Beautiful Places to See Bluebells in Dorset

Finding the Best Bluebells in Dorset

Over the last few years bluebells seem to arriving in full force at the end of April and this year they are even earlier.  Drive down any country lane and you are sure to see them in the hedgerows,  by the side of main roads and in most woodlands. However there is something about those special places where swathes of stunning blue carpets a woodland, the light dapples through the trees and the heady scent fills the air.

So where can you find the best bluebell woods in Dorset? Well I might be biased but West Dorset seems to have more than it’s fair share so I’ve started there. Join me on a trip around the county to discover some of my favourite places and others that have been recommended to me.

The Best Bluebells Woods in West Dorset

Head up hill to the Forestry Commission track to return to the carpark. The woods also extend North and West although this larger part is Forestry Commission pine woods so not as attractive, but the advantage is there is a good track. It offers plenty of space to explore and means that walking is accessible for everyone here including those of you with pushchairs (although you may struggle in amongst where the bluebells are sorry).

To reach Charmouth Forset head along the the B3165 (Lyme Regis to Crewkerne Road). Approx 3 miles from Raymonds Hill (A35) turn at the Devon Dorset border through the white gates. Wind along for about 1 mile following signs for Wootton Fitzpaine.  There is a car park set off the road on the left in a clearing in the trees. The woods are also referred to as Champernhayes Woods or Wootton Hill.     what 3 words: ///wand.magazine.clean

Eype Down – near Bridport

Enjoy these pretty woods as part of a lovely walk to Thorncombe Beacon on the South West Coast Path.  Wander through the paths in this small woodland where you are surrounded by bluebells are there. 

The nearest proper place to park is the rest area just off the A35 on the Bridport bypass, about 1/2 mile away. Follow the sign to Higher Eype and take the footpath off to the left.  

Hendover Coppice –  Batcombe

Hendover Coppice is peaceful woodland site between Sherborne and Cerne Abbas once used as a place for reflection by monks from the local Friary. The site is a nature reserve managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust.

There is a path through the woods but is has steep slopes and entrance is by a field gate so it is not an accessible site. For details and direction HERE

Hooke Park

Nearby to Beaminster is Hooke Park. This private estate is home to the Architectural Association.  There are over 100 hectares of ancient woodland with some rights of way through it.  There is limited parking near the entrance of the college, then follow the footpath through the woods to see the bluebells. You can extend the walk to North Poorton and onto the Jubilee Trail, you might need an Ordnance Survey map to help you.

Powerstock Common

This Dorset Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve site near Maiden Newton is well known locally for it’s mixture of habitats and bluebell displays. There is parking and some of the area is accessible on gravel tracks. More details here.

Best Bluebells Woods in East Dorset

Kingston Lacy  – Pamphill Woods

This is a well known and popular place to see the bluebells in Dorset. The main area off Abbot Street is an ancient woodlands and a new area was also planted a few years ago. It has designated parking. BH21 4EE

Kingston Lacy Estate

The main National Trust Estate also has lovey areas to see bluebells. There is a woodland trail that is accessible. Membership or entrance payment required  then ou can visit the house and the rest of the grounds as well. BH21 4EA

Thorncombe Woods at Hardy’s Cottage

Hardy’s Cottage near Puddletown is an idyllic spot surrounded by woods and heathland. You can use the Dorset Council owned carpark (£1 per hour) for the woods and follow trails around the area, there is also a visitor centre with toilets and The Under the Greenwood Tree Café.  DT2 8QH More details here. Booking in advance it’s possible to hire a mobility scooter as well as download trail maps

Hardy’s Cottage is owned by the National Trust requires seprate entrance but from the same carpark. Check for opening days before travelling is you want to see this as well.

For longer walks you can also access Puddletown Forest but much of this is more pine forest so less chance of bluebells.

Best Bluebells Woods in North Dorset

Ashmore Wood – Cranborne Chase

 A large mixed woodland conifers and with beech trees make the perfect place for bluebells near Fontmell Magna. This is a Forestry Commisson woodland in Cranborne Chase with many footpaths and tracks running through it.

There’s parking at Washers Pit, signed ‘Forestry Commission Ashmore’, off the Fontmell Magna to Ashmore road (Grid Ref: ST897168)

Duncliffe Wood near Shaftesbury

Duncliffe Wood at Stour Row is an ancient area owned by the Woodland Trust. It is one of the largest woodlands in Dorset and stretches over the double summits of Duncliffe Hill in the Blackmoor Vale. Some tress are said to be 1000 years old.

The large area makes it perfect for walking with various footpaths and tracks as well as the Hardy Way passing through the woods, but be prepared for the hill and it can be muddy underfoot.

Fifehead Wood – Fifehead Magdalen

Not far from Duncliffee, this smaller woodland is popular with locals for its bluebells and wood anemones in the Spring. A Woodland Trust owned site with a footpath path running through it from the edge of the village. You might need to be a map reader to find this one!  The village is just off the A30 between Sherborn and Shaftsbury.