Aaaah, lovely lavender *deep inhale*. The relaxing, feel-good summer scent is abundant here at Long Barn, a family-run, independent business. Located in the pretty market town of Alresford, near Winchester, Long Barn has a fabulous shop and café that makes for a joyful afternoon’s mooching, shopping and eating.

Established in 2009, the historic Long Barn site was once used to pen herds of sheep for the Alresford Sheep Fair, a tradition that dates back as far back as the Middle Ages. Switching livestock for another heritage farming tradition, the destination shop and café here is now surrounded by fields of beautifully established lavender, a calm, peaceful setting that looks out over Site of Special Scientific Interest known for its rich birdlife.

Not surprisingly, Long Barn directors Richard Norris and Jane Marsden are passionate about the fragrant plant. They grow over a hundred varieties and hold a Plant Heritage National Collection of lavender, labelled with informative signs and completely free to stroll around. Located just behind the barn, the plant terrace sales area stocks an impressive array of lavender varieties and a good selection of well-priced plants.

The Long Barn team also takes inspiration from the glorious English countryside for the brilliantly curated range of stylish home, garden and womenswear, all sold alongside the producer’s own Long Barn-grown lavender range. There’s even a larder stocking artisanal fare from all over the British Isles and further afield.

Weekday meet-up or weekend treat, stroll outside through the fragrant lavenders, browse the plant terrace, take tea in the lovely café, and mooch around the covetable gifts, homewares, womenswear and jewellery (credit card warning). Bloomin’ lovely.