You know Spring is here when beautiful bluebells appear – and there are few better places to see them than in Norfolk. Here’s our top ten best locations…
Foxley Wood, Dereham
Bluebells carpet the woodland floor at this Norfolk Wildlife Trust property and you’ll be on the lookout for woodpeckers, treekeepers and nuthatch as well as other flora and fauna such as dog’s mercury, early purple orchid, herb-paris, lily of the valley and water avens.
Blickling Park, Aylsham
There are thousands of acres of woodland and parkland to explore at this National Trust property – and you’ll find lots of bluebells too. See if you can find Norfolk’s very own pyramid and don’t miss the walled garden.
Sheringham Park, Sheringham
Famous for its rhododendrons, the bluebells are pretty amazing at this National Trust property as well. Enjoy fabulous coastal views too, particularly if you climb the viewing tower.
Pensthorpe Natural Park, Fakenham
There’s so much to see and do in this 700-acre nature reserve, not least for youngsters on the interactive trails and eco play areas. Strike out through the Wildflower meadow to discover the bluebells in the park’s ancient woodlands.
Wayland Wood, Watton
The alleged location for the ‘Babes in the Wood’ legend this Norfolk Wildlife Trust property has more than 125 different varieties of flowering plants – not least the bluebells. Wayland Wood is also the only place in Norfolk you can see the lovely Yellow Flower of Jerusalem and keen an eye out for orchids.
Fairhaven Water Garden, South Walsham
Look out for bluebells on the beech walk but also in the private area which is open only when the bluebells are in flower. It’s a four mile round trip but well worth it. Enjoy Fairhaven’s woodland paths through the 130 acres and take a moment to relax by the private broad.
High Ash Farm, Caistor St Edmund
On Bank Holiday Monday, May 2, there’s a one-off chance to see the bluebells in full bloom in the Foxes Grove Wood at High Ash Farm, just 3 miles south of Norwich. Wander around the private woods, explore the network of paths and hills (yes in Norfolk!) and enjoy refreshments provided by Little Miss Latte and food from The Honest Food Co. And if you’re in the neighbourhood, discover the nearby Roman town at Venta Icenorum.
Bacton Wood, North Walsham
As well as enjoying the bluebells from the orienteering, cycling and horse riding trails, you can also see if you can count the thirty species of trees that are found in Bacton Wood.
Bluebell Wood Burial Park, Hainford
Five acres of ancient bluebell woods are the crowning glory of this mini nature reserve – and they are open to all for three special days over the Bank Holiday weekend (April 30, May 1-2) when the wood is at its most intoxicating, with bursts of shimmering exotic colour that have flooded the wood’s sun-dappled floor for over 200 years.
Entry to the open days at The Norfolk Bluebell Wood Burial Park near Norwich, will be free – but visitors will be invited to make a donation to the Norfolk and Waveney MIND mental health charity.
‘Representatives of MIND will be available on the day to talk to visitors and explain the importance of their work, particularly in these post-Covid days,” said owner, Andrew Morton. ‘The work of MIND is such a good fit with what we do here, promoting the healing power of nature to both body and soul.’
Old Wood, Sheringham
This Woodland Trust property also has fine coastal views from the ridge populated with mixed evergreen and broadleaf wood – and lots of bluebells in the glades.