This is a post about the best flower fields near London.
I don’t know about you but, comes end of February, early March I start desperately looking for signs of Spring. And I must tell you, they’re here!! I’ve been keeping close track of the magnolia trees nearby…they’re one of my favourites but come and go so quickly! Blink and you’ll miss.
London and its surrounding areas boast a variety of stunning flower fields that offer vibrant displays throughout the year. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a nature lover or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, these floral havens are worth exploring.
Here’s a guide to some of the best flower fields in and around London:
Mayfield Lavender Farm
Located in Banstead, Surrey, Mayfield Lavender Farm is a 25-acre organic lavender field that blooms from late June to August. Please note July is usually peak purple! In August they start losing their colour a bit… Visitors can wander through endless rows of fragrant lavender, capturing picturesque photos against the vibrant purple backdrop. The on-site café offers lavender-infused treats and a gift shop provides a range of lavender products. It’s a popular spot, so visiting on weekdays or early mornings is advisable to avoid crowds.
The lavender ice cream is delicious! They also have a separate shop + cafe open year round the opposite way from Banstead station (23min walk). It’s actually closer to Epsom Downs station (11min walk).
Entry to the lavender field is £7 on weekends / £6 Monday-Friday.
Please note that there is a separate registration fee for professional photographers, film-makers and amateurs conducting shoots. Picnics are not allowed.
If driving, parking is free (again, pretty packed on the weekends!). If taking public transport, take bus 166 (a 20min walk from the station to the bus stop) or take a 48min walk. You can also take the 166 from Epsom (about a 3min walk from the station).
Last time I went I walked back from the field to the High St. It wasn’t a super great walk as it was through the main road but when we got to the High St we had a lovely brunch at Fego! I’d also recommend Café Chai.
Hitchin Lavender
Situated north of London in Hertfordshire, Hitchin Lavender offers 30 acres of lavender fields alongside sunflower and wildflower areas. Blooming typically occurs from mid-June to late August. Visitors can pick their own lavender, enjoy the scenic views and explore the on-site museum housed in a 17th-century barn. The farm also hosts events like outdoor cinema nights during the summer months.
You can take the Thameslink from Kings Cross St Pancras and bus 94 from Hitchin town centre or a 55min walk.
Tulleys Farm Tulip Festival
Tulleys Farms host an annual Tulip Festival, showcasing over 1.5 million tulips across various vibrant varieties. The festival usually takes place in late April, offering visitors the chance to stroll through colorful fields, enjoy food and drink stalls, and capture stunning photographs. It’s a seasonal spectacle that brings a touch of Dutch floral beauty to the English countryside.
You can find them both in Hertfordshire and Sussex!
Norfolk Tulip Fields
Norfolk’s dazzling tulip fields bloom each spring, transforming the countryside into a vibrant patchwork of colours. Located around King’s Lynn, these fields typically reach peak bloom from late April into early May. Often compared to the famous Dutch tulip fields, Norfolk offers a strikingly similar experience right here in England. Norfolk’s tulip displays provide one of England’s most charming floral sights, perfect for a memorable spring day trip from London.
This is one to start early – the train from Kings Cross to King’s Lynn takes just under 2 hours. Your quickest route to the field is by cab.
Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival
Each spring, Hampton Court Palace’s gardens burst into colour with their annual Tulip Festival. Located in southwest London, the festival runs throughout April, showcasing thousands of vividly coloured tulips. The historic backdrop of Hampton Court Palace enhances the spectacle, providing a stunning royal setting for this floral display.
Super easy to get to! You can take a train from Waterloo to Hampton Court. Or, if you fancy a sweet little walk, train to Kingston, cross the bridge and walk through Bushy Park.
Read more: 10 Best Walking Routes in London For The Warmer Seasons
Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, located in southwest London, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting one of the most diverse plant collections globally. Throughout the year, visitors can experience various floral displays, including springtime tulips, summer wildflowers and autumnal blooms. The gardens also feature themed areas like the Rose Garden and the Mediterranean Garden, offering a rich botanical experience.
Another easy one to get to – district line or overground to Kew Gardens!
Pashley Manor Gardens
Situated on the Kent and East Sussex border, Pashley Manor Gardens hosts an annual Tulip Festival, typically from late April to early May. The gardens showcase over 40,000 tulips in various colors and varieties, set against the backdrop of a historic manor house. Visitors can enjoy the serene landscape, sculptures, and a café offering homemade refreshments.
A little bit tricky to get to. Train from London Bridge to Tunbridge Wells + bus 1066 + 30min walk.
Hever Castle Gardens
Located in Kent, Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, features stunning gardens that come alive with tulips in the spring. The annual Spring Celebration usually occurs in late April. You’ll find thousands of tulips, cherry and apple blossom galore, magnolias, early rhododendrons, hyacinths and bluebells. The gardens also include a lake, mazes, and a rose garden, offering a full day of exploration.
A 42min train ride from London Bridge to Hever!
Ashridge Estate
Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire is renowned for its bluebell displays during late April and early May. The ancient woodlands, particularly Dockey Wood, become carpeted with vibrant bluebells, attracting nature enthusiasts and photographers. Managed by the National Trust, the estate offers numerous walking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in this seasonal spectacle.
Train from Euston to Tring + bus 387 to Pond + 18min walk.
Isabella Plantation
Nestled within Richmond Park in London, Isabella Plantation is a 40-acre woodland garden famed for its evergreen azaleas that burst into colour during late April and early May. The garden also features rhododendrons, camellias and a variety of other flowering plants. Its location within Richmond Park makes it a quiet escape within the city.
I’ll tell you a trick I use to check if the flowers are already in bloom or not: I go on Instagram, type in “Isabella Plantation” and check the latest posts in that location. Usually I’ll comment and ask whoever posted about it when they took the photo to make sure it’s current.
Super easy to get to! Closer to the Kingston side of Richmond Park.
RHS Garden Wisley
Located in Surrey, RHS Garden Wisley is one of the UK’s leading horticultural gardens. Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy diverse floral displays, including spring bulbs, summer blooms, and autumnal colours. The garden also features a spectacular glasshouse, rock gardens, and a variety of themed gardens, offering inspiration and enjoyment for all ages.
In winter they usually run their Glow festival when you can walk around the gardens amidst beautiful light installations.
Train to Woking or Guildford and a bus ride from there. If you’re planning on going before 5 April 2025, then train to Woking and a £2 shuttle.
Virginia Water Lake
I love this place so much and I always recommend it as a wholesome day out in nature. This whole area is so beautiful all year round! But in spring the Valley Gardens become particularly colourful with all the flowers in bloom.
An easy train ride from Waterloo station gets to either Virginia Water or Egham, both a bus ride away. You can also walk 30min from Virginia Water station to the lake. It’s a straight (kinda busy) road with amazing houses on both sides!
Read more: 12 Day Trips from London to See Stunning Autumn Foliage
Which do you think are the best flower fields near London?
This was a post about the best flower fields near London.