Where to see bluebells in Kent this spring and summer
05:00, 29 March 2024
Bluebells are a sure sign that warmer weather is on its way - and this year, that means we might see them earlier than expected.
The Met Office showed both England and Wales saw the warmest February on record this year and, as a result, woodlands could see bluebells appearing as much as four weeks early.
The flowers, which usually spring up from late March to early May, arriving early is a sign of the impact of climate change, according to the National Trust.
However, whatever the reason for their early arrival, there’s no denying that the sight of carpets of bluebells covering Kent’s woodlands is pretty breathtaking.
Here are 10 places in the county where you can spot beautiful bluebells this spring and summer…
Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst
Named by Forestry England as one of the best places in the country to see bluebells in the spring, this park is perfect for a springtime stroll. Within the park’s conifer conservation project, there’s a shower of bluebells that you can admire from hidden corners and secluded nooks .
Eliot Woods, Canterbury
Next to the pond in Eliot Woods is the eye-catching Bluebell Woods. To make it even more picturesque, there’s a trickling stream that runs down the slopes and towering trees lining the footpaths.
Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks
Thanks to the native bluebells that appear here each spring, the woods have been named as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It takes between four to six years for damaged bluebells to regrow, so the team at Emmetts Garden ask that visitors take extra care when walking through the woodland.
Hole Park, Rolvenden
The 16-acre garden is open from Easter Monday for its Bluebell Spectacular, an annual display that features an array of spring plants including pink magnolia, cherry blossom, tulips, daffodils, wild primroses and, of course, bluebells. The Hole Park website will also have its bluebell barometer up and running again this year so visitors can check when the flowers are at their peak.
Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks
Scathes Wood, located in the grounds of the medieval manor house, usually sees its bluebells bloom from late April until early May. The gardens will also be filled with spring wildlife, including house martins, swallows, butterflies, wood mice and voles.
Kingsdown Wood, near Deal
This woodland is also affectionately known as Bluebell Wood because of its vast swathes of bluebells during the spring. At the same time, you can also spot celandines and wood anemones as you explore.
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Sevenoaks
This year, the Bluebell Festival returns with a woodland trail taking visitors through some of the best bluebell patches of the season. There will also be a bluebell-inspired craft fair in the Garden Room during the festival, which runs from Wednesday, April 22 to Sunday, May 3.
Scotney Castle, Tunbridge Wells
The sheltered areas of the picturesque gardens at Scotney Castle see bluebells spring up during April and May. It takes around five years to grow these bluebells from seed, and staff will be on hand to help direct you to the best spot to see them.
Trosley Country Park, Gravesend
Spend a day at this country park and you’re sure to see some colourful bluebells as the weather gets warmer. The woodlands will also boast wild orchids, with species including pyramidal, fragrant and bee orchid.
Walmer Castle, near Deal
The spring gardens at Walmer Castle have already seen stunning daffodils and snowdrops pop up this year, and it won’t be long before the bluebells join them. The eight acres of award-winning gardens in the grounds of the Tudor fortress are a great addition to a day by the coast.
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