The beautiful farm less than one hour’s drive from London, or 90 minutes on public transport, is perfect for a picnic or snapping some stunning pictures. It also has an award-winning shop
Summer is in full swing, and what better time to head out of London and explore the glorious British countryside? Whether you’re after a demanding uphill hike, or a relaxed, easy-going wander, you don’t have to travel very far to find some absolutely spectacular surroundings.
This remarkable destination has everything you could wish for – and is perfectly suited for dining in the open air. And you can be there in less than an hour from central London. Nestled near Shoreham in North Kent, the charming hamlet of Castle Farm offers sweeping fields of lavender stretching as far as the eye can see, which look beautiful at this time of year.
Open to visitors all year round, it provides a truly spectacular backdrop for photography enthusiasts, reports Kent Live. Castle Farm notes: “This year the fields are very early to bloom, so we recommend you visit as soon as you can before we start harvest in late July.”
Guests can enjoy a picnic on the grass while soaking up the stunning views breathtaking scenery. Many visitors also delight in browsing the farm’s award-winning shop, where they can pick up fresh beef, apples, apple juice, hops, dried flowers, Kentish lavender and honey.
The shop additionally carries gifts, greeting cards, handmade crafts, seasonal decorations, food hampers and locally-sourced, traceable produce. This stunning location has become a viral sensation online, with guests sharing breathtaking photographs and videos on social media.
Friends Olivia and Mariella visited and captured their experience. On TikTok, the pair said: “Point of view: You go for a picnic at a lavender farm. Picked our spot. They sell lavender lemonade. So pretty. You can bring your own picnic and there’s fruit and cocktails you can purchase on site too.”
They went on to explain: “You have to book the BYO (Bring Your Own) picnic, I just checked the website. You get a 2.5 hour slot, and it’s £14 for adults, £7.50 for children. Perhaps you looked at the lavender tour or just the price for walking.” Calling their outing “the cutest day out”, they also tried honey from the farm shop, describing it as “amazing”.
Responding to the video, one resident commented: “It’s so fun as a local when people from all around the world come here in early summer and I see them taking pictures of the tractors and cows and stuff!”
Another user wrote: “This would heal me,” while someone else remarked: “Omg this is unbelievable.” A different commenter observed: “This is miles away from me but I think it’s worth the trip.”
One person pondered: “I would love to go, this seems amazing. I wonder if I would get sleepy though lol lavender definitely helps me fall asleep easily.” While another commented: “This would be my absolute dream, lavender is my favourite flower.”
How to get to Castle Farm
The best route to Castle Farm depends upon where in London you are travelling from.
By car: The quickest route is to head south-east on the A2, joining the M25 southbound at the Darenth Interchange. Leave the motorway at junction 3 (Swanley) and head east towards Farningham, before turning south onto Eynsford Road/the A225. Drive south on the A225 for around six miles to reach Castle Farm. The journey takes around an hour.
By public transport: Take the southeastern service from London Bridge to Sevenoaks. At Sevenoaks, join the Thameslink service to Eynsford. Castle Farm is around a half-hour walk from Eynsford station.
Tickets should be booked in advance at https://www.castlefarmkent.co.uk/
