Best Places to see Bluebells in the New Forest

Bluebells bloom throughout April and May and are a precious part of our natural heritage. Did you know they have inspired some of our greatest poets? Emily Bronte described them as “the sweetest flower that waves in summer air”.

50% of the world’s bluebells can be found in the UK, and some of the most stunning bluebell woods are right here in the New Forest. These wonderful blooms are one of the sure signs that spring has arrived, so to make sure you witness these stunning flowers at their best we’ve rounded up some of the best New Forest Bluebell Walks for you to explore...

You can even download the handy New Forest Bluebells and Breakfasts Trail which details popular bluebells walks and where to find them.

Pondhead Inclosure - Near Lyndhurst

Bluebells transform the woodland floor into a dazzling lake of shimmering blue in this well-fenced, natural enclosure which is protected from wild deer and ponies. Pondhead is listed by the Forestry Commission as one of its top 10 bluebell woods in the UK.

Sandleheath - Near Fordingbridge

This pretty village has many footpaths and bridleways across the countryside lined with pale yellow primroses and violet bluebells.

Exbury Gardens

There are many reasons to visit these glorious 200-acre gardens, which are home to the famous Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. Throughout April and May, beautiful bluebells open under the trees and along the path edges.

Bank - East of Lyndhurst

One of the trickier routes to get to, but well worth a visit, the cycle route from Brockenhurst to Bank is a shady haven for bluebells. Why not take to two wheels and see them for yourself on a bike ride through the forest? Especially as all our guests get 20% off weekday cycle hire at Cyclexperience in Brockenhurst!

Roydon Woods - near Brockenhurst

Owned by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, this patchwork of ancient woodland, heaths, grasslands and tumbling streams is a sea of bluebells in spring. Look out for speckled wood butterflies from April.

You can also see bluebells throughout Dane Park at Shorefield Country Park in Milford-on-Sea, as well as throughout the new Ancient Woodland Walk. They like to bask in the sunlight under the safety of the trees, so be sure to keep on the lookout whilst taking a stroll to see if you can spot them in flower.