Heaven scent in Yorkshire
Yorkshire Lavender has been wowing visitors with its beautiful displays for many years, yet there's far more to this delightful attraction than a magnificent sea of purple.
Whether you live nearby or further away, the destination makes for a hugely enjoyable and relaxing day out, with plenty to keep the whole family occupied.
Aside from the many eye-catching varieties of lavender to admire, all of which smell incredible, there's also a nursery boasting a fabulous bounty of edible herbs and other unusual perennials, annuals, alpines, grasses and wild flowers.
There's a sensory garden on site, too, which allows you to experience nature not only through sight but also sound, scent, touch, taste and hearing. Just close your eyes and listen to the plants swaying in the wind as you take deep breaths of fragrant air.
The maze, 'Wibbly Wobbly Way', huge snakes-and-ladders game, wild flower meadow, deer park and full-scale 'The Spirit of Yorkshire' metal sculptures – depicting a cricket game in action – provide adventurous little ones with plenty of entertainment, while experts are always on hand to answer any questions green-fingered gardeners
may have.
All that fresh air is bound to make you tired and thirsty, so sit back and recharge your batteries in the award-winning EJ's tearoom-restaurant, complete with spectacular, breathtaking views across the hills.
Try lavender cake, lavender and blueberry cheesecake, or apple pie
and lavender custard. Or go for the freshly home-made lavender scone, then wash it all down with some soothing lavender tea.
If you have time, why not browse and buy in the shop? You can stock up on lavender mustard, lavender curd and lavender pillows.
"There was no grand plan when it started out; things have just evolved
and developed in a very natural way," explains Nigel Goodwill, who purchased the 60-acre farm some 15 years ago when his wife passed away.
Since then, things have really blossomed and Nigel is proud to have something amazing to pass on to his children. "It's a wonderful legacy, and they've always been hugely involved with it," he says.
People travel miles to visit Nigel's lovingly developed family heirloom, with the majority returning time and time again. Some of the regulars are so well-known it's like catching up with friends or saying 'hi' to neighbours.
It's this warm welcome and sense of being unspoilt that gives Yorkshire Lavender its simple, honest appeal. Individuality, authenticity and a genuine passion for the great outdoors are its hallmarks.
The formula is such a success that it draws around 80,000 people every year, while Yorkshire In Bloom has awarded the venue the prestigious title of Best Visitor Attraction – in both 2007 and 2008.
See, hear, touch, smell and taste everything at the upcoming English Lavender Festival next weekend (Saturday, July 11, from 10am-5pm) and you'll soon be back for more.
n Yorkshire Lavender, Terrington, York, YO60 6PB. Tel 01653 648008, www.yorkshirelavender.com.
Open seven days a week, 10am-5pm.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: West
