About Norfolk Lavender
Norfolk Lavender began in 1932, when Heacham grower and florist Linn Chilvers teamed up with Francis Dusgate of Fring Hall, who supplied six acres of land; 13,000 plants went in over 18 days. The business, owned by the Williamson family since 2013, now has nearly 100 acres under lavender and is based at Caley Mill on the Lynn Road in Heacham, near the west Norfolk coast.
The gardens are free to enter and hold the National Plant Collection of Lavandula, recognized by Plant Heritage, with more than 50 lavenders to compare side by side. Bloom usually runs from the end of June through July, weather permitting, but the site is open all year and a small lavender field can be walked for free. Two French stills made in 1874, bought in 1936 and used until 2009, are on display in the Farm Shop. Varieties the farm highlights include 'Maillette' for oil, lavandin 'Grosso', and 'Imperial Gem' for cutting and drying.
The Mill Kitchen serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, and Yard Pizza bakes wood-fired pizza in the gardens in season. The Farm Shop has a butcher and deli next to the farm's own lavender oil, lotions, pillow mist and candles. Children get a free giant jumping pillow on weekends in season, and Farmer Fred's Adventure Play Barn is a separately ticketed partner on site. The Christmas Mill Market is on Saturday 28 November 2026.
Snettisham Park is about 10 minutes south by car, making a good second stop for families.
Lavender here
- When it blooms
- End of June through July
- Visiting
- Open year-round with free entry to the gardens, National Collection, small lavender field, shops and café; no booking needed except for afternoon tea.
- Varieties grown
- Maillette, Grosso (lavandin), Imperial Gem
From the farm shop
- Lavender oil
- Lavender hand wash and lotions
- Lavender shower gel
- Sleep pillow mist
- Natural moth oil
- Lavender soy candles
Events
- Christmas Mill Market, Saturday 28 November 2026
What to do
- Compare more than 50 lavenders in the free National Collection gardens
- See the 1874 French lavender stills on display in the Farm Shop
- Visit in late June and July for peak bloom
- Book afternoon tea at The Mill Kitchen (48 hours ahead)
- Let children bounce on the giant jumping pillow on season weekends, 11am–3pm
- Shop the Christmas Mill Market, Saturday 28 November 2026
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Open year-round; lavender usually blooms from the end of June through July
- Hours
- As listed October 2026: gardens daily 9am–5pm; Farm Shop Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 10am–4pm; Mill Kitchen 9am–4pm
- Admission
- free (gardens, National Collection and shops; Farmer Fred's play barn charges separately)
Good to know
- Dogs
- Leashed
- Accessibility
- Accessible parking near the entrance, portable ramps, accessible toilet and wheelchairs to borrow with a refundable deposit; some shingle paths and small thresholds
Tips for your visit
- Parking is free; at busy times an overflow car park is across the A149, so take care crossing
- Afternoon tea must be booked 48 hours ahead
- Dogs on leads are welcome in the main areas, and The Mill Kitchen has a dog-free section
- Plant Centre and Yard Pizza hours vary by season, so call ahead if they matter to you
Pair it with a nearby stop
Snettisham Park · about 10 minutes away
Snettisham Park is just down the coast road for a farm outing with children.
Getting there
Questions
Is it free to visit Norfolk Lavender?
Yes. The gardens, National Collection and shops are free; only the separate play barn charges entry.
When does the lavender bloom in Norfolk?
Typically from the end of June through July, weather permitting.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome in the main areas.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farm of Heacham, Hunstanton & North-West Norfolk
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
