Top spots for bluebells in the East of England

There's something special about visiting woods during springtime, when everything is bursting to life. It's at this time of year you'll find one of the nation's most loved wildflowers - the bluebell, which is also an indicator of ancient woodlands.

Family walking dogs

Which places are open and what you need to know before you visit 

We’ve opened more than 100 gardens and parks in England and Northern Ireland through advanced booking. From Monday 6 July, we’re gradually opening gardens and parklands in Wales. Tickets are released on Friday for the following week. More than 200 coast and countryside car parks are open across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. All National Trust houses remain closed for now. Read this article to find out what's open and what to expect from your visit.

How to book your visit
Great Wood Bluebells at Blickling 310517

Blickling Estate, Norfolk 

If you're planning to visit Blickling this spring, you'll discover it's one of the best places to see bluebells in the East of England. Follow the winding paths through the Great Wood and pass through swathes of the dainty blue flowers. How we manage the woodland here, makes the crescendo of blue even more spectacular.

See the beautiful bluebells at Blickling
Carpet of bluebells in Dockey Wood at Ashridge, Herts

Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire 

The bluebells at Ashridge in Hertfordshire are famous. Every year the woodland floor is transformed by a sea of these beautiful blue flowers, which captivate the imagination of thousands, whether it's your first time visiting or you've been many times before.

Blubells at Ashridge
Dog walking to heel of a man through blubells

Sutton Hoo, Suffolk 

Even on a dreary day, the sight of these delicate flowers in bloom will surely bring a smile to your face. Hidden away in the woods at Sutton Hoo are Spanish bluebells. They may not be native, but they're still a beautiful sight as they carpet the woodland floor blue.

Enjoy a walk through Sutton Hoo's woodland
Close-up of bluebell flowers on lawn

Sheringham Park, Norfolk 

A walk through the wild garden at Sheringham Park in early spring will reveal an ever-changing colour palette, as an increasing amount of plants come into flower. Look out for the bluebells that brighten up our waymarked trails at this time of year.

Bluebells at Sheringham Park

The nation's favourite wildflower

Chiltern Bluebells

How we look after our bluebells 

We're one of the most important organisations in the UK for bluebell conservation. A quarter of our woodland is ancient or semi-natural which is an ideal habitat for bluebells.

Close up of a bluebell

Six top tips for photographing bluebells 

Bluebells are not the easiest subject to photograph. Dappled light leads to contrast and colour issues and there's the practical aspect of trying not to damage the very thing you're celebrating. Photographer Hugh Mothersole has top tips for phone snappers and professionals alike.