s always beneficial to check the Hitchin Lavender and Sunflower Farm website to check when the sunflowers and lavender are in bloom.
Where are the Hitchin Lavender Fields?
If you’re wondering where is Hitchin and how to get to the lavender fields in Hitchin, I’ve got all the information for you!
The Hitchin Lavender fields are located in the beautiful Chiltern Hills in Hertfordshire and are on Cadwell Farm, a working farm in Ickleford. Hitchin is as the name suggests, the largest town close by and is located 40 miles from London.
The lavender fields in Hitchin are easily accessible whatever mode of transport you use and to my delight are under an hour’s drive from my hometown in Milton Keynes.
Love visiting flower fields? Check out these posts:
READ: Cotswold Confetti Fields in Wick
READ: Sunflowers in Milton Keynes
READ: The Most Beautiful Flower Fields in the UK and Beyond
How to get to Hitchin Lavender Farm
Hitchin Lavender Fields are the perfect day trip from London. Whether you want to travel from London to Hitchin by train or you want to drive to Hitchin and find out more about parking at Hitchin Lavender Farm, I’ve got the details for you below.
Hitchin Lavender Fields by Train from London
To visit Hitchin Lavender from London, take the train from London to Hitchin from Kings Cross Station or St Pancras, which takes less than 45 minutes. From Hitchin Station take a taxi or Uber to reach Hitchin Lavender Farm.
Hitchin is located just 11 miles away from Luton Airport if you are flying from elsewhere and from there you can take the train from Luton Parkway or a taxi.
Hitchin Lavender Fields by Car
Driving to Hitchin Lavender Fields is fairly simple as the farm is close to the A1M and are located just off Junction 10 of the M1. Cadwell Farm is located in Ickleford and is easy to find on Google Maps with the address below:
Cadwell Farm,
Arlesey Road,
Ickleford,
Hitchin
SG5 3UA
There is ample free parking at Hitchin Lavender Fields Hertfordshire on the farm fields on site.
Hitchin Lavender Opening Times
The opening times for Hitchin Lavender Fields and Sunflower Farm are between 9 am and 8 pm and are only bookable in slots in advance on the Hitchin Lavender website.
How much is Hitchin Lavender Fields?
Please find details of the prices for tickets to Hitchin Lavender Fields below – you can also pick your own lavender for a small additional charge.
ADULT TICKETS – £7.00
UNDER 14’s – £5.50
UNDER 5’s – Free
Family of 4 – £25
DRIED LAVENDER POSY – £6.50
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY SHOOT CHARGE – £75.00 (Using your own professional photographer)
During our day at the Hitchin Lavender Fields, we saw people having their photographs taken for special occasions such as a new baby and for engagement shoots. For those, using a professional photographer (as mentioned above) will need to pay the surcharge upon entry. But regardless, Hitchin Lavender Fields is an Instagram hotspot and the perfect place to get some nice photos with your friends.
Hitchin Lavender Events
Hitchin Lavender and Sunflower Farm also hold a number of events, from yoga to live music and they are holding a number of outdoor cinema events during the summer.
The perfect day at the lavender fields in Hitchin
If you are visiting Hitchin Lavender Fields with kids, it may be beneficial for them to wear long sleeves and trousers walking through the lavender fields. The bees were very friendly and will only sting if they feel threatened, but they do love the lavender close to the narrow path.
A girls day out in the lavender fields is a great way to spend an afternoon, but it is equally a romantic thing to do for couples too, especially if you bring your own picnic. Though, picnic benches are in high demand so be sure to bring a picnic blanket!
The farm shop is operating from the field this year, but you can still buy cakes and refreshments. My friend Nikki and I loved tucking into slices of lemon and blueberry during our girls day at Hitchin Lavender Fields – the blueberry and vanilla cake is delicious!
The only negative we had were the queues for the refreshments were long and by the time we had purchased our cake we were told to leave for the car park and many were not allowed to purchase dried lavender. In light of this, it would be beneficial if people were given a 15-minute warning as it felt very rushed at the end of our timeslot. Luckily, I managed to buy some just in time!
I am looking forward to returning to Hitchin Lavender Fields to see the sunflowers in bloom and to browse the other lavender items in the gift shop, such as the Hitchin lavender oil.
To see the fields of lavender bloom with the buzz of the bees and the wafting aroma from the lavender is a beautiful way to connect with nature away from busy cities such as London; do not miss visiting Hitchin Lavender Fields and Sunflower Farm!
Do you have any other recommendations for lavender fields near London?
Check out my other UK posts:
Exploring the Gardens of Hever Castle: Anne Boleyn’s Childhood Home
Picturesque Villages To See in Cornwall
Secret Cinema Presents Stranger Things in London
Girls Weekend in Brighton Ideas
UK Bucket List – My Top Places to Visit in the UK
Lake District Adventure Weekend
Best Free Things to do in Edinburgh
Brecon Beacons Four Waterfalls Walk Trail Guide
Best Places to Visit in Pembrokeshire
Jaz
xoxo
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