The best bluebell walks in Britain
Bluebells are already in bloom this year. Here are some of the most glorious places to enjoy these veyr pretty flowers on National Trust land. Alternatively,The Woodland Trust has an intriguing list of five unusual places to see bluebells in the UK.
Allen Banks & Staward Gorge, Northumberland
The largest area of ancient woodland in Northumberland. In spring, Allen Banks comes alive with the fresh growth of wild flowers. Explore the woods and discover the carpet of bluebells and wild garlic (ramsons) covering the woodland floor, or take the two-mile riverside walk-download the route at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks
Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
The 1.5-mile woodland trail has a beautiful display of bluebells beneath the bright-green beech canopy. You can also see red kites-pick up an I-spy Ashridge leaflet from the Discovery Centre. Download a two-mile wildlife walk at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks
Blakes Wood, Essex
This 106-acre ancient woodland bursts into colour in spring with carpets of bluebells, primroses and yellow archangel. Bring your binoculars and see if you can spot a nightingale or a hawfinch
Blickling, Norfolk
The wilderness garden and the woodland in the park are renowned for their bluebells-there's a breathtaking two acres of blue in spring, with a single cloud of white formed by a clump of wild garlic growing in its midst. There are three way-marked estate walks
Buckland Abbey, Devon
Discover wonderful bluebell displays in the Great North Wood and take a three-mile Bluebell Walk with the estate warden on Friday, May 7, 11am-1.30pm. No extra charge to normal admission, but booking is advisable
Calke Park and Abbey, Derbyshire
With secret walks and 600 acres of parkland, much of it a National Nature Reserve, Calke is home to some of the oldest trees in Europe. Among this ancient woodland, bluebells flower in abundance, dotted with the yellow flowers of archangels, in the Serpentine Wood. Download a Wildlife Walk at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks
Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire
There are several way-marked walks throughout the parkland and wooded estate. Take in the gorgeous bluebell displays and ancient trees at this special place
Emmetts Garden, Kent
One of the highest points in Kent, with magnificent views of the Weald and North Downs. The woodland slopes are famed for their carpets of bluebells in spring
Hardcastle Crags, Yorkshire
A hidden beauty spot near Hebden Bridge. The three-mile Mill Walk is the ideal place to see a mass of bluebells in spring. You can also visit Gibson Mill, a flagship eco-friendly visitor centre, open Tuesday-Thursday and weekends from April 1. Downloadable walk available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks
Kingston Lacy, Dorset
The 2.5-mile woodland walk and lime walk on the estate are both great ways to see the annual show of bluebells
Lanhydrock, Cornwall
At the start of the 1.5-mile Great Wood and Avenue Walk you'll come across the bluebell wood, famed for its carpet of colour in spring
Lyme Park, Cheshire
Wander up West Park Drive and enjoy a glorious bluebell display-along with great views across the Cheshire Plain
Nap Wood, Sussex
A tranquil woodland oasis along an ancient track of the Weald, which possibly dates back to the first few centuries AD. Mature tall trees tower above and a dense carpet of bluebells brightens the woodland floor in spring. Downloadable walk available at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks
Osterley Park, Middlesex
One of the last surviving country estates in London, the garden and park are the perfect retreat from busy modern life. The bluebells appear late spring around the south and west woods
Rowallane Garden, County Down
This enchanting garden reflects the beautiful natural landscape of the surrounding area. Take a tranquil walk around the spring garden and the woodland trail, carpeted with bluebells in spring
Speke Hall, Merseyside
Wander through the estate to Stocktons Wood, where you'll see a glorious display of bluebells; keep going to be rewarded with great views of the Mersey estuary
Stourhead, Wiltshire
One of the finest landscape gardens in the world, created in the 1740s by Henry Hoare II. Bluebells are abundant throughout the Estate and give wonderful displays through the wooded glades. Park Hill Camp is a circular three-mile walk through the magnificent woodland, downloadable at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks
The Weir, near Hereford
A wonderful informal garden situated on the steeply sloping, south-facing bank of the River Wye. Richly planted with an abundance of bulbs, providing colour throughout spring, including bluebells
Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey
Buried amid the gorgeous collection of trees and shrubs is the old English bluebell wood, which slopes down to the lake beneath a canopy of oak and Japanese maple. All paths are hard-surfaced for wheelchairs and buggies, making it very family-friendly
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** Bluebell thumbnail credit: moremoth.blogspot.co.uk
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