Fellow bluebell seekers, it’s our favourite time of year!
The county is blooming with a burst of spring, so it's the perfect time to head out and see the beautiful bluebell come to life. With ancient woodland all across Kent, you can spot carpets of indigo on many a rural ramble from April and we've got heaps of suggestions of the best places to find this floral favourite.
We admit, we’ve only scratched the surface with our favourite bluebell haunts, so if you have a favourite let us know - and most importantly, share your spring pictures with us on Instagram!
And if you're in the mood to find more blooms, check out our guide to the best places for spring flowers of every colour in Kent.
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
For a true bluebell celebration, come along to the Riverhill Gardens and its Bluebell Festival running from 24th April to the 6th May, including Bank Holiday Monday which includes a themed Craft Fair in their Garden Room where you can explore a range of handmade, unique treats, including ceramics, jewelry, glass work, fine art, quilting and skin care. To see the real thing, take in all of the blue-fuelled glory as you walk through their trail in their amazing Bluebell Wood - be sure to bring those cameras! Plus, visit in early May and explore their historic collection of rhododendrons and azaleas, many of which were brought back to Riverhill by the original plant hunters - an unmissable time in the gardens!
Walmer Castle
With eight acres of award-winning gardens, it should come as no surprise that Walmer Castle made our list. Known for those beautiful formal gardens, the castle makes for a glorious visit any time of year, but it's spring when the woodland garden and meadow really come alive.
Emmetts Garden
A sea of blue awaits at Emmetts Garden. Stretched across the slopes of the Edwardian hillside garden, enjoy woodland wanders and plenty of sightings of bluebells, but don’t lose sight of the sensational panoramic views of the Weald that are never very far away.
Keepers Cottages
Our friends over at Keepers Cottages recommend the coastal woodland of Kingsdown Wood, which is just a 15 minute walk from the Kingsdown Beach and so it can be combined with a warm spring day for a coastal wander! Once you've exhausted the kids and four-legged friends, be sure to spend a night or two at some of their best properties on the east coast. All of the below properties are pet friendly and have wood burners:
Flint House, which sleeps four guests in two bedrooms has sea views and a modern spacious interior.
Cliffeside Cottage sleeps 6 guests in three bedrooms, is just seconds from the beach!
Victory at Cliffe sleeps six guests in three bedrooms, is also seconds from the beach, and the interior to match!
Caracol Camping
Sat just behind Caracol's meadow in the High Weald of Kent & Sussex sits an ancient coppiced woodland. During the month of May, the woodland comes alive with a carpet of stunning bluebells that the guests can enjoy. Come for a walk, join on to the WealdWay and Tunbridge Wells Circular walk, and be sure to visit the local Groombridge farm shop where you can get some fresh and local produce.
Gusbourne
What's the perfect combination? Kentish wine and bluebells to brighten up a spring day! The woods surrounding Gusbourne’s vineyards are awash with the beautiful blue blooms come spring, so you can take a wander and then pay The Nest a visit to (potentially!) warm up with a a glass or two after your stroll. If you'd like to expand your visit and capture more of the area, head out on their gentle self-guided 35-minute walking route that will explore unique terroir, the rows of vineyards, wonderful views across the surrounding countryside and surrounding marshes.
Scotney Castle
What could be better than a bluebell scout out in the fairy-tale surroundings of Scotney Castle? Aside from the beautiful ruins of its fourteenth century moated castle and Victorian house, an exploration of the surrounding Colliers Wood and Broadham Wood is perfect for spotting bluebells. What's better, you can turn your spring-time day into an overnight stay at the Scotney West Lodge. Sleeping four, this spacious yet cosy cottage has its very own tucked away garden, meaning you and the family can experience the estate like never before.
Bedgebury Pinetum
12,000 trees and shrubs are scattered across the landscape at Bedgebury Pinetum and when spring arrives, azaleas, rhododendrons and bluebells are all part of the stunning scenery. Pack a picnic, put your walking shoes on and enjoy this tranquil corner of the county.
Penshurst Place
Ah, one of our absolute favourites any time of year, Penshurst Place is glorious during bluebell season. Stroll the acres of parkland surrounding the estate, before venturing into those beautifully manicured formal gardens. Pssst...be sure to come back in May for that Insta-fabulous peony border too!
Hole Park Gardens
Looking for a lot of colour? Take a walk in the magical parkland of Hole Park Gardens! Along with many bluebells, you'll find daffodils, magnolia, wisteria, camellias and much more in this garden.
Chartwell
Visit the family home and garden of Winston Churchill and you'll be able to see the beautiful seas of bluebells until your hearts content! Enjoy a bite to eat at the Landemare Cafe, take the kids to the play areas, and soak up the beautiful outdoors!
Eliot Woods
We know that spring is on its way when the bluebells start to appear in the grounds below the University of Kent. At this time of year, we can't resist an afternoon stroll around Eliot Woods, full to the brim with beautiful bluebells. With easy access via public transport, and great cafes and restaurants on site, this is one of the top spots for all Canterbury locals!
Ashenbank Wood
Set in the Kent Downs National Landscape, Ashenbank Wood is the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll spent taking in the wonderful bluebells that mark the start of spring. With other ancient features and wonderful wildlife, you'll want to spend the whole day soaking in the beauty of these woods.
Trosley Country Park
A relatively unheard of gem in the west of the county, Trosley Country Park is around 13 miles from Maidstone and offers carpets of bluebells this spring season. Once you've explored the 170+ acres of land and its spectacular views over the North Downs, finish your wander off at the cafe onsite that serves delicious homemade food!
Ightham Mote
A sight not to be missed are the bluebells in Scathes Wood on the Ightham Mote estate. There is a lot to see during a walk here, such as many different types of trees, flowers and animals. So keep your eyes open!
Bredgar & Wormshill Light Railway
This narrow gauge railway has the perfect setting being in acres of parkland, with trains running every Wednesday from 11am-2pm, and steam trains running on event days too, and the journey weaving through bluebell-filled woods. At the beginning of May, join a special event day to celebrate the bluebells and the journeys you take through them on the diesel and steam engines. Onsite too, there is a teaoom for some light refreshment and if the spring weather gets a bit changeable, pay a visit to the museum too!
Oare Gunpowder Works
It is said Guy Fawkes purchased gunpowder from here, but it’s safe to say a more peaceful visit is to be had these days! Among the rich patchwork of habitats of wetland, woodland and open glades, bluebells are emerging across the landscape. Of course, bluebell spot while here, but be sure to keep an eye out for the birds, bats and amphibians that also call this park home.
Hucking Estate
This 537 acre site is worth a visit if you'd like to see carpets of bluebells and other wildflowers. With 180,000 leaves and 21 different species of butterflies Hucking Estate is a great place to enjoy a walk.
Ranscombe Farm
Discover a carpet of bluebells on the North Downs with a visit to Ranscombe Farm Reserve in Cuxton, near Rochester. The nature reserve is a haven for rare wild plants, especially arable wildflowers and orchids, so be sure to have those cameras at the ready. Bonus tip - return in May for sightings of wild poppies which form rich red carpets along the edges of the farm’s wheat fields too!
