This spectacular destination has everything you could wish for — and doubles up as a superb spot for al fresco dining. Best of all, it’s just a 30 minute walk from Shoreham station
The farm boasts incredible views(Image: Thomas Alexander Photography for Castle Farm)
Summer is here, and there’s never been a better time to head outdoors and explore the Kent countryside. Whether you fancy a demanding, steep hike, or a more relaxed and leisurely wander, there’s plenty of options right on your doorstep.
This spectacular destination has everything you could wish for — and doubles up as a superb spot for al fresco dining. Best of all, it’s just a 30 minute walk from Shoreham station.
This picturesque hamlet near Shoreham in North Kent, known as Castle Farm, enchants visitors with its sweeping fields of endless lavender rows that bloom beautifully at this time of year. Open to visitors throughout the year, the site provides a truly exceptional backdrop for photography.
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 lavender display and the magnificent surrounding views.
Many visitors 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 also stocks gifts, greetings cards, handicrafts, seasonal decorations, food hampers and locally-sourced, traceable produce.
This extraordinary spot has become a viral sensation, with guests sharing spectacular footage and photographs on social media. Friends Olivia and Mariella visited and captured their experience.
On TikTok, the pair gushed: “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 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 some honey from the farm shop, which they described as “amazing”.
Responding to the post, 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 shared their thoughts, writing: “This would heal me,” while someone else remarked: “Omg this is unbelievable.” A further 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.”
