One of the most wonderful moments in spring each year is the first sight of a carpet of bluebells in a woodland. Somehow they tell us that everything is going to be alright: spring has come and the universe is capable of this extraordinary colour as a feast for our eyes. Little surprise it has been given the title of ‘Nation’s favourite flower’! Due to our Cornish mild winters, bluebells normally flower for us before anywhere else in the UK. This early flowering makes them really valuable to pollinating insects and makes it all the more important that we take care of our bluebells. They can be damaged by trampling and take years to recover.
Fortunately, bluebells are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Digging up the plant or bulb in the countryside is prohibited, so please enjoy them where you see them. Below is a selection of our most local bluebell walks follows, all are within about 40 minutes drive:
Our own Treworgey Woods, on our doorstep. You pass them every time you walk or drive to us from the Duloe lane. Always stunning with the lane separating the bluebells from the white of the wild garlic below.
Cabilla & Redrice Woods, between Liskeard and Bodmin, off the A38
An extremely peaceful location, Cabilla and Redrice Woods is one of the finest ancient woodlands in Cornwall, where veteran (150 – 300 years old) and ancient (over 400 years old) oak trees are found alongside a tributary to the River Fowey, which runs through the western end of the reserve. In spring, the woodland is a sea of blue and purple, as bluebells cover the ground
What three words: vowed.stated.roosters
cabilla_and_redrice_woods_nature_reserve.pdf Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Cardinham Woods near Bodmin, a little farther on from Cabilla and Redrice Woods
There are some beautiful displays of bluebells at Cardinham Woods and the woods, which are run by the Forestry Commission are very family friendly to explore. There are several marked trails through the woods, and the Woods Cafe which offers lovely cakes and Tregothnan teas is just off the car park.
Cardinham Woods | Forestry England
Lanhydrock Estate, Bodmin, PL30 5AD
The wooded estate around the main gardens and house of the National Trust’s Lanhydrock is a haven for walkers. From Respryn car park or the main car park above the house you can set out on walks along the River Fowey. Pick up walk and trail maps from the kiosk at the gatehouse reception.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock
Camel Trail, Bodmin
There’s lots of bluebells to be found along the banks of Camel Trail, right the way from Bodmin to Padstow. Of the Trail, you’ll find the circular walk which takes in the woodlands of Hustyn Mills and Gaff Woods as well as the banks of the river camel. Bike hire is available at Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.
See the following for car parks, etc. The Camel Trail
Camel Trail Guide - All About Cornwall's Most Famous Bike Trail
Pencarrow House & Gardens, Washaway, Nr Bodmin, PL30 3AG
Between Wadebridge and Bodmin you’ll find the grand Georgian country house, seat of the Molesworth Family: Pencarrow House – After the rhododendron and camellia fireworks of the spring, Pencarrow’s bluebells are a jewel in its summer crown. Drifts of cerulean flowers carpet the ground beneath the beech trees and along the woodland walks. Don’t miss the annual Bluebell and Wild Garlic Sunday on 4 May, 2025 from 11 am – 4.30 pm
Pencarrow House and Family Friendly Gardens in Cornwall
Helman Tor, Bodmin Moor
It’s not just the woodlands that are carpeted in bluebells, almost every lane will be full, and they also grow on the moor too. The nature reserve at Helman Tor boasts commanding views of the surrounding countryside – on a clear day, both north and south coasts are visible from its granite bouldered summit. The reserve has Scheduled Ancient Monument designation due to archaeological features, including a Neolithic tor enclosure and traces of a Bronze Age field system.
What three words: crafts.scooter.simulations
Helman Tor | Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Anthony Woodland Garden, Ferry Lane, Nr Torpoint PL11 2QA
Antony Woodland Gardens are one of the less well known of the Cornish gardens but not one to be missed as it’s bloomin’ gorgeous and especially in spring. One of Cornwall’s best-kept secrets, the Antony Woodland Garden, is perhaps one of the most peaceful and majestic places to spot bluebells at this time of year. It covers sixty acres, and The Wilderness section of the garden is the place to go if you want to spot these pretty springtime flowers. The gardens are open from March until October, from 10.30 am until 5 pm (days of the week vary), and entry is £8. You can also book on to a guided bluebell tour for an extra fee.
ANTONY WOODLAND GARDEN & WOODLAND WALKS
Mount Edgcumbe, Cremyll, Torpoint PL10 1HZ
A Grade I-listed country park of 865 acres, it has many miles of traffic-free paths ideal for children, plus an elegant mansion and formal gardens surrounded by extensive woods that are home to bluebells. The views across Plymouth Sound, the Hamoaze and Cawsand Bay are also worth shouting about.
Walks in Cornwall with bluebells this link will take you to a number of circular walks ranging in distance, as well as category - from “easy”, all the way through to “strenuous” – in the county where bluebells can be seen during the Spring.