There’s something so beautiful about woods full of bluebells. That vibrant violet blue colour, like a carpet in the forest is so good for the soul as well as reminding me of my childhood. But where is the best place to find bluebells in the North West? Some of the places mentioned have some of the most spectacular displays of bluebells waiting for you.
Where to find bluebells in the woods and fields across the North West:
Cheshire
Warburton’s Wood
Kingsley, Cheshire, WA6 8HR – What3Words ///manual.every.snacking
Free to enter. Dogs allowed on a lead. Not suitable for wheelchair users.
Poors Wood
Kingsmead, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 8WB – What3Words ///decoding.alarmed.fruitcake
Free entry. Dogs allowed on a lead. Some steep areas but mostly accessible to wheelchair users.
Pumphouse Wood
Cherry Tree Ave, Barnton, Northwich CW8 4NY – What3Words ///automatic.melt.devoured
Check which areas allow public access before setting out.
Marbury Reedbed
Comberbach, Northwich, CW9 6AT – What3Words ///occupy.parts.loyal
Free entry. Toilet facilities. Picnic area available. Dogs allowed. Some areas not suitable for wheelchair users.
Owley Wood
Vale Royal, Weaverham, Cheshire, CW8 3LA – What3Words ///reviews.lends.opened
Free entry. Dogs allowed. Not suitable for wheelchair users.
Swettenham Meadows Valley
Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, CW12 2LF – What3Words ///doghouse.relax.denim
Free entry. Dogs allowed. Some wheelchair accessible areas.
Southern Woods, Quarry Bank – National Trust
Mill Yard, Quarry Bank, Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4HP – What3Words ///loose.learns.bared
One of our favourite National Trust estates to explore. Some hilly areas at the start of the walk. Full trail around 1.5km. Dogs welcome.
National Trust cafe and toilet facilities available.
Cumbria
Barkbooth Lot
Low Fell, Crosthwaite, Cumbria, LA8 8JG – What3Words ///animals.cushy.innovate
Donations welcome. Parking available at Sandy Hill. Dogs on a lead. Beware of ticks.
Dorothy Farrer’s Spring Wood
Kendal, Cumbria – What3Words ///reading.uniform.templates
Privately owned woods. Some steep sections. Look out for the beautiful waterfall.
Rannerdale
On the banks of Crummock Water – What3Words ///documents.deep.lure
Visitors are encouraged to stick to the official footpaths rather than walk through the bluebells.
White Moss Common
Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9SE – What3Words ///blanked.blown.eruptions
Large car park available.
Lancashire
Aughton Woods
Halton, Lancaster LA2 6PD – What3Words ///remarried.cascade.love
Not to be confused with Aughton near Ormskirk. This nature reserve is great for a circular walk around the River Lune.
Fabulous flower displays all year round but the bluebells are magnificent. Dogs allowed – Requested to be on a lead when going through farmer’s fields.
Boilton Wood & Brockholes Nature Reserve
Boilton, Red Scar and Tunbrook Woods, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 6HD – What3Words ///spice.slips.mercy
Longest stretch of ancient woodland near Preston. Some areas will be difficult for people with mobility problems due to uneven paths and steep areas. Access through the site is through Brockholes Nature Reserve. No dogs allowed.
Hyning Scout Wood & Warton Crag
Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 9RB – What3Words ///sensitive.tipping.vote (Car Park)
A woodland between Yealand Conyers and Warton in Lancashire.
Free parking. Dogs allowed on a lead. Be ware of possible presence of ticks so dress appropriately. Inaccessible to wheelchair users due to rocky paths and steep inclines.
Rufford Old Hall (National Trust)
200 Liverpool Road, Rufford, near Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 1SG – What3Words ///instant.downfield.upstairs
Part of the National Trust so entrance fees apply. Cafe and book shop available.
Check National Trust website for opening times.
Greater Manchester
Fairy Glen
Parbold Hill, Parbold, Appley Bridge, Wigan WN8 7TG – What3Words ///jubilant.hoops.entertainer
Lay-by parking postcode: WN6 9EQ (Around 10-15 cars). The road leading to the car park is variable speed limits with speed cameras so be careful.
Most areas are fairly flat so can be done with a pushchair but it may be difficult for wheelchair users if the ground is muddy. Don’t forget to visit nearby Miller and Carter Steakhouse afterwards.
Happy Valley, Bramhall
Bridge Lane, Bramhall, Stockport SK7 3AL – What3Words ///listed.lost.cowboy
Walking trails, picnic areas and community events scheduled throughout the year.
Dunham Massey, National Trust
Dunham Massey, Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham WA14 4SJ – What3Words ///educates.open.brambles
FREE to walk through the grounds (opening times apply). Dogs on a lead welcome. Seasonal events planned throughout the year. Cafe and toilets available.
Visit the National Trust website for more information.
Eastwood Nature Reserve
Tameside, Greater Manchester, SK15 2QX – What3Words ///hatch.stick.galaxy
Free entry. Dogs on lead allowed. Mostly unsuitable for wheelchair users.
Hall Lee Bank Park, Westhoughton
Park Rd, Westhoughton BL5 3BN – Whatt3Words ///loyal.crate.wanted
1.8km trail. Dogs welcome. Can get muddy.
Walkden Gardens, Sale
Derbyshire Road, Sale M33 3EL – What3Words ///boxing.venue.origin
Free parking. Restricted opening hours, typical 9am-7.30pm in summer.
A hidden treasure that you may go past without noticing.
Merseyside
Speke Hall, National Trust
Speke, Liverpool L24 1XD – What3Words ///outsmart.centuries.ketchup
Charges apply. Restricted opening hours. Visit the National Trust Website for full details.
Toilets, play area and cafe available. The grounds are mainly suitable for wheelchair users.
Formby Nature Reserve
Victoria Road, near Formby, Liverpool, L37 1LJ – What3Words ///hairspray.workbench.pram
Car Parking charges (Free to National trust members).
Look out for Red Squirrels. Toilet facilities available.
Read our post for more Formby Beach walk details.
Bluebell Woods
Ribblers Lane, Liverpool L32 7RA – What3Words ///harsh.voted.miss
Dogs welcome. Free parking on Ribblers Lane. Cyclists welcome.
Why is it illegal to pick bluebells in the UK?
The bluebell is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).
It is against the law to intentionally pick, uproot or destroy bluebells. This includes walking on Bluebells as they have soft, succulent leaves that are particularly sensitive to being trodden on. They can take years to recover if damaged.
When are bluebells out?
Depending on the weather, bluebells can start appearing as early as late March if it has been a mild spring. You are most likely to see them during early to mid May though.
Is it unlucky to have bluebells in the house?
There are different myths around bluebells. Some people believe that it is incredibly unlucky to pick bluebells and bring them into the house (Also useful to bear in mind that it is also illegal to pick bluebells in a public place).
Other folklore around bluebells say that in the language of flowers, the bluebell is a symbol of humility, constancy, gratitude and everlasting love. It is said that if you turn a bluebell flower inside-out without tearing it, you will win the one you love, and if you wear a wreath of bluebells you will only be able to speak the truth.
How long will bluebells last?
A couple of weeks at most.
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About 2 Adults 3 Children
2 Adults 3 Children is a family with 3 daughters, aged 13+. They live near Liverpool and share the best events happening in the North West plus their travels further afield.
What an awesome post! I absolutely adore Bluebells, they always look so beautiful and vibrant in the midst of greenery! And who is that I spot? The utterly gorgeous Flo?! 🙂 Bluebell fields are the perfect photo opportunity and she proves it! 🙂 Sim x