We love the springtime, after the grey, wet and dull days of winter, it is wonderful to see so much colour creeping back into the Forest. We particularly love the look of the bluebells which are a stunning sight here in the Forest of Dean. In fact, this area is one of the best places to see wild bluebells in the UK. They carpet the Forest so here is our roundup of the best places to see them.
There is easily enough to keep you amused all day at Beechenhurst, with their 4 walks, café, play area, Go Ape Treetop Adventure, and access to the Family Cycle Trail, it is one of our favourite places to see bluebells.
Bigsweir
On the banks of the River Wye and the stunning views from the Offa’s Dyke Footpath, Bigsweir is a picturesque spot to stop and enjoy the breath-taking beauty of the Wye Valley which is complimented by the display of bluebells.
For the anglers and nature lovers among you, Cannop is the best place for you to absorb the bluebells. With the ponds being home to an abundance of wildlife (the top one is a nature reserve) and Yorkley Angling Club, there is a definite aura of peace and tranquillity here.
Coppett Hill
Here in the shadow of Goodrich Castle, home to the Roaring Meg, the only surviving Civil War mortar, you can take in the historic atmosphere of the 350-year-old castle. Coppett Hill offers stunning views of the Wye Valley and is an excellent place to see the bluebells.
The Dean Heritage Centre is set in exquisite woodlands with woodland walks and the serene Soudley Ponds just across the road. Both are lovely places to practice mindfulness whilst surrounded by a sea of blue. We think it is just heavenly.
The history buffs are sure to enjoy a visit to Lydney Park Estate and Gardens. Not only can you see more magnificent bluebells, but you can also see a wide variety of flora and fauna in the walled garden, woodland garden, deer park and pleasure garden as well as Roman ruins dating back to 100BC.
May Hill is definitely a landmark not to be missed, a visit on May Day is particularly nostalgic because you can walk through the bluebells on the slopes and see Morris dancers as the sun rises. The hill offers magnificent views of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley as well as being a prominent feature for miles around with its tuft of trees on the summit.
Speech House Woods and The Cyril Hart Arboretum
As this is on the doorstep of the Verderers court (you can read more about the Verderers here on our Heritage of the Forest of Dean blog), it is a natural place to visit on any trip to the Forest of Dean. This is a lovely spot to take small children to explore the woodland and see the bluebells as it is not too uneven, and the parking is close by.
Yet another place with breath-taking views and lots of bluebells to take in, this 12th Century castle which is paramount to the mining heritage of the Forest of Dean. To become a freeminer, a person must be born within the Hundred of St Briavels (an administrative division).
This is the site of the most iconic vantage point across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and is internationally renowned. It has to be a ‘must see’ on any trip to the Forest. Of course, as there is so much landscape to take in, there is an abundance of bluebells to witness.
When you stay with us, why not book one of our picnics to take with you on your bluebell discovery and really immerse yourself in them?
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