Any garden lover knows that the South West is full of great gardens to explore, from manicured lawns to expansive parkland. However, one of the biggest highlights of the calendar is usually entirely natural – bluebells. Here we have compiled 8 fantastic spots for seeing bluebells – 4 free, and 4 that charge an entrance fee. As always, let us know in the comments if we have missed your favourite.
Free Bluebell Woods
Minster Wood - Boscastle
Few people bother to walk inland from the top of Boscastle car park, preferring to visit the famous natural harbour. However, those that venture up the valley are rewarded by a walk along the river Valency into the peaceful Minster Wood, bursting with native bluebells and woodland species. If you fancy a longer walk, you can follow the path up to Lesnewth and walk down to Tregrylls through another bluebell wood. Dog friendly.
Example walk
Few people bother to walk inland from the top of Boscastle car park, preferring to visit the famous natural harbour. However, those that venture up the valley are rewarded by a walk along the river Valency into the peaceful Minster Wood, bursting with native bluebells and woodland species. If you fancy a longer walk, you can follow the path up to Lesnewth and walk down to Tregrylls through another bluebell wood. Dog friendly.
Example walk
 © iWalkCornwall 2016 | Jeffrey’s Pit - Trebarwith Valley Don’t be put off by the name – this small but ancient woodland near Trebarwith Strand boasts not only bluebells, but speedwell, wild sorrel, and primroses too. There are walks that take you up onto the hill for views down to the sea – alternatively, have a more leisurely stroll and take advantage of the picnic areas. Dog friendly. Example walk |
East Wood - Crackington Haven
Walking South along the river from Crackington, through pretty meadows, you will find yourself in East Wood. The shady footpath continues along the Ludon river through carpets of bluebells, and if you’re feeling fit you can make it into a circular walk that climbs up to Pengold, before returning along the stunning clifftops past Strangles bay and back into Crackington. Dog friendly.
Example walk (a shorter route is possible)
Walking South along the river from Crackington, through pretty meadows, you will find yourself in East Wood. The shady footpath continues along the Ludon river through carpets of bluebells, and if you’re feeling fit you can make it into a circular walk that climbs up to Pengold, before returning along the stunning clifftops past Strangles bay and back into Crackington. Dog friendly.
Example walk (a shorter route is possible)
Did you know?
Many bluebells in the UK are of the Spanish variety, and have flowers down each side of the stem.
Native British bluebells have flowers only at one side, and as a result are often wonky!
Many bluebells in the UK are of the Spanish variety, and have flowers down each side of the stem.
Native British bluebells have flowers only at one side, and as a result are often wonky!
Golitha – Bodmin / Liskeard
Golitha Falls is no secret to us locals. The series of gentle cascading waterfalls set within a national nature reserve on Bodmin moor is a treat all year round. The ancient oak and beech woodland is the perfect place to see bluebells, and the steep sided gorge makes for an excellent walk. Golitha is a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ due to its curious array of mosses and lichens. Dog friendly.
More info
Golitha Falls is no secret to us locals. The series of gentle cascading waterfalls set within a national nature reserve on Bodmin moor is a treat all year round. The ancient oak and beech woodland is the perfect place to see bluebells, and the steep sided gorge makes for an excellent walk. Golitha is a ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ due to its curious array of mosses and lichens. Dog friendly.
More info
Paid Entrance Bluebell Woods
Pencarrow - Bodmin
The 50 room Georgian mansion is privately owned and inhabited, but for much of the year you can take a guided tour. However, the highlight for us has always been the rambling grounds, encompassing Iron age ruins, 50 acres of parkland, and a truly spectacular carpet of bluebells. Dog friendly grounds.
http://www.pencarrow.co.uk/
The 50 room Georgian mansion is privately owned and inhabited, but for much of the year you can take a guided tour. However, the highlight for us has always been the rambling grounds, encompassing Iron age ruins, 50 acres of parkland, and a truly spectacular carpet of bluebells. Dog friendly grounds.
http://www.pencarrow.co.uk/
Lanhydrock – Bodmin
This vast Victorian country house is worth a day-trip on its own, giving a fascinating insight into life above and below stairs. The diverse grounds are an added attraction, with a large countryside estate and parkland surrounding the formal gardens. At this time of year though, the highlight has to be the Great Wood, leading down to the river Fowey, and the stunning vista of bluebells. Dog friendly grounds and woods, but not in the gardens or house.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock
This vast Victorian country house is worth a day-trip on its own, giving a fascinating insight into life above and below stairs. The diverse grounds are an added attraction, with a large countryside estate and parkland surrounding the formal gardens. At this time of year though, the highlight has to be the Great Wood, leading down to the river Fowey, and the stunning vista of bluebells. Dog friendly grounds and woods, but not in the gardens or house.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock
| Hartland Abbey - Hartland Originally built as an Augustinian monastery, this became a private house that has remained within the same family for 400 years. The house and grounds are a popular filming location (most recently used in the BBC adaptation of ‘The Night Manager’) and it’s easy to see why. The 50 acre garden includes bog areas, an 18th century walled garden, and a fernery – but of course it makes this list due to the impressive bluebells in its woodland areas, famous among locals. Dog friendly grounds. http://www.hartlandabbey.com/ |  © Hartland Abbey 2016 |
Rosemoor - Torrington
This garden run by the Royal Horticultural Society always has plenty for the budding gardener to appreciate. A few years ago, they improved access to the Upper Wood area and embellished the existing bluebells by planting another 30,000 native bluebell bulbs. The result is another breathtaking array of colour that is well worth the walk up from the main gardens. Dog friendly.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor
This garden run by the Royal Horticultural Society always has plenty for the budding gardener to appreciate. A few years ago, they improved access to the Upper Wood area and embellished the existing bluebells by planting another 30,000 native bluebell bulbs. The result is another breathtaking array of colour that is well worth the walk up from the main gardens. Dog friendly.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/rosemoor
 | Our cottages are set in the extensive grounds of a Victorian rectory. We have our own bluebells nestling at the feet of our mature birch trees, as in the photo. Why not treat yourself to a stay in one of our boutique cottages? Read more. |
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