One of the most welcome arrivals in the Hampshire countryside in April and May is the purple carpets of bluebells. They’re beautiful, smell gorgeous, and make for perfect Instagram inspiration.
Here’s a rundown of the top Hampshire beauty spots to enjoy the bluebells this spring.
1. Micheldever Wood
Micheldever Wood also has ancient woodland status, located approximately five miles northeast of Winchester and home to a diverse range of birds and insects. There are two walking trails to enjoy and alongside the spectacular display of bluebells, visitors can enjoy spotting the resident Muntjac deer, wildflowers and butterflies. Dogs are welcome and parking is free.
2. National Trust’s The Vyne, Basingstoke
This National Trust property is home to a manor house, two lakes, formal and walled gardens, bluebell-carpeted woodlands with self-guided walking routes, and even a famous 600-year-old Hundred Guinea Oak. Dogs are welcome on leads. Entry and parking are free for National Trust members, otherwise entry is £13 per adult and £6.50 per child. Parking must be pre-booked.
3. Crab Wood, Winchester
Crab Wood is a nature reserve near Sparsholt, Winchester and is an ancient, coppiced woodland perfect for a picnic or a barbecue on the free site provided. Families can follow a story trail through the woods to enjoy more about the ancient woodland while enjoying the bluebells and wildlife. The nature reserve is free to visit.
4. Royal Victoria Country Park, Netley
Royal Victoria Country Park is in Netley, a couple of miles east of Southampton and on the shore. It has a rich history and visitors can learn how the site housed a First World War hospital. There is a cafe, toilets, and even a miniature train. The park is free entry and is open every day. Car parking charges apply and are listed on the council’s website.
5. National Trust’s Hinton Ampner, Alresford
Hinton Ampner is home to spectacular displays of blossom and bluebells in the Spring, as well as a Georgian manor house, four miles of trails and 200 hectares of woodland. Dogs can be walked on leads and entry and parking is free for National Trust members. Entrance for non-members is £14 for adults and £7 per child.
6. West Walk at the Forest of Bere, Wickham
The Forest of Bere supports an important range of wildlife and a three-mile round robin trail allows visitors to enjoy the historic landscape of the forest. The dog-friendly forest has trails for cyclists and horseriders, along with a children's play area, toilets, and barbecue area. Entry is free and you can park for up to 2 hours for £1.80.
7. National Trust’s Mottisfont, Romsey
The bluebells at Mottisfont, along with the famous rose garden, attract thousands of visitors from across the world in the early spring, who flock to see England’s National Collection of pre-1900 roses. The site has an impressive manor house, walking trails suitable for dogs on leads, and a café. Though free for National Trust members, entry is £16 for adults and £8 for children.
8. Farley Mount Country Park, Winchester
Alongside its stunning bluebells, Farley Mount Country Park offers a panoramic view of the Hampshire countryside and a monument to a horse that can be seen from a great distance. Several car parks serve the area and many cycle routes are available to be enjoyed across the woodland and downland. The park is open every day and ideal for walking and picnicking.
9. Smannell Woods, Andover
Another favourite of Hampshire walkers is Smannell Woods located in a historic village two miles east of Andover. Visitors to this part of Hampshire will enjoy beautiful rivers, woodland, and chalk downland. Perfect for cycling, dog walks, and wildlife spotting. There is limited parking in a lay-by along Ridges View.
10. Zebon Copse Nature Reserve, Basingstoke
Zebon Copse Nature Reserve offers a bluebell-lined walk closely adjoined with the Basingstoke canal. The woodland is thought to have been there since 1600 and many specialised plants and insects can be found in the ancient woods. Zebon Copse is perfect for cycling, dog walking, bird watching, and, of course, bluebell spotting. Parking is available.
Message from the editor Kimberley Barber
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