Castle Farm – The Hop Shop – The Lavender Fields
Driving through the country lanes to visit the Hop shop, the sun is shining, I turn a corner and there, right in front of me is the wonderful sight of purple fields amongst the beautiful green of the Kent countryside. The windows go down and the smell of lavender pours into the car. It really is an amazing sight to see.
On arrival at Castle Farm, the smell increases and more purple comes into sight, and there is Castle farm the country’s largest lavender farm. The lavender farm is on over 95 acres and extracts the high quality oils from the lavender plant on site in their state of the art distillery, of which tours are available. Products such as Kentish Lavender Oils, toiletries, foods and ingredients are made and sold in the delightful farm shop. Along with local produce and gifts.
During the lavender season 30 or 60 minute massages can be taken in and amongst the lavender fields, this was an amazing and very relaxing experience, taking in the beauty, the local nature, the aroma and to have a massage outside in the Kent countryside was truely unique. The lavender farm oils were obviously used, which made it all seem so much more personal. An experience I would strongly recommend, bookings are taken much earlier in the year, don’t worry we will remind you when bookings open next year!
Castle Farm brings a uniqueness to the local area with their events such as picnics and yoga sessions in the lavender fields (albeit the lavender season is finishing now). Not just open during lavender season, but all year round, Castle Farm hosts an array of seasonal events, (they have the most amazing pumpkins choices in the autumn!) the farm shop sells home grown local produce and meats along with a vast choice of crafty gifts, jewellery and cards and not forgetting their own lavender products.
Unfortunately for me the one thing missing is a rustic cafe/tearoom (I can just see the side barn turned into this, probably a good job its not as I would be there all the time!!) BUT a very cool and en trend coffee cart made from a rice horse box has been introduced, offering hot drinks and snacks, bringing a sense of quirkiness to this fabulous local business.
Castle Farm is definitely worth visiting whether for a farm tour or a visit to the shop, we are lucky to have such a unique business on our doorstep.
Check out their website for more news on events.
