Bluebells in London and the South East

Bluebells thrive in our woodlands in London and the South East. From Emmetts Garden in Kent where the hillside is swathed in blue, to the ancient woodlands of Hinton Ampner, these are some of our top spots for enjoying bluebells.

Visitors walking through a garden in spring

Visiting this spring 

Our gardens, parks and countryside sites are open. Cafés are takeaway only and shops, houses and other indoor areas are currently closed. The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors from the nearby community remains our priority. We strongly advise booking your visits in advance, especially over Easter when places may be very busy. Please note that in line with Welsh Government legislation, places in Wales are only open for Welsh residents. Please check the property webpage before you visit and follow government guidance on travel.

More details on what's open
Chiltern Bluebells

Please help look after the bluebells 

'Bluebells are my most favourite sign of spring. They are beautiful yet so fragile. There's something really lovely about helping to protect them, because they do need our help' - Crispin Scott, Wildlife & Countryside Adviser.
By sticking to the paths you are protecting the native British bluebell so it will flower next year and for years to come.

More about looking after bluebells
Bluebells in Walk Wood at Sheffield Park, East Sussex

Sheffield Park and Garden, East Sussex 

See Bluebells in the gardens as well as the restored Walk Wood at Sheffield Park and Garden. Venture down a network of paths from the early 1700s surrounded by bluebells in a magnificent display of blue.

A sea of blue
Bluebells at Winkworth Arboretum

Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey 

From late April a carpet of bluebells covers the arboretum floor while perfuming the woodland air, thriving in the dappled sunlight of the coppiced areas at Winkworth.

Delight the senses
Bluebell woods at Hinton Ampner

Hinton Ampner, Hampshire 

Visitors can explore acres of ancient woodland surrounding this quintessentially English landscape. Stroll slowly through glorious beech avenues and soak up the bluebell phenomenon.

Admire the blue views
Bluebells in Hardwick woods
Walking trail 

Bluebell walks at Basildon Park

Bluebells are blooming at Basildon Park, and the woodland is completely transformed. Discover the best ways to enjoy the bluebells and have a great day out at Basildon Park.

Walk in a sea of blue at Basildon Park
Bluebell woods at Emmetts Garden, a National Trust property in Kent

Emmetts Garden 

Spotting bluebells is one of the best things about a spring walk and Emmetts Garden doesn't disappoint for this. The woods have even been designated a SSSI (site of special scientific interest) due to the English native bluebells that bloom here. Every year the hillside is smothered with the nation's favourite wildflower creating a truly beautiful spectacle.

Go bluebell spotting at Emmetts Garden
Standen Rockinghill Wood Bluebells

Standen, West Sussex 

There are wonderful walks through 100 acres of the original Standen estate, including ancient bluebell woods and meadowland, which can be enjoyed all year round.

Bluebells and birdsong
Bluebells beneath the woodland trees with dapled late afternoon sun

Ightham Mote, Kent 

Not only do the bluebells in Scathes Wood at Ightham Mote provide a delightful splash of colour, but they're also an important early source of nectar for bees, butterflies and other insects.

Butterflies and bluebells
Bluebells flourish in Morgaston Woods.

The Vyne 

The Vyne's bluebell woods are just a short walk from the gardens and car park. Follow the path across the field or take in the scene on the 1.3 mile woodland walk - available online or from visitor reception. Click through for details, plus top tips on bluebell photography. Sometimes the paths can be a bit muddy so bring walking boots.

Discover a sea of blue
Bluebells Cliveden Woodland

Cliveden, Buckinghamshire 

The gardens at Cliveden blend into woodland along the escarpment which transforms into a sea of blue in April. Enjoy panoramic views over the river Thames and Berkshire countryside from the wooded cliffs and look out for cowslips, snowy wood anemones and dog violets too.

Spot bluebells in the woodland
Bluebells at Lower Deans Wood

The Chilterns 

There’s nothing more enchanting than stumbling across a vibrant carpet of woodland bluebells. There are many places at Hughenden and in the Chiltern Hills where bluebells flourish and they are at their best between mid-April and late May.

Discover bluebells on our downloadable walks
Bluebells under a tree trunk in Mottistone Gardens

Mottistone Gardens, Isle of Wight 

Hidden away at the very rear of Mottistone Gardens is an area known as Shearn Place. Nestled beneath the downs above and crisscrossed with footpaths, this wooded area comes alive in May with bluebells.

Find out about the highlights of the season
Bluebell flower head

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent 

Wander through Sissinghurst Castle Garden to enjoy the warm colours of the Cottage Garden and the swathes of bluebells in the woodland. Stop at Lime Walk, where Harold Nicolson helped design and plant.

Soak up spring
The bluebells carpet the woodland at Bateman's

Bateman's, East Sussex 

On the Bateman's estate the bluebells are already in leaf, waiting to carpet our woodland alongside the early purple orchids in May. Choose from three great woodland estate walks to take in the sights of spring.

Spring at Bateman's