A hidden open-air cinema is set to enchant visitors this summer, located in a secret lavender garden just a short distance from London. Nestled among thousands of purple blooms in Epsom, Surrey, the venue offers a magical escape from city life.
Cinema in the Lavender
Mayfield's Secret Lavender Garden has partnered with Epsom Picturehouse to host a series of film screenings starting June 12. Screenings begin at dusk, allowing guests to relax under the evening sky surrounded by the fragrant flowers. The garden is located just 10 minutes from Mayfield's organic 25-acre Banstead lavender farm, providing an intimate setting to appreciate the blooms.
What to Bring
Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, cushions, or compact picnic chairs for a comfortable evening. A limited number of deck chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and extra blankets and rain ponchos can be purchased on site.
Film Lineup
The program includes classic films such as Jaws, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, making it ideal for a night out with friends, a date, or a unique city escape. An outdoor bar serves alcoholic and soft drinks, plus cinema snacks like popcorn, nachos, and hot dogs. Each ticket from Picturehouse includes a £7 credit voucher for refreshments.
General Visits and New Experiences
After the cinema series ends on June 15, the garden opens to general visitors. Guests can enjoy rural views with London's skyline in the distance and photo opportunities at spots like Sleepy Hollow, a purple keyhole door, a heart-shaped bench, and a red telephone box. New for 2026 are limited-capacity Lavender Daze and Sunset Sessions, offering two-hour time slots to explore the garden at different times of day.
Daytime and Evening Activities
Daytime visits suit families, with the free Bee and Butterfly Exploration Trail through the lavender fields. In the evening, the meadows glow in amber light, perfect for photography. The Glasshouse café operates from 9am to 5pm daily (10am to 4pm Sundays), serving standard and seasonal menus. An outdoor Airstream café runs from 5pm to 8pm (4pm to 8pm Sundays), offering hot dogs, baked goods, drinks, and signature lavender beverages like Lavender Prosecco Royale and Lavender Summer Breezer.
Lavender Daze and Sunset Sessions run until August 23. Owner Lorna Maye said: "We created the Secret Lavender Garden to offer a slower, more intimate way to experience summer among the lavender. Last year's response was incredible, and for 2026, we wanted to introduce more ways for people to enjoy the space."
Getting There
From London, take a Southern service from Victoria to Epsom Downs, then walk 10 minutes to the garden. It is also a 10-minute drive from Mayfield Lavender Farm in Banstead, allowing visitors to explore both locations in one day.
