When most of us think of lavender fields, we instantly think of images of Provence in France with quaint churches, peeking out from behind a sea of purple. However, unbeknown to many, there are beautiful lavender fields to explore in the UK too, and one of the most popular is just outside the tiny village of Snowshill in the Cotswolds!
As the months of June and July approach, there’s no better time to see this fragrant, herbaceous purple flower in full bloom. In addition to having abundant healing and medicinal properties, lavender can also help improve sleep, alleviate anxiety and it’s also pretty delicious when infused into food and beverages too!
If you are interested in visiting the Cotswolds Lavender fields while they are in full bloom, here is some further information so that you can begin to plan your visit.
A Brief History of Lavender
The word ‘lavender’ comes from the Latin word ‘to wash’ and the use of lavender has been documented for well over 2000 years. The tiny scented purple flower was often used in mummification ceremonies in Ancient Egypt, for bathing and scenting rooms in Rome, and in medieval France, the women who used to take in washing for the community were known as the ‘lavenders’.
These days lavender can be used in many products, ranging from perfume and air fresheners to scented drawer sheets, ointments and balms to food, drinks and sleep masks.
Today, lavender is cultivated in France, Italy, UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and of course, here in the Cotswolds!
Best Time to Visit Cotswolds Lavender Farms?
The pretty purple flowers only bloom for a short time each summer, usually from mid-June, peaking a month later in mid-July to be harvested shortly after towards early August.
Where Can I see Lavender Farms in the Cotswolds?
The best place to see lavender in full bloom in the Cotswolds is just outside the village of Snowshill, close to Broadway at a farm called Cotswold Lavender.
They began growing lavender here with just a few plants back in 1999 and today have over 40 different varieties of lavender across 140 miles of rows and over half a million plants in total!
You can wander through the fields at leisure, observing bees and birds as they land on the crops and join photographers attempting to capture the blanket rows of colour spread across the landscape.
It’s possible to watch the harvest if you time your visit for later in the season and you can also see how lavender is distilled for different products, before browsing the shop for essential oils, soaps, lavender tea, biscuits or ice cream treats.
When you have concluded your visit to the lavender farm, pop over to the camomile farm too!
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Staying near Snowshill, Cotswolds
If you wish to spend a few days in the area, there are several fabulous Airbnb’s just outside Broadway suitable for couples and families. Alternatively, if you are looking for a special place to stay, The Lygon Arms in Broadway, a couple of miles away, is steeped in history dating back over 600 years.
The hotel/restaurant has hosted royalty and celebrities and boasts a selection of delightful cottage rooms and historical suites. The restaurant serves hearty, locally sourced, seasonal ingredients from artisan suppliers located no more than 60 miles away, and they also have a spa and wellness centre where you can relax and rejuvenate after a day in the lavender fields.
Other Things to Do near Snowshill, Cotswolds
There are plenty of activities to enjoy near Snowshill in the Cotswolds. Spend a day meandering pathways on a bike with views of Broadway Tower, play a round of golf at Broadway Golf Club or visit historic Sudeley Castle and get lost in Willow Maze for a while with the kids.
Until 30 October 2022, the castle has a sculpture safari in the gardens, and if you are combining a visit with a trip to the lavender fields in mid-June, you can also enjoy the Great British Food Festival!
We hope this article has provided you with inspiration about where to visit and where to stay during the summer months in the Cotswolds, but if you require further information, contact us and we will help in any way we can!
