When people visit the rows of lavender currently stretching across a farm in Warwickshire, they may assume the owner has spent a lifetime in farming. The reality couldn't be more different.

"I'm not a farmer, I had to learn all this" shared Ian Jamie, co-owner of Warwickshire Lavender Farm, who opened the farm with his wife, Pippa Jamie, as a 'dream hobby' back in 2016.

Located on Watery Lane, the farm began in 2016 as a retirement project for the couple.

The farm is currently welcoming visitors until 9 August 2026.

How it first began

Born and raised in Coventry, Ian Jamie's career began far from fields and flowers. After studying accountancy in London, he worked for major companies before eventually setting up his own packaging manufacturing business.

"I spent a lot of my career in packaging," he explained.

"We designed products, bought machinery and ran a manufacturing business. Farming wasn't something I'd ever imagined."

In 2006, Ian took up beekeeping, going on to even take his bees on holiday with him!

He recounted a trip to North Devon, in which his bees came with him.

"There was me, my wife, the dog, three kids in the back and 100,000 bees in the boot" shared Ian.

On the way back from the trip, the beehives in his car broke apart suddenly.

Ian found himself surrounded by thousands of bees while stopped in the middle of the motorway.

"I decided I wasn't going to take them on holiday with me again, after that" Ian laughed.

Now, he keeps his bees on the farm, with plenty of borage (an easy-to-grow plant that attracts honeybees, bumblebees, and solitary bees) for them to enjoy.

Bees at the farm (image via Nub News)

Growing lavender

When it came to growing Lavender though, Ian's first attempt was simply in a field behind his house.

Now retired, Ian, along with several of his close friends, some of whom, he has known since childhood, decided to give growing lavender a go.

After researching drainage systems, installing pipes beneath the clay soil and carefully planting rows of lavender, Ian transformed some of his garden into a flourishing lavender plot

Then the rain came...

"The winters were so wet, the plants just couldn't cope. Lavender hates having wet feet" shared Ian.

The farm today

Eventually, Ian spotted a 20-acre field for sale, which would become home to the Warwickshire Lavender Farm.

Unlike the surface on his garden, this land was sandy - ideal conditions for lavender Ian explained.

Ian noted: "That's why it grows so well here. The drainage is completely different."

Determined not to repeat his earlier mistakes, he sought advice from some of the country's leading lavender growers. Through his packaging business, he had already built relationships with commercial farms across Britain.

"I'd sell them packaging, then sit down with a jar of honey and ask endless questions," he said with a smile.

Alongside his friends, who started farming as a hobby, Ian is now part of a group known as the 'Lav boys.'

One of the 'Lav boys' Steve from Stratford, who helps manage the farm's car park, shared: "We try and make this an experience for visitors from the moment they drive in and park their car. From families to couples, we like to have a laugh and for them to enjoy their time here."

More than just lavender

Today, the farm grows three varieties of lavender, each serving a different purpose.

One is prized for producing essential oils, another is grown primarily for its striking colour, while the third produces premium-quality oil sought after by French perfume houses.

A vineyard, planted last summer, is now also establishing itself among the lavender.

Rather than simply selling dried flowers, the farm distils its own essential oils before partnering with specialist manufacturers to create luxury products.

The result is a range of premium products made using the farm's own oils and produced by experienced manufacturers who also work with major international brands.

Charity and community

Although the lavender fields attract thousands of visitors each year, profit isn't the farm's motivation.

The site regularly raises money for charities supporting people affected by Huntington's disease and Parkinson's disease, causes that are deeply personal to the family.

"So far we've raised tens of thousands of pounds," shared Ian.

"The farm helps support itself, but it's also about giving something back."

The team also hosts visits for community groups, including people living with disabilities and visual impairments.

"It's a place where people can come and relax. It's their garden for the day."

(image supplied)

'Still a Coventry lad'

Despite creating one of the region's best-known lavender attractions, Ian Jamie insists he hasn't forgotten his roots.

"I'm a Coventry lad," he said proudly.

What began as a hobby, has grown into a thriving destination that combines agriculture, conservation, charity and community.

Not bad, he admits, for someone who still insists he was never a "farmer."

Visitor information

• Open: 19 June – 9 August 2026
• Evening openings: every Saturday throughout July
• Where: Warwickshire Lavender, Watery Lane, Bubbenhall, CV8 3BQ (near Coventry / Leamington Spa)
• Opening hours: 10am – 4pm
• Admission: £8 adults, £4 children — free car parking
• Café: all profits to Huntington's and Parkinson's causes

Find out more about the farm on its offical website here.