The Chiltern Hills are blessed with many stunning bluebell woods and their proximity to London means this is one of the most popular areas to see them. Here I have written about some of my personal favourites, most of which are off the beaten track. However, so many of our woodlands are transformed into a purple carpet from mid-April to May that you can't travel far without coming across a beautiful display, so go out there and explore for yourself!
1. Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire
I wouldn't usually recommend somewhere as popular as Ashridge, but it is simply one of the best displays of Bluebells you could ever hope to see. The woodland here is vast but the best and most accessible Bluebells are at Dockey Wood towards the north, and Aldbury Common which is just south of the main car park and visitor centre. In the past the National Trust has charged for entry to Dockey Wood at the busiest times, so check their website before visiting
2. Bradenham Beeches, Buckinghamshire
Another National Trust-owned woodland, Bradenham Beeches is a short walk from picturesque Bradenham village. The best area for Bluebells is just north of Bradenham Wood Lane
3. Penn Bottom, Buckinghamshire
This gently rolling valley just north of the village of Penn is dotted with several bluebell woods. Witheridge Wood is only small but has a stunning display every spring (as pictured at the top of this article) and the vast Penn Wood and Common Wood also have areas awash with these flowers. My personal favourite (pictured above) is a small and nameless wood adjacent to Penn House which always puts on a breath-taking display. To access this, walk down the driveway to Penn House from Penn Street village and take the first public footpath on the right. To find out more about the Penn House Estate visit https://pennhouse.org.uk/default.html
4. Hughenden Manor, Buckinghamshire
This National Trust property is well-known as the home of Benjamin Disraeli, but the steep woodland just to the west of the Manor is home to a magnificent display of bluebells in spring. From the Manor, just follow the footpath signposted towards Downley and as it descends you'll see them to your left
5. Hodgemoor Woods, Buckinghamshire
A Forestry England property near Seer Green, this large woodland is crisscrossed with footpaths and bridleways. You can't miss the bluebells if you start walking from the car park off Bottrells Lane
6. Adam's Wood, Frieth, Buckinghamshire
This small Woodland Trust site can be accessed via the footpath from Frieth to Skirmett. The wood is on a steep slope and looks particularly beautiful as the morning sun slants through the trees
7. Cowleaze Wood, Oxfordshire
This is probably the easiest Chiltern bluebell wood for Londoners to get to as it is just off the M40. Don't worry the motorway can't be seen or heard from here despite its proximity! Walk in any direction from the car park and you'll soon find yourself immersed in the scented beauty of the bluebells. The wood also contains a memorial to the crew of a plane that crashed there in World War II
8. Greenfield Copse
Part of the National Trust's Watlington Estate, this ancient woodland hosts a magnificent display of bluebells. It is next to the private Watlington Park estate, and there is no parking nearby, but the walk from the Watlington Hill car park is worth it for the beautiful views of the Chilterns countryside
9. Ipsden Heath, Oxfordshire
A woodland Trust property near the village of Stoke Row, the bluebells can even be viewed just driving past on the lane but it's worth exploring the wood further. Some paths here also afford stunning views of rolling countryside
Shop my full range of Bluebell Gifts here: https://www.chilternphotography.uk/bluebells-collection
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