The Best Places to See Bluebells in the Lake District

No springtime visit to the Lake District is complete without seeing a bluebell display. These iconic flowers are a hallmark of spring and make a wonderful backdrop to landscape photographs.

Here we list some of our favourite bluebell woods in The Lakes. Bluebells look their best from mid-April to early May.

Credit: visitcumbia.com

Rannerdale, Buttermere

Distance from Park Cliffe: 38 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes’ drive

Rannderdale Knott is one of the best places to see bluebells in the Lake District. Visit in April or early May to see the ‘Secret Valley’ awash with colour as these springtime flowers come into bloom.

The bluebells here grow up the fellside, which is most unusual. Enjoy this natural phenomenon with views of Crummock Water in the background. The dramatic landscape really is a photographer’s dream!

The lower part of the trail is fenced off to protect the flowers from being trampled, but there are plenty of places to admire the scenery from afar. We recommend incorporating your visit into a longer walk to truly experience the local area.

Parking: there is a small National Trust car park at Hause Point, though it does get full at peak times. There are also a handful of roadside spaces at Cinderdale Common.

Skelghyll Woods, Ambleside

Distance from Park Cliffe: 10 miles, 25-minute drive

Every spring, Skelghyll Woods is carpeted by bluebells as far as the eye can see! Visit at dusk or dawn to see them when the dappled light shines through the trees.

Once you’ve finished admiring the flowers, take some time to complete the National Trust’s way marked Champion Tree Trail. Along the way you’ll see some of England’s tallest trees!

Parking: park at Waterhead car park and follow signs to Jenkins Crag. Skelghyll Woods is close to Ambleside town centre, so there are plenty of pay and display parking options available.

Muncaster Castle Bluebell Walk, Ravenglass

Distance from Park Cliffe: 36 miles, 1 hour drive

We highly recommend a visit to Muncaster Castle in late April or early May to see the bluebells in all their glory! Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the tree lined path above the Castle.

Once you’ve explored the grounds, be sure to check out the wider estate. There’s a host of activities for all the family, including landscaped gardens, play areas and a Hawk and Owl Centre, which hosts regular displays.

Unfortunately, the bluebell trail is unstable underfoot and steep in places. It is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.

Parking: parking is free, but there is an entrance fee to visit this popular Lake District attraction.

Brandlehow Woods, Derwentwater

Distance from Park Cliffe: 32 miles, 1 hour drive

Brandlehow Woods is a favourite among visitors to the Lake District and it’s not difficult to see why. Every spring the ancient woodland is transformed into a sea of colour, with bluebells blooming along the forest floor.

The woods can be accessed via the Brandlehow Bay walk, which runs along the shoreline. This route is well suited to children, perfect for a family friendly day out!

Parking: there is limited roadside parking available close by. For an extra special experience, get the Keswick Steamer to Low or High Brandlehow. Younger members of the family will love arriving by boat!

Dorothy Farrer’s Spring Wood, Kendal

Distance from Park Cliffe: 11 miles, 25-minute drive

A visit to Dorothy Farrer’s Woods is a must if you’re looking to see bluebells during your stay at Park Cliffe. Situated in nearby Kendal, it’s just a short drive from our caravan and camping park.

The woodland is rich with flora and fauna thanks to perfect conditions. As well as bluebells, you’ll see and smell wild garlic alongside a variety of mosses and ferns!

The woods are owned and managed by the Woodland Trust and a lovely place to spend the afternoon. Dorothy Farrer’s is particularly popular with keen birdwatchers – flycatchers, warblers, woodpeckers and buzzards have been spotted in spring!

Parking: park in the nearby layby – there’s space for a couple of cars

We kindly remind our guests to take care when visiting bluebell woods across the Lake District. Please stick to clearly marked paths, so that these beautiful flowers are not damaged and can be enjoyed by all.