Hitchin is a small historic market town in the north of Hertfordshire. With cobbled streets, a beautiful church in the centre this town is picture perfect. However the most famous attraction in the area by far are the Hitchin Lavender fields. A family run business this unique attraction has something to offer for everybody.
How to get to Hitchin Lavender Farm
Just a short 10 minute drive from Hitchin town centre you will find the lovely Hitchin lavender farm. Situated at Cadwell Farm, Ickleford, Hitchin in Hertfordshire, add SG5 3UA to your satnav.
Lavender Farm Opening Times
Open from 9am - 8pm daily throughout the flowering season. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of your visit, this is encouraged to avoid disappointment. At peak times there may be a limitation on numbers to avoid overcrowding. Visit the Hitchin Lavender website for up to date prices. To give you an idea, at the time of writing it was £5 per person. Numbers are limited to avoid overcrowding.
When is the best time to visit Hitchin Lavender fields?
The best time to visit Hitchin Lavender is between mid June and late August which is the main flowering season. However, with all kinds of wild flowers grown on the farm you are able to visit from May to October.
The Lavender Fields
Remember to purchase a paper bag (for £3 at time of writing) from the kiosk. You are allowed to cut as much lavender in as you can get in. Take your own scissors and wander along the rows, getting lost in the aromas, and being careful to not get stung by the bees! This most definitely is not for those who are allergic to the flying stinging insects. There are thousands of them flying around collecting the pollen. Minding their own business whilst you trample in their fields.
I loved walking up the fields with Mr C in tow. Upon reaching the top there is a wonderful view across the valley. I can only imagine just how colourful these fields look when they are all in flower . However it would have looked even better if the sun had also bothered to come out for my photographs.
Public Footpaths
These lavender fields can be spotted from public footpaths which run next to and intersect the farm at certain points.
Hitchin Sunflower Field
Lavender is not the only flower grown at the farm. From mid august a second field opens up where you can walk amongst the flowers and this is the sunflower field. Grown completely from seed the yellow of this field contrasts stunningly well with the gorgeous purples from the lavender. More famous in the Dordogne, sunflower fields can brighten up any landscape. The sunflower field is located to the right hand side of the lavender fields. Lets face it, you probably won't miss it will you!
Hitchin Lavender Tea Room
The 17th Century Old Barn is the setting for one of the two cafes on site. Keeping the traditional feel of the barn has retained its charm and the decorations compliment the feel of the place. Available for purchase are an array of lovely hot and cold food and drinks for you to enjoy. It was exceptionally pretty inside and had a heady lavender aroma.
A second cafe can be found next to the main lavender field and during peak season a further wagon joins the beverage area. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables in this area for you to relax in.
Lavender Shop
Inside the Barn Tea Room to the right hand side is one of the two shops on site where you can purchase all kinds of lavender related goods. The second shop is located by the main field. Outside are many plants (lavender mostly) for sale in a variety of sizes. Take the colours and aromas home with you. Selling their own brand products and locally sourced goods, there are too many nice things to buy to know which one to choose!
The Lavender Museum
Lavender has been grown in and around Hitchin for hundreds of years. You could say it's famous for it. Right up until the 1960's the old apothecary Perks & Llewellyn could be found in the centre of Hitchin. You will find much of the shops furniture and artefacts in the museum on site nowadays. If you are interested in how the Victorians made their lavender products this museum would be right up your street.
Hitchin Lavender Field: Summary
After a long drive the walk through the lavender fields was perfect for stretching our legs. With. more time I would definitely have sampled the delicious smelling food on offer. Being great value for money you would be hard pushed to find a prettier setting on a glorious summers day. Supporting a local business is something we try and do wherever we travel to and we are passionate about.
