About Castle Farm
Castle Farm sits in the Darent Valley just outside Shoreham and has been farmed by the same family for five generations. It calls itself the UK's largest lavender farm, and the flowers are cut and distilled on site for essential oil. Lavender shares the land with beef cattle, apples, hops and a summer sunflower field.
The lavender blooms from late June to late July, and you need a ticket to go into the fields. In 2026 a one-hour field walk through the Folgate and late-flowering lavandin fields cost £7 for adults and £4.50 for children aged 3 to 15, with valley views and a lavender bench for photos. A guided tour at £17.50 for adults added the distillery and a look at the varieties. Bring-your-own picnics in a separate field, wreath workshops and evening events also ran. Everything goes ahead in any weather, and tickets are non-refundable.
The farm shop is open all year, Tuesday to Sunday, with a coffee cart outside. It stocks the farm's lavender oils, teas, food essences, dried bunches and lavender bags, along with its own apple juice, beef, honey and Kentish hop garlands; a lavender gin is made with Castle Farm flowers. Pumpkins are set out by the shop until early November, a guided autumn hike is set for Saturday 14 November 2026, and Christmas wreath workshops run 3 to 5 December 2026.
The Mount Vineyard is about five minutes away in Shoreham village, an easy add-on before or after a field walk.
Lavender here
- When it blooms
- Late June to late July
- Visiting
- Ticketed lavender field walks, guided distillery tours and picnics in late June and July (pre-booking strongly advised); farm shop open year-round Tuesday to Sunday.
- Varieties grown
- Folgate, Lavandin (late-flowering)
From the farm shop
- Lavender essential oils
- Lavender teas and food essences
- Dried lavender and lavender bags
- Apple juice
- Kentish hop garlands
- Honey
- Lavender gin made with the farm's lavender
Events
- Lavender season walks, tours and picnics, late June to late July (2026)
- Guided autumn hike, Saturday 14 November 2026
- Christmas wreath workshops, 3–5 December 2026
What to do
- Take a ticketed field walk through Folgate and lavandin rows, late June to late July
- Join a guided tour that includes the on-site lavender distillery
- Book a bring-your-own picnic in the lavender field
- Shop for lavender oil, dried bunches, apple juice and hop garlands at the farm shop, open all year
- Choose a pumpkin outside the farm shop in October
- Make a wreath at a Christmas workshop, 3–5 December 2026
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Lavender fields late June to late July; farm shop open year-round (closed Mondays); pumpkins by the shop through October
- Hours
- Farm shop (2026): Tue–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun and bank holidays 10am–5pm, closed Mondays; coffee cart closes 4:30pm
- Admission
- 2026 lavender season: field walk £7 adults (16+), £4.50 children 3–15, under-3s free; guided tour £17.50 adults, £9 children
Good to know
- Dogs
- Leashed
- Reservations
- Recommended
Tips for your visit
- A ticket is required to enter the lavender fields; without one you can still see them from the farm shop or public footpaths
- Lavender events often sell out, so book early; tickets are non-refundable
- Dogs on a lead can join field walks and tours but not picnics, workshops or the shop
- Events run in all weather, so bring an umbrella
Pair it with a nearby stop
The Mount Vineyard · about 5 minutes away
The Mount Vineyard is in Shoreham village, a few minutes from the lavender fields.
Getting there
Questions
When does the lavender bloom at Castle Farm?
Usually from late June to late July, depending on the weather.
Can I walk the lavender fields without a ticket?
No. Field access is by ticket, but the fields can be seen from the farm shop and public footpaths.
Are dogs welcome?
Yes, on a lead around the farm yard and on field walks and guided tours, but not in the shop, picnics or workshops.
Is the farm shop open outside lavender season?
Yes, all year from Tuesday to Sunday; it is closed on Mondays.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of the Darent Valley & North Downs, Kent and Surrey
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
