Best Places to See Bluebells in Wiltshire
When April arrives in Wiltshire, it’s a wonderful time to shake off that winter lethargy and get out for a spring walk. The longer days mean that there’s more scope to get outside even on working days, and it’s well worth making the effort for one particular reason – for just a few weeks each year, the woodlands of Wiltshire burst into a fabulous bright carpet of bluebells.
Why are bluebells so special? It’s partly because these tiny flowers have long been associated with ancient myths, fairy-lore and magic. And there’s also the fact that bluebells tend to grow in huge clumps, their blue, purple and white hues making for a spectacular sight among the greens and browns of natural woodland.
Exact flowering times vary from year to year depending on the weather, but usually the best time for a bluebell walk is from mid-April into early May. Want the latest for your local woodland? Wildling is one of the top-rated apps for identifying bluebell woods in the UK, with user reviews providing updates for specific locations.
Ready to get out for a spring walk? We’ve pulled together a list of some of the best bluebell woods in Wiltshire to help you get started.
If you’re just visiting, how about stopping over for a night and trying out a couple of different bluebell walks – and maybe a drink in a local pub or two along the way? The warmer weather of spring means it’s a lovely time for an outdoor stay, and Pitchup has plenty of great options to choose from if you’d like to make a weekend of it, including tent pitches, cosy pods and cool cabins with a hot tub for a splendid evening soak.
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Clanger Wood
April showers and seasonal sunny spells transform the pocket of deciduous and evergreen trees at Clanger Wood into a patchwork of spring flowers. The Woodland Trust, which manages this site between Trowbridge and Westbury, lists the 145-acre site as one of the best places to see bluebells in Wiltshire.
With flat paths, free parking and straightforward access from the A350, Clanger Wood makes for a nice easy outing, whether you’re going out for a dog walk, taking the kids bluebell hunting or looking for an easy-access walk in Wiltshire.
Did you know? You’ll often see several different varieties of bluebells around the UK’s woodlands. The bluebells that are native to the UK are dark cobalt in colour and have a sweet scent.
Hagbourne Copse
In April and May, Hagbourne Copse, near Swindon, comes alive with a technicolour display of early-season blossoms. The cascade of native bluebells is also sprinkled with anemones, primroses and Goldilocks buttercups, making it a particularly fabulous place for a walk that’s full of colour.
This quiet area is managed by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, and it’s something of a hidden gem among Wiltshire’s bluebell woods, being in a slightly unlikely location next to one of Swindon’s enterprise parks. You may find the odd office worker taking a lunchtime stroll among the flowers, but it’s generally a very peaceful place for a walk along the circular woodland trail.
Getting to Hagbourne Copse is easy, with buses 55 and 99 stopping nearby and a cycle route running to the reserve. There’s also free parking in neighbouring Blagrove Industrial Park, although it can get busy in peak working hours.
Did you know? Hagbourne Copse is very close to Junction 16 of the M4, making it a handy place for a motorway break, be it a picnic, a dog walk or some time for everyone to get out and stretch their legs.
West Woods
West Woods, 2.5 miles southwest of Marlborough, is a mix of beech trees and native wildlife on the site of an ancient woodland, which was originally part of the Royal Hunting Forest of Savernake. The huge carpets of flowers that spread across part of this 100-acre Forestry Commission site make it one of the best places for a bluebell walk in Wiltshire.
There are several trails to follow at West Woods, including an easy-access route that’s suitable for prams, pushchairs, wheelchairs and less mobile visitors. It can get a bit busy on weekends, but there’s ample parking and plenty of quiet places to find a little peace among the blooms.
Did you know? Recently, archaeologists have speculated that the sarsens (sandstone blocks) found in West Woods were the source for the giant boulders that make up Stonehenge. It would have been quite the feat to drag the massive stones to Salisbury Plain, 15 miles away…
Grovely Wood
Grovely Wood is one of the biggest expanses of woodland in southern Wiltshire, and it’s also home to some of the best bluebell walks near Salisbury. Part of the Wilton Estate, the area has a rich history. Ancient thoroughfares run through the landscape, including a Roman road. You might stumble across World War II bunkers used by the American Air Force and dilapidated cottages from a long-abandoned settlement.
Today, Grovely Wood is managed by the Woodland Trust, which maintains a peaceful network of paths among the mature oak and large patches of hazel coppice. The woods come to life in springtime with huge swathes of bluebells, often best seen as the sun starts to set behind the ancient trees.
Did you know? Grovely Wood is said to be visited by the Burcombe Woodsman, whose arrival is signalled by the crack of a twig, and the Handsel sisters who were tried for witchcraft here in the 18th century. Fear not though – the fairies that live among the bluebells should keep you safe.
Stourhead
You might recognise Stourhead, a National Trust estate near Mere, from screen adaptations of Pride and Prejudice. The 18th-century manor featured in the 2005 movie version of the Jane Austen classic. When the brooding Mr. Darcy makes a clumsy first proposal to Miss Elizabeth Bennet, he does it at the Temple of Apollo, which stands high above the grounds.
Even without its movie stardom, Stourhead is a wonderful place to visit. The grottos, towers, temples and landscaped gardens are fabulous at any time of year, but the estate really comes into its own in spring when the bluebells burst into life. Pick up a map at the visitor centre and follow either the short Bonham Wood circular walk or the Park Hill Camp walk for the best of the bluebell woods.
Did you know? Stourhead has plenty to fill a full day out, especially if you time your visit to coincide with something from the events programme. A restaurant, a pub, a takeaway kiosk and an ice cream parlour should ensure you stay well fed and watered, and there’s also a farm shop, gift shop and second-hand bookshop.
Planning a short break in Wiltshire? Make the most of your time in the open air by booking an outdoor stay – whether it’s a quiet farm campsite, a lively holiday park or a stylish glamping site you’re after, you should find something suitable in Pitchup’s collection.