A guide to bluebells in the UK
Learn about the types of bluebell you'll find in the UK and how to tell them apart.
Best places to see bluebells
Seeing bluebells carpeting a woodland floor or scattered along a grassy verge is a highlight of any walk. These delicate blooms are found all across Western Europe but about half of the world’s population is right here in the UK. Discover some of the top places to see bluebells.
- Basildon Park, Berkshire
- Come and see the bluebells at Basildon Park. It's a great time of year to visit and see the gentle swaying of these vibrant spring flowers.Visit Basildon
- 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. We manage the woodland carefully here, which makes the crescendo of blue even more spectacular.See the beautiful bluebells at Blickling
- Calke Abbey, Derbyshire
- Take a short spring walk through Serpentine Wood to discover a magical carpet of bluebells. From around mid-April and all through May, the woodland floor is covered in these little blooms. It can take up to 200 years for a continuous carpet of bluebells to grow and you can help us to care for them by sticking to the path and leaving them in the ground.Walk through Calke Abbey's bluebell woods
- Castle Coole, County Fermanagh
- The bluebells in the ancient woodlands of Castle Coole are especially prolific. Planted by the daughters of the 4th Earl over 100 years ago, the popular wild flowers make their annual appearance here in May and June.Explore Castle Coole's woodlands
- Castle Ward, County Down
- Part Gothic castle and part classical Palladian mansion, this unique 18th-century house is famed for its mixture of architectural styles. But there's plenty to discover in the wider estate too and in springtime you can explore around 5 miles of bluebell trails.Take to the trails at Castle Ward
- Clent Hills, Worcestershire
- Visit the Clent Hills to see lots of bluebells adding some colour to the woodland floor. The bluebells here are of the English variety, and provide a dark blue that covers the ground.Visit the Clent Hills
- Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire
- The appropriately named Bluebell Wood at Clumber Park is transformed in spring and it's one of the best places in the UK to view and photograph bluebells. The carpet of intense blue under the opening tree canopy is a springtime spectacle – millions of bulbs may grow closely together in one wood, creating one of nature’s most stunning displays.Find bluebells at Clumber Park
- Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire
- Dinefwr is the only parkland National Nature Reserve in Wales and is bursting with colourful flowering plants – especially in spring. But Dinefwr is also famous for the spectacularly good bluebell display on Rookery Ridge. Pick up a map at reception and follow the Cattle Trail to see these delightful flowers throughout May.Spring into the season at Dinefwr
- Emmetts Garden
- Spotting bluebells is one of the best things about a spring walk and Emmetts Garden doesn't disappoint. The woods have even been designated a 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 wild flower, creating a truly beautiful spectacle.Go bluebell spotting at Emmetts Garden
- Godolphin, Cornwall
- Godolphin is rich in archaeology and wildlife and its 16th-century garden is one of the most important historic gardens in Europe. During spring, take a stroll through the tranquil and mysterious woodland, where the years of mining have left an unnatural undulating landscape. At this time of year you'll see it cloaked in bluebells.Visit Godolphin's woodland
- Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire
- Bluebells are the undisputed spring highlight at Hardcastle Crags, where they cover the woodland. At their peak – usually in May – they form an ethereal blue haze through the woods and on the valley sides, filling the air with their sweet perfume.Discover bluebell valleys at Hardcastle Crags
- Hatchlands Park
- Tucked away at the eastern edge of Hatchlands Park you’ll find Little Wix Wood. This small, quiet patch of ancient semi-natural woodland was first recorded in the Chertsey Chronicles during the 13th century and each April and May it breaks out into a riotous blue hue. These native English bluebells won’t flower in the average garden but here they create a violet carpet along the woodland floor and a sweet scent fills the air.See a sea of blue at Hatchlands Park
- Penrhyn Castle and Garden, Gwynedd
- Bluebells appear soon after the daffodils at Penrhyn Castle. Enjoy a walk around the grounds and garden to see all the delights these lovely springtime blooms have to offer.Visit Penrhyn
- Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion
- Set in the wooded Aeron valley, Llanerchaeron is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, known for its fantastic variety of trees, flora and wildlife. From late April you can see bluebells climbing up the banks of Afon Aeron and scattered throughout the woodland. Amongst the purple droplets you’ll see and smell bursts of wild garlic flowers too.Visit Llanerchaeron's banks of bluebells
- Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down
- Murlough National Nature Reserve is home to one of the most stunning beaches in County Down and there are paths running through the dunes and heathland. The landscape serves as a stunning backdrop for wild flowers in spring, including a dazzling display of bluebells in the woods.Explore Murlough National Nature Reserve
- Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire
- If you step into the North Woods at Rufford Old Hall in springtime you'll find yourself surrounded by a sparkling sea of blue. This spot is well known for its display of thousands of bluebells in mid-April – arguably one of the best places to see bluebells in Lancashire.Visit Rufford's North Woods
- Standen, West Sussex
- There are wonderful walks through 100 acres of the original Standen estate, including ancient bluebell woods and meadowland. Bluebell fans are spoilt for choice at Standen, with bluebell coverage totalling around 10 acres across the estate. Once they are in full bloom, the floor of Rockinghill woods are covered and the sight and scent is one of the most magical experiences nature has to offer.Experience bluebells and birdsong at Standen
- Stourhead, Wiltshire
- Bonham Wood on the Stourhead estate is transformed with swathes of bluebells in May, complemented by views across the lake from behind the Temple of Apollo.See Stourhead's bluebells
- 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 transform the woodland floor.Walk though Sutton Hoo's woodland
- 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. Sometimes the paths can be a bit muddy so be sure to bring walking boots.Discover a sea of blue at The Vyne
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