The first Lavender Farm in Wales, Welsh Lavender Ltd is located on a wild hilltop in Builth Wells. Created by international journalist Nancy Durham and Oxford philosopher of science Bill Newton-Smith, the duo planted their first lavender in 2003.
The farm has now grown to include beautiful gardens, a distillery, shop, café and accommodation. Open all year round, enjoy a self-guided tour of the fields, gardens and distillery before enjoying tea and cake overlooking the spectacular hills and valleys of the Welsh countryside. You can also take a dip in the stunning wild swimming pond or relax and rejuvenate in the sauna (available to book via the Welsh Lavender website). And there are plenty of places to perch for those wishing to bring a picnic.
The lavender oil distilled on the farm is used in the FARMERS' creams and balms, available on the farm or in our shop in Hay-on-Wye.
The peak time for lavender is midsummer. The first signs of blue begin in late June, with the end of June bringing a few rows of Folgate to bloom. Come mid-July the rest of the crop – mainly Grosso – is in flower.
Lavender is cut for distillation from the end of July continuing into early September. We cut slowly so there are usually a few rows to see at any time. If it rains, we don’t cut lavender. If you want to be sure the still is on when you visit ring a day or two ahead of your date.
