Yorkshire Lavender — Local services in Terrington

First, the good. The variety of lavender, layout and views are amazing. On a nice day - it's just stunning.

The not so good: price. I think £6 is towards the 'greedy, feeling a bit ripped off' territory. Some other reviewer commented £6 is justified because it costs money to maintain the gardens. Well of course it does, but £6? We've been to other lavender farms/gardens that were larger, well kept too, and they do not charge entry. They earn their money through the cafe and gift shop. £6 is the same price as the Yorkshire Sculpture Park - much larger and they too have to spend time looking after the grounds and art work. RHS gardens cost less than £6 a month and you can visit multiple times, RSPB parks are all cheaper, individual visits are less than £6 to park. I could go on. There is just so much choice for gardens/parks that are much larger and who charge less or it's free. So, yes £6 is overpriced.

Customer service isn't the best, yes you are greeted when you buy tickets at the door and given clear instructions. However, you cannot get anyone on the phone, at least I couldn't on multiple attempts.

The bad. Cafe. Overpriced, mediocre food, limited selection (particularly if you have any dietary needs) and DIRTY. There are not enough staff. Tables were left for long periods of time with dirty plates and cups both inside and outside - attracting many wasps. After clearing the tables, they were left covered in crumbs. Inside it was packed, stuffy, hot and the windows were closed (it was 30 degrees!). Obvious concerns running through our minds were - COVID. In the end we left earlier than anticipated because we were hungry and so put off by the cafe. We actually went to York to eat (which was cheaper - why is it that cafes and restaurants in York city centre with more expensive costs can charge the same or less than a farm in the countryside?).

Beware the wasps and bees. I expected bees because, well there are lavender fields! However, there really are a lot of wasps - a lot more than experienced at other lavender fields and it was a bit overwhelming. They were a nuisance particularly inside the cafe and around the eating area. I think management could do a much better job at controlling this, such as deterrents to keep them outside, not placing bins next to eating tables and benches and prompt clearing of dirty dishes instead of left sitting there for long periods of time. Moreover, as mentioned earlier, even after clearing plates the tables were filthy and covered in crumbs - not once were any of the tables, chairs wiped down/cleaned - all attracting wasps.

Overall, I recommend a one time visit (one time due to the price charged). However, bring your own packed lunch or plan to go elsewhere for...

Visiting Yorkshire Lavender. Well very mixed emotions. We spent a couple of hours exploring the grounds. Sitting a while in the tent. And looking in the gift shop finally having a little break in the cafe First of all parking good. The view is absolutely stunning. A picture book setting. We ambled through the meadows of lavender taking photos that couldn’t possibly capture the beauty of this setting. Then had a little sit down in the tent to cool off.This was lovely. The arrangement of the seating was well placed to admire the beautiful views. Well thought out. We came across the adventure playground for the kiddies. This would be a lovely treat for the little ones.

We had a look in the beautiful gift shop. Very lovely products but quite expensive

We had a stroll around the little plant section which could have been managed better. And the prices were ridiculous to say that they had fields of lavender you would have thought it would be reasonable. So I would recommend that be looked at

Finally the cafe. It was unbearably hot. I felt for the young staff working there. Maybe invest in air conditioning. So hot that we needed to eat outside. Beware of the wasps though lol. The prices were high which you don’t mind if the refreshments are good. But no. We had a cake. Think it was lavender - no surprise there. Not the best. And a sausage roll which was disposed of in the bin. The coffee was nice but spoilt by being served in a cardboard cup. As was the cake on a cardboard plate and the sausage roll. What a shame - in such a beautiful setting to be served with cardboard plates, mugs with wooden utensils. A more English tea room would go down a bomb. Wasted opportunity as is the plant centre

We feel very let down with the cafe and the plant centre. Such a shame and a wasted opportunity of whoever is running this to make it more of a great few hours out. Too higher a price for inadequate cafe and plant centre. Need to make the cafe more comfortable Better quality of refreshments. No cardboard plates etc. And the plants more reasonably priced. How about giving a small plant away to your visitors. I’m sure this can be done and you would still be...

I highly recommend this place for an afternoon (or indeed morning) of loveliness. Where to start...?

The lavender farm is set in the most gorgeous location, on a hill, with amazing views over God's Own County.

I have never, in my whole life, visited an attraction where all the staff are so lovely, accommodating, friendly, kind, helpful and knowledgeable. From the gardening staff to the tea room and shop staff, and the founder himself, they are absolute gems!

The farm is configured in different areas, with great swathes of various lavender varieties, a lavender maze, sculptures, a lovely pond and sitting areas. We sat on the hill in the sun and watched a hunting dragonfly for a while, a resident from the pond, no doubt. Bliss!

Many of the lavenders are on sale at their nursery, which also stocks a very diverse selection of other herbs and plants too. These are proper nursery plants, not of the kind you'd find in a supermarket, and actually not that much more expensive. The staff in the nursery are very knowledgeable, approachable and helpful.

As one would expect, the shop has lots of lavender items for sale, including edibles, essential oil, dried flowers, jams, honey and produce from other local artisans.

The tea room has a fabulous menu of both savoury and sweet food, with several vegan and gluten free options. Many of the cakes are flavoured with culinary lavender and I highly recommend the gluten free/vegan lavender and lemon drizzle cake, and I have neither of those dietary requirements! It's one of the best things to have ever hit my taste buds, so good we had to take some away with us. I also had their soup of the day, delicious leek and potato. There is seating both indoors and out. Even though it was packed when we were there, the staff appeared unflustered and were so smiley!

There is ample parking and specific disabled parking spaces.

It's worth the drive off the...