On the outskirts of Perranporth on Cornwall’s majestic north coast, is Cornish Lavender, a beautiful lavender farm and tea room, nestled down a leafy lane surrounded by the rolling hills of the Cornish countryside. Some of our team were lucky enough to visit one sunny afternoon and find out more about this hidden gem.
We wandered through the vibrant purple hues and inhaled the calming fragrance of the lavender blooms. Cornish Lavender is home to three types of lavender; Maillette, Grosso, and Folgatte on this family-run farm.
Exploring the fragrant fields, the first thing we noticed was the beautiful smell of lavender in the air. With our four-legged friend, Coco, in tow (dogs are welcome on a lead) we stopped to take photos of the beautiful scenes before us. We were captivated by the sight and smells, creating a sensory experience like no other. Whilst families milled around us, children played in the woodlands and parents captured photos of their little ones amidst the lavender flowers.
Owner, Tina, says “most people come to Perranporth for the beach, but it can get busy and what’s nice is people can come up here in the valley and just breathe... immersed in nature, feel the breeze and smell the aroma”.
The farm offers various activities, including guided tours, where knowledgeable experts share insights into the cultivation and harvesting processes. Open from May to mid-August, when the lavender is in full bloom, the farm and its team of volunteers (lovingly known as the Lavender Hill Mob) harvest the plant for its oils, which are then processed on-site in a copper still, to create the purest essential oils. Tina explained the three types of lavender all provide a slightly different oil. Maillette is the stronger of the oils, a more luxurious oil and used by many well-known brands, whilst Grosso is fresh oil, known for boosting positivity, and Folgatte has antiseptic properties.
After a mesmerising stroll, we indulged in a quintessentially Cornish cream tea with a view of the sea of purple blooms. There are five wooden pods overlooking the lavender, the perfect spot for a delicious homemade lavender scone, whilst admiring the view! Plus, several benches dotted around the field provide a welcoming space to enjoy a cuppa amid the violet hues. Dairy-free and gluten-free cream teas are available, whilst tasting platters (both sweet and savoury) and locally sourced Callestick ice cream are also on the menu.
There are, of course, plenty of opportunities to snap stunning photos as you meander through the lovely lavender! Carefully planted, you can wander amidst the lavender, taking in the blissful smells and sounds of nature. Bees buzz happily around you, creating a melodic soundtrack to your lavender adventure! There’s lots for little ones to do too, from exploring the lavender maze to discovering the majestic woodland fairy walk, and joyfully fun mud kitchen.
Cornish Lavender also offer workshops, such as crafting your own lavender-scented products, learning about the benefits of essential oils, or art classes, where you can discover the joys of creating your very own masterpiece. The farm's picturesque setting is ideal for picnics or simply basking in the serene ambiance. Perfect for families, the lavender farm is a relaxing escape from the bustling beach, which is just a five-minute drive away!
Browse the on-site shop, where you can purchase a wide array of lavender-infused goods and souvenirs. Cornish Lavender promises a delightfully different experience, immersed in the beauty of nature and the tranquillity of lavender fields. To find out more, visit the Cornish Lavender website.
If you fancy escaping the everyday and heading to Cornwall, find your perfect retreat here.
Tags: Gardens | Perranporth | Nature |