Nature seems to be suggesting that spring will put in an early appearance this year, and one of the best and most beautiful seasonal sights is the bluebells that carpet many National Trust woods from mid April into May.
© NTPL / Jerry Harpur
'Bluebells are magical and a sure sign of life re-emerging in our woodlands after the winter rest. These ancient woods are irreplaceable, and the bluebells they support are themselves steeped in history and folklore – fairies were said to be summoned by the ringing of bluebells.'
 |
Here are ten of the top National Trust bluebell sites and walks: |
Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
Tel: 01494 755557
Stunning displays of bluebells in spring, then orchids in summer. Red kites can also be seen. Pick up an I-spy Ashridge leaflet from the Discovery Centre.
Blickling, Norfolk
Tel: 01263 738030
Stroll through the Great Wood and chance upon a wonderful display of bluebells, following one of our three waymarked paths.
Brockhampton Estate, Herefordshire
Tel: 01885 488099
Take one of the waymarked woodland walks through some of the finest selection of trees in the county, past intriguing wooden sculptures.
Calke Park and Abbey, Derbyshire
Tel: 01332 863822
Discover bluebells and yellow archangels among some of the oldest trees in Europe.
Coughton Court, Warwickshire
Tel: 01789 762435
Take a stroll through the carpets of bluebells in Coughton Court's bluebell wood.
Emmetts Garden, Kent
Tel: 01732 751509
One of the highest points in Kent, with views of the Weald and North Downs. The woodland slopes are carpeted with bluebells.
Back to top
Hardcastle Crags, Yorkshire
Tel: 01422 844518
A hidden beauty spot near Hebden Bridge. The three mile Mill Walk is the ideal place to see a mass of bluebells in spring.
Hatchlands Park, Surrey
Tel: 01483 222482
A famous bluebell heaven and retreat from bustling London. A one-mile walk takes you through Little Wix Wood with its bluebells and primroses.
Kingston Lacy, Dorset
Tel: 01208 883402
The two and a half-mile woodland walk on the estate is a great place to see the annual show of bluebells.
Lanhydrock, Cornwall
Tel: 01208 265950
At the start of the one and a half-mile Great Wood and Avenue Walk you’ll come across the bluebell wood, famed for its carpet of colour in spring.
Mount Stewart, Northern Ireland
Tel: 028 4278 8387
The main drive and Lake Walk are the best places to see the bluebells in bloom.
For guided spring flower walks, visit our online events directory.
Back to top
|
