Loopy for lavender? Check out our guide on places to find (and pick) it, not far from the borders of London.
July and August marks lavender season, turning farms and fields into seas of lilac. And in Carshalton, south London there's a spot where you can come and pick lavender yourself — from an allotment brimming with the stuff. The only catch: it's only for one weekend a year.
What's the Carshalton Lavender Annual Harvest?
For one weekend each summer (27-28 July 2024), Carshalton Lavender invites the public to descend on its Stanley Road allotment, and pick their own lavender. It's £1.50 entry for adults (or £5 including your own bunch of lavender). Up to two kids under 16 per group go free. Just remember to bring some secateurs or scissors to do your snipping with.
Is this the place with the red phone box?
No, that's Mayfield Lavender Farm, which is down the road, and sits JUST within Greater London. But that's more readily open, from June-August. Carshalton Lavender, meanwhile, is eager to point out it is south London's only not-for-profit PYO lavender scheme. (Historical context: The soil in this neck of the woods is chalky — ideal for lavender, and this part of London/Surrey was once replete with purple lavender fields. There was also a major lavender farm/distillery near Mitcham.)
What else is happening on Carshalton Lavender's harvest day?
This is a veritable lavender-scented beano. Stalls will be selling lavender-themed bits and pieces: plants, oils, creams, canles sprays... even lavender cake. You can also buy (non lavender) chutneys, patchwork crafts, upcycled artworks, and locally-made cordials from BantamLady. All in all, a perfectly pastoral day of purpleness. On the Saturday only, the Black Swan morris dancing troupe will be jingle-jangling away.
Anything else to do in Carshalton while I'm there?
If you're looking to make a day of it, Carshalton is a pretty little area, which feels distinctly 'un-London'. Take a wander around the village ponds, call in at the Honeywood Museum (free, although only open Thurs-Sat), get a pint in one of London's best beer pubs the Hope, and maybe catch a show at the CryerArts Centre. Nearby Beddington Park is a sprawling space with playgrounds, a historic old church and walks along the River Wandle. Yeah, you can easily spend a day out here.
Carshalton Lavender Annual Harvest, 27-28 July 2024, 10am-5pm each day
