A VAST sea of purple in the Hampshire countryside has been attracting visitors from all over.
The rise of Instagram and Tiktok, and the search for perfect backdrops, has given an unlikely boost to a farm near Alton.
The Lavender Fields at Hartley Park Farm, run by husband and wife Nick and Lyndsay Butler, fourth generation farmers, were originally planted in 1999 by Tim's parents, when the family were advised to switch crop.
Previously making money from hops, in fact the last hop growers in Hampshire, the family were told about a growing market in essential oils - and opted for lavender.
As its produce has grown, it has shifted away from selling the oil wholesale, and has found a niche with tourists.
The fields were opened to visitors in 2020, and proved a popular activity during Covid restrictions when people craved an outdoor spot to meet friends and family safely.
And this year, despite some unseasonal wet weather, the purple fields are proving popular once again, especially now the site has opened its own gift shop and tea room.
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Nick and Lyndsay Butler at the shop (Image: Kimberley Barber)
Nick, who took over the farm from his father Tim in 2018, said: "It just happened at the right time. Everybody wanted to be outside and we wanted to have something up here, looking over the fields, so we moved to this spot and opened the shop in March last year. It was all about the view. It has transformed us."
The fields are one of a handful in Hampshire - with other nearest sites in Chichester or in the Cotswolds or Kent.
Nick and Lyndsay, who run the farm with Nick's brother Simon, have three children, aged 10, 16 and 25 - and all pitch in with events such as private parties and barbecues at the fields and on busy days. It's a family affair and they hope to welcome 10,000 visitors in the 10 to 12 week window of opening.
Nick said: "People travel from all over. They can come from three to four hours drive away to get here. Some will spend just 20 minutes getting their photos and go, whereas others bring a picnic and spend four hours here. We have become a meeting place for many families, it started during Covid, but many people still use as a place to meet."
The fields make a great budget-friendly family activity, with bug hunting kits for the children included with the entrance fee.
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The Boots family on a visit (Image: Kimberley Barber)
As well as selling more than 30 different lavender varieties, more than you would usually find at run-of-the-mill garden centres, the shop also sells a range of products such as soap, beauty products, dried bunches, toys, oil, candles, plus much more. Its top seller being the room spray.
Lyndsay says that people use the oil for a wide range of reasons, such as relaxation, as an antiseptic to treat cuts and burns, or as an environmentally moth repellent.
"One lady was even using the oil on her horses to repel the flies," she said. "And another was using it on her husband's smelly feet!".
Another growing use of the plant is in cooking - and a visit from top chef Ainsley Harriott gave the farm some publicity when he visited to film Good Mood Food and made a lavender and lemon cake. It's also been promoted as an alternate to rosemary for a roast lamb.
The business has been supporting Dogs for Autism, a charity which is also on the same farm, and gives a donation to the charity as well as letting them promote their work to visitors, plus the dogs love the fields. Other well behaved dogs are also welcome on a lead.
Dogs for Autism at the field (Image: Kimberley Barber)
The newly-installed café has already been doing a roaring trade this summer - with people lapping up the afternoon tea sat overlooking the fields. But the main draw is still the stunning sea of purple, and wildflower meadows, which make a wonderful picture.
However, if you are planning a visit it is worth noting that there is a limited window of time, with the plants expected to stay looking as beautiful as they are today until mid-August, depending on the weather.
Nick said: "The lovely thing is that people want to be here. They are happy to be here. One of the main differences with us is that we are not overrun with people, you can always find a peaceful spot."
Khanga Sunuwar from Basingstoke (Image: Kimberley Barber)
For more on the fields go to thelavenderfields.co.uk.
The fields are based in north east Hampshire, between Alton and Selbourne.
Entry to the field costs £5 adult, or £2.50 child, including big hunting kit, with under twos free.
A mini market is being planned for July 27, where nine stalls will be selling local produce.
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