Camping on an Essex Lavender Farm

Anna
Aug 5
3 min read

Last week, we spent a blissful few days in Essex. Not the first destination that usually comes to mind for a campervan road trip. I admit that I was drawn like a humming bird hawk moth (more on them later!) by the campsites social media pics of purple hazed lavender fields, but we ended up utterly charmed by this small corner of Essex.

Camper van with pop-up roof parked in a wildflower field beside a wooden shed under a clear blue sky.

Finchingfield Field Lavender Farm is situated in North West Essex, an area of quaint villages, manicured village greens, picture perfect country pubs and countless chocolate box thatched cottages (which made progress on foot or by bike very slow due to my hundreds of photo stops!).

Arriving at the Lavender Farm the aroma as I jumped out of the van to open the gate was just intoxicating! We had already been sent arrival instructions and a map of the campsite, and made our way to ‘Daisy’ pitch. Each pitch is cut into a wild flower meadow, giving you a personal wild garden, and comes with your own picnic bench, campfire with cooking grill, and a compost loo! As we were setting up, we bumped into the owner Julia, who gave us the most important tip…which way to pitch to get the most incredible sun sets! This campsite is truly a family affair, and we soon had a delivery of campfire wood to our pitch, made by the owners 2 small children on their dumper truck.

After a post set-up cup of tea, we were off to explore the campsite and Lavender Farm, getting a glimpse into the most beautiful bell tents, encountering friendly sheep, runner ducks and geese. Two spacious shower rooms and washing up area, and a wee shed with a small honesty shop, fridge and electric sockets for charging devices.

Lavender field under stormy clouds, with a white tent and deer sculpture in a tranquil rural garden.

The Lavender Farm is open to the public for a small fee (currently Wednesdays to Sundays 9 -5) and is dotted with chairs, picnic spots and sofas made out of hay bales. A cafe selling the most wonderful cakes, savoury goods and ice-cream overlooks the lavender. We ordered an afternoon tea box and had several slices of cake during our stay, if only we had more days to try them all! Some of my girlfriends came down to meet me one afternoon for the ‘pick your own Lavender’, which we all agreed was probably one of the most wholesome and therapeutic few hours you can spend!

Our daytime adventures took us on country walks and bike rides on the country lanes and bridleways. We reached Thaxted with its impressive Guildhall, and the village of Castle Hedingham with its pretty narrow street and impressive castle views.

Quiet village lane lined with brick walls and cottages, leading toward trees and a distant castle tower flying a flag.

Finchingfield village centre is less than a mile from the campsite, and is overflowing with cute cottages and eating places. We had a delicious lunch at Winners cafe, and a refreshing pint of beer at The Fox on the Green. There were 2 more pubs, an Italian and another team room we didn't get to try… another reason to come back!

Wildflower meadow with purple lavender, colorful blossoms, and tall grasses against trees and a blue sky

My favourite parts of our wee trip were the evenings, wandering around the farm, watching the bees, butterflies and Hummingbird bird hawk moths flying in and out of the Lavender and wild flowers. Watching the sun set across the valley behind the big oak tree. Sitting by the campfire, playing scrabble and watching for bats. I am not sure if it was something to do with the Lavender or the simple outdoor lifestyle of our campervan, but I slept like a dream!

Sunset over a grassy field with silhouetted trees, glowing orange and pink sky, and heavy purple clouds.

We came for the purple Lavender, but we will definitely return for the beautiful villages, quiet lanes, peace and nature. A million miles away from the (unfair) Essex stereotype, but not too many miles from home!

Until next time...

"Every trip has a story, and this one reminded me that sometimes the places closest to home can surprise you the most. Thanks for coming along on this little adventure—I can't wait to share the next one."

— Anna