Bluebells

As winter fades away and the sun gets higher in the sky we are rewarded with the arrival of spring and with it the appearance of the iconic and magical bloom of bluebells. This beautiful spring flower grows in ancient deciduous woodlands of which we have plenty here in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and carpets of the sweet smelling flower cover the forest floor during April and May.

There are plenty of breathtaking displays of bluebells to choose from in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. In fact you don't have to travel far to see them as bluebells can be found all over the forest during spring and many walks will take in expansive carpets of the flowers. Some of the most spectacular shows of bluebells in the country can be seen here in our ancient forest and wild river valley and visitors from across the UK and abroad eagerly await their return each year and the pleasure of seeing the stunning displays deep in the woods or even viewed from the road while driving.

The bluebells are usually at their best in the Forest of Dean during late April and early May, but the timing depends very much upon the weather. They have also been known to show about two weeks earlier in the Wye Valley!

Looking for ideas on where to see the best displays of bluebells? Below we have put together our guide to some of the best places to see them:

Bradley Hill and Soudley Ponds

This whole section of forest is swathed in bluebells come spring. You will find displays all around Soudley Ponds including from The Dean Heritage Centre where you can discover a magical walk through beautiful woodlands. Towards the south, between the ponds and Wenchford, is an area known as Bradley Hill. Take time to admire the carpet of blue under the coppice of old oak and beech trees as you reach the old Roman Road (sometimes known as the 'Golden Mile') between Soudley and Blackpool Bridge and you’ll be rewarded with a lagoon of bluebells.

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Bigsweir and Cadora Woods

Renowned for their bluebell woods this section of the Wye Valley takes in the Offa's Dyke Footpath north of Bigsweir Bridge travelling towards Redbrook. Enjoy steep bluebell covered views down towards Redbrook.

St Briavels

Built in the early 12th century, St Briavels Castle was an important royal fort on the frontier with Wales before becoming a crossbow bolt factory in the reign of Edward I. Now a youth hostel, it makes a fantastic starting point for walks in the surrounding woodland which becomes a riot of blue from the end of April.

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Tintern and the Wye Valley Walk

The woods around Tintern are ancient and rich with wildflowers. In April the scent of wild garlic fills the air and at the end of the month the bluebells cover the forest floor. The Wye Valley Walk from Eagle's Nest for many miles is excellent for bluebells, as are Chepstow Park Wood and Fedw Wood. Before heading down to Tintern be sure to explore Coed Beddick, the woodland that overlooks the village.

Beechenhurst

In the heart of the Forest of Dean, Beechenhurst makes the perfect base for exploring. Surrounded by unspoilt woodland, and the start of the famous Sculpture Trail, Beechenhurst is just the spot to set up a picnic and enjoy the blankets of blue all about you.

Speech House Woods

The perfect place to enjoy a cream team with a view; Speech House Hotel is nestled in beautiful woodland. Take your tea as you overlook the ancient forest, bursting with spring colours, at its borders. The Cyril Hart Arboreturm and Speech House Woodland next door are also perfect spots for bluebell walks.

Cannop Ponds

Enjoy the blooms on foot or on two wheels along the cycle trail from Speech House to the beautiful Cannop Ponds. Wander along the water’s edge surrounded with trees sheltering a carpet of bluebells. Follow our Easy Walk around Cannop taking in some of the surrounding woods which will burst into life with succulent bluebells.

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Symonds Yat Rock

Though worth the walk all-year-round, Symonds Yat Rock in spring is something to behold. With the canopy still budding, you can look down into the Wye Valley and spot bluebell woods for miles around. Take the footpath towards Biblins Bridge and on to Monmouth for rich displays.

Lydney Park Estate Spring Gardens

As well as boasting gorgeous gardens, Lydney Park Estate has evidence of settlements dating back to 100BC and extensive ruins of a Roman camp including a Roman temple. Over time many impressive, exotic and rare trees have been planted in the deer park by successive generations of owners while the rich earth of the eight-acre woodland garden provides one of the most spectacular shows of bluebells around. Only open for a short period during spring of each year.

May Hill

Visible from many points around the Forest of Dean, May Hill is a well-known landmark with a distinctive clump of trees on its peak. Commanding views from the brow of the hill reveal swathes of bluebells on its slopes. Why not go there on May Day to watch the sunrise and the morris men dance?

Coppett Hill

Near Goodrich along the River Wye this hilltop is blanketed with beautiful bluebells in spring and offers expansive views of the surrounding countryside.

Interested in exploring more of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley? Discover our wide range of walking routes including our 12 Easy Walks, a great starting point with a wide range of short circular walks. Or if you'd rather go out with an expert guide browse our range of guided tours, including walking tours, nature walks, photography walks and forest bathing walks.