Spring is finally here and there's a burst of colour as the flowers begin to bloom. One flower in-particular we love to see each spring are bluebells! Bluebells are native wildflowers to the UK, and with half of the world's bluebells being found here, it's time to head out to a woodland to seek out carpets of bright blue-violet flowers.
We've put together 5 great spots in London to find bluebells this spring!
Bluebells are protected under the Wildlife Countryside Act (1981), so it’s against the law to intentionally pick, uproot or destroy them. Spending most of the year underground they emerge from late March to early May in woodlands, soaking up the sunlight before the canopy of the forests get too dense and block out the light.
Colonies of British Bluebells take 5-7 years to establish and take years to recover from footfall, so please watch your step and keep your dogs away from them too!
Being trampled on isn't the bluebells' only threat. Cross fertilisation with the Spanish bluebell (first introduced to the UK during Victorian times when planting them in gardens became popular) has led to many woodlands seeing the hybrids take over the colonies and many conservation groups including the Forestry Commission have been taking steps to prevent us from losing our native wildflowers. If you're looking to plant bluebells in your garden, make sure it's the native species! How can you spot the difference between the two?
The native bluebell has a distinctive dark blue colour, the flowers grow on one side of the curved stem and they give off a lovely sweet scent whereas the Spanish species and hybrids are lighter in colour, grow on both sides of the stem and they don't have as strong a scent!
great hikes to see bluebells near london
Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park
One of London's Royal Parks, this 40 acre woodland park within Richmond Park is a beautiful spot to witness the bright colours of spring. With its own Bluebell Walk that runs between Thomson Pound and Broomfield Hill Gate, it's a great place to see the wildflowers with the added bonus of the pink flowers of Azaleas that bloom in spring as well!
This ancient woodland in south east London is over 8,000 years old and home to Severndoog Castle! The castle is 432 ft above sea level, from its Viewing Platform (£4 entry) you'll find fantastic views over the city and the 7 surrounding counties.
The woods are 7,777 hectares and part of the Green Chain Walk, the 40 mile walk that connects green spaces and parks across south London and you can also extend your walk to include another section of the Green Chain Walk. Take section 6 to Eltham Park North in search of more bluebells!
Another spot in south east London, just 17 minutes walk from Oxleas Wood and on the Green Chain Walk you'll find dense carpets of bluebells in Shepherdsleas Woods.
After a ramble through the woods, jump on a train at Falconwood to Blackheath and continue your Royal Borough of Greenwich adventure, walking across Blackheath to Greenwich Park to take in the views of the city from the Royal Observatory.
If you do this in early April, you’ll likely get a great view of the cherry blossom trees that lead to the Ranger’s House in Greenwich Park (you might recognise this from Bridgeton!)
One of the most popular spots in London to see bluebells, and for good reason, is Chalet Wood in Wanstead Park, with its vast shows of flowers and easy access by public transport!
The Wren Wildlife and Conservation Group is a local charity that has been working for years to conserve the bluebells in Chalet Wood and it's an important colony of the native species. The woods have seen an influx of visitors in recent years due to its impressive bluebell show. The conservation group has been working through the winter to line the footpaths with logs to prevent any damage from footfall to the flowers.
Sheffield Park and Gardens in East Sussex
Venturing out of the city, Sheffield Park and Garden is a beautiful National Trust location to spend a day exploring and with the added bonus of being able to ride a steam train to get there!
The aptly named Bluebell Railway is a great way to access the park from London. Catch a train from London Bridge to East Grinstead then climb aboard the vintage locomotive as you travel through 11 miles of stunning Sussex countryside to Sheffield Park.
HOLE PARK IN KENT
Hole Park in Kent is another great option for escaping the city in search of bluebells, a little more tricky to access by public transport but doable!
Catch a train to Staplehurst followed by a 17 minute taxi (it's a rural spot so you'll need to book a taxi in advance). Alternatively, catch a train to Tunbridge Wells then jump on the local bus (297 to Tenterden) and request a drop off at Hole Park.
If that hasn't put you off, Hole Park Gardens is an impressive 16 acre garden to explore and they have their very own 'Bluebell Barometer' to give you a heads up of when is the best time to visit!
After, if you're looking for a full day of walking, I can vouch for this 12km circular hike from the village of Benenden that passes through Hole Park, one of my personal favourite Sunday walks in the area, ending with a pint at The Bull in Benenden is optional but recommended, maybe see you there!
Other Places to See Bluebells in London
You’ll find bluebells in any woodlands across the city, a few notable places worth venturing to include:
Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park
High Gatewood
Gutteridge Wood
Beckenham Park Place
Epping Forest
Kew Gardens
Hyde Park
Hampstead Heath
Guided Hikes Near London
Gutsy Girls organises guided hikes and navigation workshops for our London based community. Join us for an hike that’s easy to access by public transport, connect with nature, learn new skills and meet new friends, over 95% of our guests join solo!