Lordington Lavender Farm Review- Everything You Need to Know

After two years of living in West Sussex, I was finally able to visit Lordington Lavender during their open week!

Here is everything you need to know about visiting the county’s only lavender farm.

Founded by Andrew Elms in 2002, Lordington Lavender Farm now has a total 26,500 individual Maillette lavender plants. Each year the beautiful lavender is harvested and developed into a variety of products including lavender oil, which the Maillette plants are famous for.

The field is a haven for bumblebees and butterflies while the lavender is blooming during the summer, with the wider farm providing homes for bird species including skylarks and barn owls. They don’t use any pesticides or fertilisers, making it an important wildlife habitat and providing an organic crop of lavender.

The farm opens to the local community for one week each summer, offering open days and a variety of events including evening sessions with live music and wellbeing sessions with yoga and meditation. Refreshments are available on site, including lavender ice cream and cake, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. They also raise money for local charities, with the proceeds from the 2024 refreshment sales going to My Sister’s House, Fordwater School and Chestnut Tree House.

What happens during the open days?

Visitors are able to spend a much time as they like on the farm, between the opening hours of 10 - 4. Pre-booking isn’t necessary, but there’s sometimes a queue to get in at the entrance, so bear that in mind if it’s a hot day.

I’d recommend that you spend some time walking between the rows of lavender plants, which let off a beautiful scent. You can take as many photos as you like, and there’s even a professional photographer on site if you want professional portraits taken. Lots of people bring picnics and there’s plenty of space on the grass to relax, with a limited number of picnic benches available too.

While cutting the lavender isn’t allowed, there are plenty of lavender products available to purchase on the day. From fragrant essential oils to soaps, lavender bags and pillow mist, you’re bound to find something you like. We splashed out a little and purchased a lavender bag for our car, lavender bath oil and a bunch of lavender cuttings to keep at home. What can I say, it’s my favourite scent!

Talks about the lavender are also held by the farm’s founder, Andrew Elms, throughout the day and are included in the entry price.

Pricing

Entrance to the farm is very reasonable, costing £8 per adult and £2 for children as of 2024. Registered carers enter for free with paying guests and so do children under the age of two. Well behaved dogs are also welcome free of charge, although they should be kept on leads at all times.

Cash and card are both accepted although the card reception can be unreliable. It worked well during our visit and we were able to use card to pay for our tickets as well as merchandise and refreshments in the farm.

Accessibility and Facilities

Fear not - toilets are available on site including one baby changing facility in the car park.

The field is hilly but tractor rides are available from the car park to the lavender field for anyone who needs it, or would prefer not to walk. Bear in mind that there isn’t much shade on the farm, so arrive stocked up with water, sun cream, sun hats and parasols if you have them! There is a dedicated medic available at the farm in case of any accident or emergency.

Parking at the farm is free and disabled parking is also available for those with a blue badge.

How to Get Here

The farm is accessible by car: use the postcode PO18 9DX to navigate your way to the car park, making sure to enter from the B2146 between Petersfield and Chichester.

While the open days for 2024 have now been and gone, make sure you keep an eye on their website in 2025. The open week usually takes place in July, and exact dates are announced nearer the time.

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