Northants, Leics &amp; Rutland


<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/leics/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2022/04/bluebells-1.jpg" alt="Bluebells woods springtime England" class="wp-image-34211" /></figure>



<p>We’re so lucky to have the most incredible ancient bluebell woods in this part of the world. The sun may yet shine and there are plenty of options to get your fix of the little blue fellas. Here’s our pick (ahem &#8211; don&#8217;t actually pick them) of the best hotspots to visit. And breathe.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-northants">NORTHANTS</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-everdon-stubbs"><a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/everdon-stubbs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Everdon Stubbs</a></h2>



<p>Maintained by the Woodland Trust, the ancient woods at Everdon Stubbs are rich in native wildlife, you can barely walk ten steps here without rubbing shoulders with the local fox and badger, the bluebells are bursting forth as we speak. As a Northants native, this was our go-to woodland for bluebells growing up. Rope swings dotted around the place, hanging from some of the huge oaks and sweet chestnut trees are always a winner for the tiddlers (and grown-ups, obvs).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bucknell-woods-and-hazelborough-forest">Bucknell Woods and Hazelborough Forest</h2>



<p>These two neighbouring woodlands at the edge of Silverstone are a wonderful place to lose yourself and forget the madness going on in the world. There are a range of pathways, from narrow, winding footpaths to broad tracks, some of which are ideal for cycling and horse riding. Bucknell and Hazelborough have both deciduous and coniferous areas of planting, and fallow deer can often be spotted hopping through the clearings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-badby-woods"><a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/badby-wood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Badby Woods</a></h2>



<p>We love the undulating landscape in&nbsp;Badby Woods&nbsp;on the Fawsley Estate, which are marked as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, having stood here for over a thousand years and abundant with flora and fauna. The crumbling grandeur of the old gatehouse and the entrance to the woods (depending on which way you come in) makes a picturesque scene. Rough footpaths, so not one for the buggy or wheelchair.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-short-wood-and-southwick-wood"><a href="https://www.wildlifebcn.org/nature-reserves/short-wood-and-southwick-wood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Short Wood and Southwick Wood</a></h2>



<p>Part of Rockingham Forest, this special place has a vast abundance of bluebells awaiting&nbsp;with loads of hidden spots to discover. Short Wood is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest that has managed areas of oak, ash and maple trees and small areas of blackthorn scrub; and sometimes nightingales can be heard. A perfect place for you and your pooch, this scenic route is full of nature and often awash with butterflies at this time of year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-high-wood-and-meadow"><a href="https://www.wildlifebcn.org/nature-reserves/high-wood-and-meadow" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High Wood and Meadow</a></h2>



<p>This is a magical spot of woodland crammed full of beautiful nature. It has been kept on top form by regular coppicing to provide a reliable supply of wood for fuel and tools. But, the best part, the beautiful bluebells… When the sunlight hits and shines through the trees, this is a magical place to take it all in and admire the beauty. There is a little walk to reach the woods so you’ll get your steps in for the day too. Win.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coton-manor-gardens"><a href="http://www.cotonmanor.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coton Manor Gardens</a></h2>



<p>Could this be one of the most beautiful bluebell displays in England? We think so! Spread across 5 acres you can really get lost amidst the carpets of flowers. Extra points if you spot the resident flamingoes (probably not in the actual bluebells)&nbsp;Afterwards you can visit the lovely cafe for lunches, teas and cakes. If the weather is being kind, sit outside in the stableyard under the trees. Perfect.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/bluebells-NLR.jpg" alt="Bluebells and country walks Leicestershire Rutland Northamptonshire" class="wp-image-45423" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/bluebells-NLR.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/bluebells-NLR-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/bluebells-NLR-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leicestershire">LEICESTERSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-westbrooke-house-little-bowden"><a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/33830/westbrooke-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westbrooke House</a> Little Bowden</h2>



<p>This private Victorian property built in 1887 features a 6 acre gardens with a walled flower garden, kitchen garden, wildlife pond and more. Access to the bluebell woodland area to the front of the property is under a weeping willow tree and over a river bridge and leads to a folly. The walled garden also features a wonderful show of over 10,000 tulips so definitely worth checking out. This private garden is open on <strong>26 April &amp; 7 June</strong>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stoneywell-markfield"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stoneywell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stoneywell,</a> Markfield</h2>



<p>The&nbsp;National Trust’s property is a gem in itself but head out to the garden and surrounding woodland and you’ll see a sea of English bluebells under the foliage of the trees – the perfect backdrop to the cottage itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moira-furnace-ashby-de-la-zouch"><a href="http://www.moirafurnace.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moira Furnace</a>,  Ashby-de-la-Zouch</h2>



<p>Enter the woodlands by the gate to the right of the road into the carpark and you’re likely to see a few bluebells almost immediately. If you want to explore further, there are plenty of trails to follow from Moira Furnace which link some of the forest attractions, via woodland and waterside tracks.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-willesley-wood-ashby-de-la-zouch"><a href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/willesley-wood/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Willesley Wood</a>, Ashby de la Zouch</h2>



<p>Set in the heart of the National Forest, just under two miles from the Leicestershire market town of Ashby-de -la-Zouch and close to the village of Donisthorpe, Willesley Wood is a jewel of a wood and the iconic bluebells make an incredible wildflower display.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.nationalforest.org/visit/activities/burroughs-wood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burroughs Wood</a>, Ratby</h2>



<p>The woods here are actually split in two; the southern part includes fairly new plants but the northern part is all ancient woodlands and where you’ll find a spectacular display of bluebells.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-launde-woods"><a href="https://www.lrwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/launde-woods/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Launde Woods</a></h2>



<p>This ancient woodland is situated between Launde and Loddington in east Leicestershire. There’s a circular walk through the wood where you can discover beautiful bluebells covering the woodland floor as well as other wild plants. Stop off at the cafe to grab a coffee before you head out to explore.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/blue-bells-NLR.jpg" alt="Bluebell walks woodland parks Leicestershire Rutland Northamptonshire" class="wp-image-45420" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/blue-bells-NLR.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/blue-bells-NLR-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/northantsleicsrutland/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2024/03/blue-bells-NLR-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-outwoods-loughborough"><a href="https://www.nationalforest.org/visit/activities/outwoods" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Outwoods,</a> Loughborough</h2>



<p>The Outwoods is 110 acres of ancient woodland to the north of Loughborough and is one of the oldest surviving woodland sites in Charnwood. Come at the right time in April/May and you’ll be amazed at the pretty display of bluebells which carpet the north side of the ancient woodland.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-charley-woods-north-of-copt-oak"><a href="https://www.lrwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/charley-woods" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charley Woods,</a> north of Copt Oak</h2>



<p>A mosaic of ancient woodlands and nature reserve, it’s divided into three parts, Burrow Wood, Cat Hill Wood and the field between them. Visit now and you can get your bluebell fix.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-swithland-woods"><a href="https://www.bradgatepark.org/swithland-wood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Swithland Woods</a></h2>



<p>The wood here covers an area of 170 acres and is home to a fair share of traditional native bluebells and there are plenty of walking routes too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rutland">RUTLAND</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.lrwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/great-merrible-wood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Merrible Wood</a>, Uppingham</h2>



<p>Adjacent to Eye Brook Reservoir, explore this ancient woodland and enjoy the wonderful show of springtime bluebells here .The&nbsp;wood&nbsp;is also teeming with Herb Paris, and broad-leaved and violet Helleborines making it a really spectacular site.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-barnsdale-woods"><a href="https://www.naturespot.org.uk/barnsdale_wood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barnsdale Woods</a></h2>



<p>A quieter spot, this ancient woodland is made even more beautiful when the&nbsp;bluebells are out in April/May.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hambleton-woods">Hambleton Woods</h2>



<p>The popular Hambleton circular trail not only has beautiful views across the water, but on it, you’ll pass the woods which are covered in swathes of bluebells. It also has a cycle route which makes for a fab trip if you’re on two wheels.</p>



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Beautiful bluebell walks in Northants, Leics & Rutland

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