Where to see bluebells in the home counties this spring | Hertfordshire, Surrey, Kent
Did you know? The UK is home to almost 50% of the world's bluebells.
An English Bluebell wood in full bloom is a true wonder to behold as forest floors are bathed in a rich carpet of violet-blue.
Bluebells are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) which means that it is illegal to pick, uproot, or destroy them. The presence of bluebells indicates that the woodland is ancient; as perennial plants, they thrive in undisturbed areas of woodland, usually those that have been in existence since at least the 17th century.
Here's where to spot bluebells in Hertfordshire, Surrey, and Kent!
Where can I see bluebells in Hertfordshire?
Ashridge Estate, National Trust
We may be slightly biased because we work with them, but our personal favourite place to go bluebell spotting is Ashridge Estate near Berkhamsted. The estate is home to one of the most breath-taking carpets of deep violet you'll see anywhere in the world.
The wonderful on-site conservation team have created safe pathways through the bluebells in Dockey Wood, so that you can wander through the sea of blue flowers without causing any damage. If you’re able, your best option is to park at the visitor centre 1.6 miles from the woodland and walk across as parking is limited during peak times.
As well as ancient woodlands, the site is home to a lovely outdoor café, a second-hand book shop, and a beautifully curated gift shop. Ashridge gets bonus points seeing as we founded the Home County Co. less than 5 miles away, and they stock our Hertfordshire range in their gift shop.
If you live in the Chiltern Hills and haven’t been to see the bluebells at Dockey Wood, you’re in for a real treat.
Spotting bluebells is one of the best things about a spring walk and Emmetts Garden doesn't disappoint on that score. The woods have even been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (or SSSI) due to the abundance of native bluebells that bloom there.
Included in the Edwardian estate is a hillside garden with panoramic views of the Weald of Kent, a Rose Garden, a Rock Garden, and many beautiful water features. Emmets Garden is particularly beautiful at spring time, when it comes alive with seasonal blooms and the gardens are awash with colour.
Every year in April, the hillside is smothered in bluebells, creating the iconic purple carpet of flowers. As well as bluebells, Emmetts Garden is home to a vibrant tulip meadow, cherry blossom trees, and roses.
Ancient woodland, thought to have been owned by Anne Boleyn, and an SSSI, Banstead Woods has been a popular deer park since medieval times.
From early April, their ancient woodland springs to life with colourful blue flowers. There are a few circular walks you can do that will take you right past their fields of bluebells, but hurry- they’re only in bloom for a short window every year!
Banstead Wood offers a great day out for all ages; their Narnia Trail is a hit with younger ones, who can enter the woodlands through a magical wardrobe, and follow the map to find intricately carved wooden characters from CS Lewis’ classic children’s book.
For slightly older family members, there's a country pub just over the road called The Rambler's Rest, and they do an incredible Sunday Roast! Complete with a beautiful pub garden, it’s the perfect place to stop and refuel after a spring walk in the English countryside.
