March is just moments away – give or take – and that means a change is coming. The professionals recommend their best destinations for a stroll through the season’s newborn carpet of colour.
Bluebells are one of Britain’s best-loved and most iconic wildflowers. Not least as they signify that winter is coming to an end and warmer weather is en route. Albeit in 2026 most forecasts suggest things are going to remain very unsettled for a little while yet.
Nevertheless, all things come to an end eventually, and in preparation for spring bursting into life we’ve looked to woodland management specialist Woodlands.co.uk for some professional tips on the country’s best spots to experience this annual floral phenomenon.
Bentley Wood, Wiltshire
Recommended by Dan Sharp, local agent for Central England, Woodlands.co.uk
One of the largest ancient woodlands in southern England, Bentley Wood is renowned for its spring displays and varied walking routes through beech and oak.
‘Bentley Wood is one of those places that really stops you in your tracks in spring,” says Sharp. ‘The bluebells spread across the woodland floor in huge swathes, and when sunlight filters through the trees, the colour is incredible. It’s peaceful, atmospheric, and feels wonderfully timeless.’
Location & access: Near Salisbury, Wiltshire, with parking at multiple woodland car parks.
Length of walk: Routes range from 1.5 to 4 miles.
Gibside Woods, County Durham
Recommended by Liz & Dan Watson, local agents for North England, Woodlands.co.uk
Set within a sheltered valley, Gibside’s woodland paths offer a calm, immersive bluebell experience with gentle gradients.
‘Bluebells thrive here thanks to the long-established woodland,’ Dan explains. ‘In spring, the paths wind through banks of blue, with birdsong echoing through the trees. It’s a lovely place for a slower walk where you can really appreciate the changing season.’
Location & access: Near Rowlands Gill, County Durham, with well-marked parking areas.
Length of walk: Circular woodland routes of 1–3 miles.
Nymans Woodland, West Sussex
Recommended by Anton Baskerville, Woodlands.co.uk General Manager.
The woodland areas surrounding Nymans are rich with spring flowers and sheltered paths, making it an inviting place for a gentle seasonal walk.
‘Nymans feels remarkably special when bluebells appear,’ Baskerville tells us. ‘They weave between trees and old garden boundaries, softening the landscape and giving the whole area a calm, dreamlike quality. It’s a wonderful place to wander and explore.’
Location & access: Near Handcross, West Sussex, with parking available on site.
Length of walk: Approximately 2 miles, with optional extensions.
Yarner Wood, Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Recommended by Stuart Brooking, local agent for Devon & Cornwall, Woodlands.co.uk
This ancient oak woodland on the eastern edge of Dartmoor is renowned for its spring colour, rich wildlife, and gently winding paths. Managed by Natural England, it combines easy access with a strong sense of seclusion.
‘Yarner Wood is at its best in late spring,’ says Brooking. ‘The bluebells spread beneath the oak canopy and along the rides, creating soft carpets of colour. With birdsong, fresh green leaves and filtered sunlight, it’s a calming and restorative place to walk.’
Location & access: Near Bovey Tracey, Devon, with parking at the Yarner Wood car park.
Length of walk: Circular routes from around 1 mile, with options to explore further into the surrounding woodland.
Native bluebells are slow-growing and easily damaged. Walkers are encouraged to keep to established paths, supervise children carefully, and avoid trampling flowers, ensuring these displays can return year after year.
Bluebell season is brief but unforgettable. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful solo walk, a family day out, or a moment of calm beneath ancient trees, spring woodlands offer beauty, colour, and connection in abundance. With careful footsteps and open eyes, these blue carpets become one of the most rewarding ways to experience the countryside.
Image: Click and Learn Photography / Unsplash
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