Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting the Lavender Farm

Q. Where is and how do I get to Jersey?
A. Jersey is an island (approx 9 x 5 miles) just off the coast of France in the English Channel. Although close to France (Cherbourg peninsula), Jersey has strong links with the United Kingdom, pays homage to the English Crown but yet has its own laws, government, and quirky customs.

You can fly to Jersey from many UK airports, or take a ferry from the southern UK ports of Weymouth and Portsmouth. Flight time from London Gatwick is 50 mins. Fast ferry from Weymouth is 3hrs. See www.jersey.com for more information. You can also get to us from St.Malo in Brittany, France (1hr by fast boat)

Q. When is the Jersey Lavender Farm open for visitors?
A. The farm and our Sprigs Café and Shop is open in 2010 from 30th March to 31st October. We are open Tuesdays to Sundays (closed Monday) from 10am to 5pm each day.

Q. When is the best time to visit?
A. The lavender shows its first colour in late May. This builds in intensity, until we commence the lavender harvest in mid June (the exact date depends on how warm the Spring weather is).  The best, most colourful two weeks are late June/early July. By early August the harvest is complete. From 8th June to 15th August the distillery will be hard at work, and there are educational and fun talks about the processing of lavender at 11.00 am and 3.00 pm.

Q. During the Harvest Season what is there to do at the Lavender Farm?
A. The highlights of a visit to the farm are:

1. To see the lavender and learn about how we produce the "essential oils" in the distillery, and to sample the products we make in the bottling laboratory. You should ideally catch one of the distillation changes, when there is usually a full explanation of the processes that we carry out - these take place from twice to four times per day depending on the progression of the harvest - please Contact Us for details of the times.
2. To wander around our gardens and lavender fields, soaking up the peaceful atmosphere, and enjoying feeding our chickens.
3. To visit our Sprigs Café which serves delicious home-made breakfasts, lunches and teas and snacks and an amazing range of cakes. Click here to view a sample menu.
4. To visit the Sprigs Shop which offers the full range of our Jersey Lavender products as well as many other related items.

Q. How do I get to you?
A. We are located in the parish of St.Brelade in the south western corner of Jersey about 5 miles from the main town St.Helier. To see a map and obtain directions click here.

Q. How long should I allow for my visit?
A. We recommend a visit time of 1.5 hours. This would allow time for you to see everything and for a some time in the Shop and Café. During your visit please try to catch one of the talks in the distillery at 11.30 am and 3pm.

Q. What else is there to do in the Lavender Farm area?
A. You could easily arrange an itinerary in the west of the island around us as we are so close to many other fabulous places. St. Brelade''''''''''''''''s Bay, Corbiere lighthouse, St.Ouens Beach, St.Aubin Harbour, and close to the Railway walk/Cycle track. We are also only 5 mins from the Airport, so why not drop in on your way back home - we will safely look after any bags during your visit.

Q. Are children welcome?
A. Yes. We have some swings, and the chickens and doves are fun to feed, and the woods and field provide a safe place to walk. In Sprigs Café we have pictures to colour in and high-chairs are available. Please do not leave children unsupervised at any time as we are a working farm, and some of the farm equipment, trees, terrain etc can present a risk.

Q. Is there an entrance charge?
A. There is no charge to enter our Sprigs Café & Shop, but to visit the farm the following charges apply:

• From 30th March - 7th June, £2.95 per person (children U14 yrs FREE)
• From 8th June - 16th August - The harvest season - Adults £4.80, Senior Citizens £4.50 and children U14 yrs are FREE.
• 17th August - 31st October, £2.95 per person
   

Q. What is the Jersey Pass?
A. The Jersey Pass is a scheme where you can visit many island attractions using one affordable pass. During the period of the pass validity, entrance to the lavender farm is free. For more details click here.

Q. Is there a Baby Change Facility?
A. Yes, in our disabled toilet there is a pull down baby-change table with disposable, hygienic paper coverings.

Q. Is there access for wheelchairs?
A. Yes, there is access to the shop, café and toilets. Wheelchairs can be pushed easily over grass around most of the gardens, and down to the distillery. There is a beaten earth path which runs alongside our main lavender field. Other areas of the farm such as the woods would perhaps be a bit rough for wheelchairs.

Q. Is there somewhere for refreshments?
A. The Sprigs Café has an excellent reputation. It serves delicious homemade food - breakfasts, lunches and teas - made with fresh, local ingredients wherever possible, and a wide range of specials. To view a sample menu click here.

Q. Can we bring our own picnic?
A. There is no specific picnic area, and because our Sprigs Cafe serves such delicious food there is really no need to bring a picnic.

Q. Can you recommend somewhere to stay in Jersey?
A. We suggest that you contact Jersey Tourism on tel: 01534 448800, www.jersey.com. Alternatively The Jersey Hospitality Association website has an extensive list of accomodation.