For day 5 of #KentAdventCalendar we’re celebrating a farm that has changed the colour palette of Kent. Every year in late June, vast swathes of the North Downs burst into a haze of purple as the spectacular lavender fields of Castle Farm begin to flower. This corrugated carpet of lavender undulating across the Kent countryside is breath-taking – a reward for all the senses.
During the short season – usually until the end of July – The Hop Shop at Castle Farm runs public and private tours. This is a chance to go behind the scenes at the UK’s largest lavender farm, learn why lavender is grown, how it is harvested and the oil extracted, and what it’s used for… while immersed in billowing rows of perfumed blooms. On certain summer evenings you can book a BYO pop-up sunset picnic right in the lavender fields – but be quick off the mark, as tickets for these outrageously popular events are only announced a few days in advance and sell out quickly.
While the lavender season is short, the Hop Shop itself is open all year round, selling seasonal produce from the family farm. With Christmas around the corner, now is a great time to visit and pick up some decorative hop bines and wreathes for the home, as well as special gifts for all the family: edible treats, lavender candles and essential oils, and their own Natural Sleep range – Sleepy Scent, Sleepy Balm, Sleepy Tea and Sleep Pillow. These are also available to purchase online.
The Hop Shop at Castle Farm is just north of Sevenoaks near the pretty village of Shoreham, a 40-minute drive from Barnfield House. Find out more here.
Photo credit: The Hop Farm at Castle Farm
Camilla has recently launched the own-brand Blighty’s Collection, starting with stunning scented candles hand-made close by in Tenterden, and a beautiful ceramic heart featuring Cranbrook’s famous Union Mill, hand-made in Gloucestershire by Broadlands Pottery – super gifts for our holiday renters to purchase as a souvenir of their stay! Blighty’s – an informal term for Britain coined early in the 19th Century – is also a ‘Just a Card’ superhero, supporting a campaign encouraging people to shop local and independent. And if you can’t shop local, you can always shop online . at 
