About Lavender Keepers (The Wilde Story Café)
Lavender Keepers is a smallholding on Great Pitt Lane in Sandford Orcas, just north of Sherborne, with homegrown lavender fields, a pond and a kitchen garden. The Wilde Story Café sits on the same site, run by Charlotte, a Swedish-born baker and trained chef. Lavender from the fields is distilled on site into essential oil.
The lavender has been at its peak in early July. That is when the farm runs its masterclass, From the Field to the Still, led by James and Melissa and covering varieties, growing, planting and distilling. In 2026 there was a daytime session on Wednesday 8 July, 10am to 2pm, at £100, and an evening session on Thursday 9 July, 5:30pm to 8pm, at £65, booked by phone. Ask the café if you want to walk down through the lavender to the pond.
The café opens Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm, with Swedish cinnamon buns, brioche, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, quiches and salads from the garden; breakfast, lunch and cakes need no booking. Pizza nights run on Friday evenings from 5pm to 8pm and Sunday roasts use the farm's own Tamworth pork, and both must be booked. A small farm shop stocks goods from local makers. Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome.
Lavender here
- When it blooms
- Peak around early July
- Visiting
- Café open Thursday to Sunday year-round; lavender field and pond on site; masterclasses in early July by booking.
From the farm shop
- Lavender essential oil distilled on site
- Lavender skincare made in workshops
Events
- From the Field to the Still lavender masterclass, early July (8–9 July 2026)
What to do
- Eat Swedish cinnamon buns and garden salads at the café, Thursday to Sunday
- Book a lavender masterclass on growing and distilling, held in early July
- Book a Friday pizza night or a Sunday roast with homegrown Tamworth pork
- Browse the farm shop of local makers' goods
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Lavender at its peak around early July; café open year-round Thursday to Sunday
- Hours
- Café: Thu–Sun 10am–3pm; pizza night Fridays 5pm–8pm (booking required)
Good to know
- Dogs
- Leashed
- Accessibility
- Gravel parking close to the café, with uneven areas and a step; staff will help visitors with mobility needs
- Reservations
- Walk-in
Tips for your visit
- Book Sunday lunch and Friday pizza night by phone in advance
- There is no dog bin on site, so take dog waste home
- Call ahead with any accessibility questions; parking is on gravel
Getting there
Questions
When is the café open?
Thursday to Sunday, 10am to 3pm, plus booked pizza nights on Fridays.
Can I learn to distill lavender here?
Yes. A lavender masterclass on growing and distilling runs in early July; 2026 sessions cost £65 to £100.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, well-behaved dogs on a lead.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Wells, Frome & Sherborne, Somerset and Dorset
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
