Could there be any more relaxing setting for a massage than a field of fresh lavender? Soothing outdoor sessions are now on offer at Castle Farm in Shoreham, near Sevenoaks, along with guided tours through the fields.

Castle Farm is the UK’s largest lavender grower, with 85 acres of the crop which is harvested for essential oil production and dried bunches.

Planting began in 1998 and a commercial steam distillation unit was purpose-built in 2002 to process all the Kentish lavender oils as well as Kentish rosemary oil. These are now supplied to toiletry manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies in the UK and abroad.

The farm has an onsite store – the Hop Shop – which sells toiletries, natural sleep products, food essences and massage oils. Working with local producers, the Hop Shop has also developed a range of lavender foods, from lavender ice cream, fudge, jams, cakes and biscuits to lavender salt and chutneys.

This year’s lavender crop was late to flower due to the long cold spring, but the recent sunshine has resulted in a bumper crop of purple flowers and fragrant oil.

Guided lavender tours at Castle Farm will be taking place on Friday, July 19, priced £5.50, and on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21, priced £4.50. Details of aromatherapy massage sessions are available by calling 01959 523219 or visit www.hopshop.co.uk

Castle Farm is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. The Hop Shop is open daily from 10am to 5pm.