In a nutshell
A family-run farm with a 12-acre blanket of lavender that paints one Hertfordshire hillside a vivid purple every summer. From late May to the end of August, the farm’s 25 miles of lavender rows are yours to explore. Children can pick their way around the field and take bunches of the stuff home by the bag. There’s also a field full of sunflowers and another scattered with wild flowers, which makes for pretty photo opportunities. The height of flowering season is late June to mid-July (so early visitors shouldn’t expect peak purple) but it’s worth keeping an eye on its Facebook page for updates to time your visit.
Fun fact
Thanks to being featured on a Chinese website, the farm saw a huge rise in international visitors looking for a quintessentially British experience last year.
Best thing(s) about it
It’s seasonal, which makes it even more special. Just pick up a paper bag and some scissors at the gate, and off you go – dodging the bees and gulping lungfuls of fragrant air as you go. There’s enough space, so children aren’t a bother to more serene visitors, while young kids in particular (dwarfed by the lavender rows) are in awe of the surroundings. Ours, who were two and four last summer, walked far further than they ever would at home and filled a bag each, buoyed by the fact they were entrusted with a pair of scissors. The view from the top is worth the legwork.
What about lunch?
There’s a 17th-century barn where you can get drinks, lunch and homemade cakes. It’s not cheap (tea £1.95, coffee £2.25, cake £3.50, light lunches from £4) but there’s also an open-fronted tipi right opposite the lavender field with a few picnic benches if you’d rather bring your own food. It also offers some much-needed shade on a sunny day. Also, new for 2018 is a fortress-style play area, outside the barn.
Exit through the gift shop?
The gift shop is in the barn and is stocked with lavender products, from essential oils and skin creams to 60 varieties of lavender plant.
Getting there
By car is easiest: Cadwell Farm (its official name) is in the village of Ickleford, two miles north of Hitchin. Take junction 10 off the A1M towards Stotfold, then follow the A507. It makes a great stopoff if you’re heading to Cambridge. Or take the train from King’s Cross to Hitchin, then a taxi to the farm.
Value for money?
Field entrance is adults £6, children £3 (5-14s), under 5s free (which includes free picking for all). The entry fee includes bag and scissors, while extra bags for children or eager adults are £4 each.
Opening hours
10am-5pm daily from 26 May until the end of August, with late nights until 9pm on selected dates in August.
Verdict
Parent, grandparent and child-friendly, 9 out of 10.
