Just when you thought the Cotswolds couldn’t get any better, summer rolls around and the fields turn a light, purply hue. In the northern half of this charming region, you can discover 45 acres of lavender fields unfurled along the rolling landscape—and during the height of summer, they’ll reopen to the public for picnics and selfies.
Known for its calming effect, lavender has long been a home remedy for tackling low moods and bad sleep. It’s why it pops up in everything from bath soaps to scent diffusers. But there’s nothing like the real thing, which is why you’ve got to get yourself to Broadway (on the Worcestershire/Gloucestershire border) from June 18 to August 6.
Hill Barn Farm—home to the legendary Cotswold Lavender—has been growing lavender here for well over two decades. Every summer, they open 20 acres of this psychedelic display of colour to the public before harvesting for walks, picnics, and selfies. Last year, it even won ‘Best Visitor Attraction’ at the North Cotswolds Awards 2024.
Why else visit Cotswold Lavender?
Cotswold Lavender’s products are known worldwide: from candles to body wash, teas and reed diffusers. But the farm is also home to many natural wildflower fields local to the Cotswolds, too—including red poppies to blue cornflowers. These four dedicated acres offer a much-needed habitat to bees, butterflies and humming moths.
Elsewhere, using an original method invented by ancient Egyptians (gently extracting the oils using steam), make sure to check out the Distillery. Each year, it produces around 1.5 tons of oil, and you can learn all about the extraction process here. You may even catch the lavender oil being extracted around the last week of July.
Your little ones can also run along and explore the Beechwood Trail—follow it to the end for views across the Vale of Evesham. Meanwhile, the Lavender Fields Cabin will stock lavender treats and drinks, including organic ice cream from a local farm. You can also find a wide range of lavender products stocked for gifts and souvenirs.
How do I get to the lavender fields from Birmingham?
You can find Cotswold Lavender on the outskirts of the village of Snowshill, about two miles south of Broadway. It will take under an hour and a half to drive there, via the A435. Alternatively, the nearest railway station is Moreton in Marsh (6 miles away), from where you can take a taxi too.
Cotswold Lavender reopens to the public from Wednesday, June 18, to Wednesday, August 6. During peak flowering season (June 28 to August 6), an adult ticket costs £7.75 and a child costs £3.50, while under 5’s go free. Grab a season ticket (£19.40 for an adult and £8.75 for a child) if you’re planning repeat visits.
📍Hill Barn Farm, Snowshill, Broadway, Worcs, WR12 7JY
🌐 You can learn more about Cotswold Lavender here