Speke Hall
This carpet of blue creates one of nature’s finest displays and National Trust properties across England, Wales and Northern Ireland are among the best places to savour this welcome sight of spring.
Ray Hawes, Head of Forestry at the National Trust, said: “There’s something magical about a walk in the woods when the bluebells are in full bloom and the place is teeming with life. It’s a sure sign that woods are coming alive with the sights and sounds of spring time and it’s a perfect opportunity to get closer to nature.”
So why not get out and celebrate the arrival of spring whilst the flowers are in full bloom with a beautiful bluebell walk, including:
Allen Banks & Staward Gorge in Northumberland - The largest area of ancient woodland in Northumberland, in spring Allen Banks comes alive with the fresh growth of wild flowers. Explore the woods and discover the carpet of bluebells and wild garlic (ramsons) covering the woodland floor in late spring. Download the gentle 2½ mile riverside walk at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks. For more information contact:01434 344218.
Ashridge in Hertfordshire – the 1.5-mile waymarked woodland trail has a stunning display of bluebells beneath the bright-green beech canopy. For further information contact 01442 851227.
Attingham Park in Shropshire – the best display of bluebells can be found in Rookery Wood, near the main entrance to the estate and on the way to the heart of the property. For further information contact 01743 708162.
Blakes Wood in Essex - This 106-acre ancient woodland bursts into colour in spring with carpets of bluebells, primroses and yellow archangel along the woodland floor. Bring your binoculars and see if you can spot a nightingale or hawfinch. For more information contact: 01245 222 669.
Blickling in Norfolk – the 5-mile waymarked estate walk will take you through the Great Wood and if you wander from the path you’ll come across a wonderful display of Bluebells. For further information contact 01263 738030.
Calke Park and Abbey in Derbyshire - With secret walks and 600 acres of parkland, much of it a National Nature Reserve, Calke is home to some of the oldest trees in Europe. Among this ancient woodland, bluebells flower in abundance dotted with the yellow flowers of archangels in the Serpentine Wood. Download a Wildlife Walk at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/walks For more information contact: 01332 863822.
Dinefwr in Carmarthenshire – there are several waymarked walks throughout the parkland and wooded estate: take in the stunning bluebell displays and ancient trees at this special place. For further information contact 01558 823902.
Hardcastle Crags in Yorkshire - is a wooded valley near Hebden Bridge. A 3-mile circular walk is an ideal way to see a mass of bluebells in the spring. The route also takes in Gibson Mill, the flagship National Trust hands on environmental property, complete with walkers’ caf. For further information contact 01422 844518.
Lamberts Castle in West Dorset – a hidden gem! Roam free over this ancient hill fort while discovering naturalised bluebell drifts - a photographers dream. Guided bluebell walks take place in April. For further information contact: 01297 561 900.
Lanhydrock in Cornwall – at the start of the 1.5-mile Great Wood and Avenue Walk you’ll come across the bluebell wood, famed for its carpet of colour in the spring. For further information contact 01208 265950.
Mount Stewart in Northern Ireland – the main drive and Lake Walk are the best places to see the bluebells in bloom. For further information contact 028 4278 8387.
Speke Hall in Merseyside – take a wander through the estate to Stocktons Wood where you’ll see a fantastic display of bluebells; keep going to be rewarded with great views of the Mersey estuary. For further information contact 08457 585702.
Winkworth Arboretum in Surrey — buried amid the gorgeous collection of trees and shrubs is the old English bluebell wood, which slopes down to the lake beneath a canopy of oak and Japanese maple. All paths are hard-surfaced for wheelchairs and buggies. For further information contact 01483 208477.
Many of these walks have self-guided leaflets usually available from the shops at the properties or by contacting the property direct.
Every May the Tree Council organises a 'Walk in the Woods' festival which encourages people to celebrate and enjoy trees and woods. More information about events in towns and countryside across the UK can be found at www.treecouncil.org.uk.
This article was first published in 2009