Watch iconic films while surrounded by sweet-smelling purple flowers
If you’re looking for a magical escape from London this summer, there’s an outdoor cinema just a short distance from Croydon nestled amongst thousands of stunning purple blooms that’s well worth the journey.
Mayfield’s Secret Lavender Garden in Epsom, Surrey, has partnered with Epsom Picturehouse to present a series of film screenings this summer, set against an absolutely breathtaking backdrop. Starting on June 12, visitors can unwind beneath the evening sky with screenings that start at dusk.
Located just 10 minutes from Mayfield’s organic 25-acre Banstead lavender farm, the Secret Lavender Garden provides a more leisurely, intimate way to appreciate the magnificent flowers up close – and it’s easily accessible from London.
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, cushions or a compact picnic chair and get comfortable for a warm, atmospheric evening beneath the stars, reports Surrey Live. A limited number of deck chairs will be provided on a first come, first served basis, with extra blankets and rain ponchos available for purchase on the evening.
Featuring a selection of classic films, the programme includes Jaws, 10 Things I Hate About You and Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit – ideal for an enjoyable evening with friends, a unique date night, or an unforgettable escape from the city in a genuinely special location. A bar will operate outdoors offering alcoholic drinks, soft beverages and cinema treats including popcorn, nachos and hot dogs, with each ticket bought directly from Picturehouse coming with a £7 credit voucher to spend on refreshments.
After the enchanting series of outdoor cinema showings ends, the garden will welcome general visitors from June 15. Guests will have the opportunity to soak up stunning rural views with London’s skyline visible in the distance and snap Instagram-worthy shots at numerous photo opportunities including the Sleepy Hollow, the enchanting purple keyhole door, the charming heart-shaped bench and Mayfield’s second iconic red telephone box.
Fresh additions for the 2026 season include limited-capacity Lavender Daze and Sunset Sessions, allowing guests to discover the garden at varying times throughout the day during an allocated two-hour window.
Daytime visits are perfect for families, who can wonder through the aromatic lavender fields and participate in the free Bee and Butterfly Exploration Trail. Come the evening, the meadows are drenched in amber light and offer the perfect setting for breathtaking photography.
The Glasshouse café will operate from 9am until 5pm daily (excluding Sundays: 10am to 4pm), serving its standard menu alongside seasonal offerings. An outdoor Airstream café will also operate from 5pm to 8pm (4pm to 8pm on Sundays), serving hot dogs, baked goods, hot beverages and soft drinks – including lavender lemonade and Mayfield’s seasonal iced lattes – along with this summer’s signature drinks, featuring Lavender Prosecco Royale, Lavender Summer Breezer (gin), Lavender Pimms O’clock and Lavender Mocktail.
Lavender Daze and Sunset Sessions experiences will run until 23rd August.
Lorna Maye, owner and farmer at Mayfield Lavender, commented: “We created the Secret Lavender Garden to offer something a little different, a slower, more intimate way to experience summer among the lavender. Last year’s response was incredible, and for 2026, we wanted to introduce more ways for people to enjoy the space, whether that’s a peaceful daytime wander, the kids getting busy with the bee and butterfly trail, golden-hour drinks with friends, or simply taking a moment away from busy everyday life.”
Getting there
To get to the Secret Garden from London, hop aboard the Southern service to Epsom Downs from Victoria. From there, the garden is a 10-minute walk.
The Secret Garden sits just a 10-minute drive from Mayfield Lavender Farm in Banstead, meaning both locations can be visited within a single day, offering two distinctive ways to appreciate Mayfield’s stunning lavender – and a perfect day trip from London.
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