10 of the best places to see bluebells in the UK
Now's the time to enjoy the amazing carpet of blue that takes over British woodlands. Here's where to go...
Hatchlands Park, Surrey
Best for: proximity to London
Hatchlands Park is situated on the edge of the beautiful Surrey Hills and just 45 minutes from central London. Wix’s Wood is an ancient woodland, home to carpets of bluebells which will appear in late April and early May.
For latest updates visit: Hatchlands Park Facebook page
Buckland Abbey, Garden and Estate, Devon
Best for: history
Buckland Abbey is over 700 years old and now home to a museum full of treasures such as the legendary Drake’s Drum.
The historic Abbey is set in lands full of meadows, orchards and woodlands with The Great North Wood full of bluebells in spring.
For more info visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey/
Nymans, West Sussex
Best for: country gardens
The Nymans Estate is home to a garden full of plants collected from around the world set around a romantic old house and ruins. The country gardens were inspired by the bluebell-filled woods that surround the estate.
For more info visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans/
Lanhydrock, Cornwall
Best for: cycling
Lanhydrock estate has ancient woodlands blooming with waves of bluebells – and off-road cycle trails, with special routes for families and novice riders and bike hire available on-site.
For more info visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock/
Godolphin, Cornwall
Best for: views of the sea
The 16th-century garden at Godolphin is, one of the most important historic gardens in Europe. Walk through the sea of bluebells in a tranquil and mysterious woodland.
For more info visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/godolphin/
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent
Best for: panoramic views
Climb to the top of the tower at Sissinghurst Castle Garden and enjoy vast panoramic views of the current working farm and the 450-acre wider estate. Then delve into the woodland to see the 126 million bluebells that grow there.
For more info visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden/
Dinefwr Park and Castle, Carmarthenshire
Best for: wildlife
Dinefwr Park and Castle is the only designated parkland National Nature Reserve in the whole of Wales, where you can discover ancient trees, rare lichen and fungi and some of the best examples of British wildlife you're likely to see – including deer. Every spring, Castle Woods is carpeted with thousands of beautiful lilac flowers.
For more info visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dinefwr/
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Best for: spotting fallow deer
Dunham Massey is home to one of the north's great gardens. Stroll down camellia walk to see the bluebell meadow and the largest collection of flowers under the Oaks and Witch hazels next to the Bog Garden.
For more info visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey/
Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire
Best for: unspoilt woodland
Hardcastle Crags has more than 400 acres of unspoilt woodland in the South Pennines. There are tumbling streams, glorious waterfalls and in spring the woodland is awash with bluebells.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hardcastle-crags/
Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire
Best for: formal woodlands with clear paths good for buggies
Rufford Old Hall has 14 acres of gardens and woodland laid out in the formal style of the late Victorian and early Edwardian periods. Enjoy a walk among the small pathed woodland awash with a variety of native trees as well as a carpet of bluebells and crocuses.
For more info visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rufford-old-hall/
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