Pick your own lavender for one weekend only in London

If you've already read our guide to lavender fields, you'll know there are several picturesque lavender fields you can wander through within easy reach of the capital. The earth in this area is particularly chalky, making it ideal for growing lavender. If you fancy strolling through floral fields and picking your own lavender to take home, get 27th and 28th July in your diary – Carshalton Lavender, just on the edge of London in Sutton, is hosting its annual pick-your-own lavender harvest weekend. 

Carshalton Lavender is a not-for-profit heritage project. When you join the harvest, you'll be helping to take care of the field, as well as getting out in the fresh and fragrant air and enjoying all that lavender. There's a small entrance fee and you'll need to bring your own scissors or secateurs for snipping the lavender, but otherwise you're free to roam the fields. 

It's not only the lavender that you can enjoy over the harvest weekend. There will also be a bustling market set up in partnership with other local businesses. Lots of lavender-themed items will be on offer, including an award-winning collection of skincare products made with Carshalton Lavender. Art, crafts, cakes, jams, and locally-produced cordials will also be available. Added to that, the Black Swan Morris dancers will be making an appearance on Sunday 28th July. 

You're welcome to turn up and pay for entrance on the day but you can also book a ticket in advance. You can also sign up as a volunteer to help run the event. Book your ticket and find out more about what to expect on Carshalton Lavender's website.