The Best Bluebell Woods in Devon, Dorset and Somerset

I love bluebells –  the heady scent, their amazing colour and the promise they bring that summer is really on its way again. A walk in the types of ancient woodlands that bluebells love is hard to beat. The leaves of the beech trees emerge almost fluorescent green,  the sun dappling through their branches casting shadows on the bluebells so that together they look so beautiful.

This is my guide to the best Bluebell Woods in Devon (mainly East Devon and Dorset, Somerset borders – there are no doubt others that you know of, but these are local ones on my doorstep so I’m a bit biased! Some I have been recommended so I have to admit I’ve not been to all of them yet.  So that’s the plan for this Spring, new woods and more photos! Please tell me your favourite spots for me to visit and hope you get out to discover some new places yourself.

Best Bluebell Woods in Devon

Holyford Woods, near Seaton

One of the oldest woodlands in England, this nature reserve is managed by the East Devon Countryside team with their band of volunteers. This woodland is beautiful for a walk at anytime of year.

It’s not the most accessible place to reach or walk around (access is via a fairly steep hill from Tower Garage), but it makes it all the more special. Look out for guided walks at the end of April run by the East Devon Countryside team. For more information check here Holyford Woods.

Best bluebell woods Devon Dorset Somerset Holyford Woods

Blackury Camp

Blackbury Camp (near Sidmouth) is known far and wide for its bluebells which are set in and around this hill fort.

This is a really lovely place and also perfect for toddlers, one of the few woods suitable for buggy’s and great for a picnic.

Take a look at my blog post for more details about this site and a great place for a cuppa afterwards – Blackbury Castle.

Salcombe Hill, Sidmouth

Not far from Blackbury Camp, Salcombe Hill is a lovely little circular walk that takes in the coast path with views across to Sidmouth.  This National Trust area is criss-crossed with footpaths so you can enjoy a longer circular walk all the way to take in The Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary or a relatively short walk to through the woods to the coast and back.  Find out more with parking, maps and directions on the National Trust website HERE.

Best Bluebell Woods Devon and Dorset
Best bluebell woods Devon Dorset Somerset bluebell

Offwell Woods

Another of my winter walks that will be springing into life and sharing it’s bluebells. Offwell Woods are near Honiton just off the A35 – here’s the link to the post Offwell Woods.

Otterhead Lakes and Woods

Otterhead Lakes south of Taunton is a pretty short walk. Bluebells are a bit later here than some places. See them near the carpark and take the left hand path as you head down the hill towards the lakes.  

Coombe Wood near Honiton

This is one of those places that the National Trust and locals keep secret from us. Lots of places like this are not listed in the NT guide book but are scattered around the countryside. Last year I was  bit late to see the bluebells but I’ve heard it’s one of the best. However it’s a lovely walk at any time of year.

The woods are small and there is a one mile circular walk around the perimeter, the perfect length for a stroll for all ages.  This woodland is just to the north of Honiton.  You can read more about Combe Woods here.

Bluebell Woods near Exeter

A popular places for bluebell spotting is the Killerton House Estate. There are lovely displays near the house and in The Clump A short walk from Killerton House is Danes Wood which is also well known for it’s bluebells.

Ashclyst Forest is part of the Killerton Estate but has separate parking and is well worth exploring.  The good news is that the areas outside the main house are dog friendly as well.

Bluebell Woods on Dartmoor

Meldon Woods near Okehampton

A lovely walk in the woods that can be extended to a 4.5 mile circuit around the Meldon Viaduct or even into Okehampton on the Two Castles Trail. Fortunately you don’t need to go too far from the car park at the Meldon Reservoir to see the gorgeous display in the woods. It sounds like a beautiful place to explore.

Holwell Lawn Bluebell Walk

This stunning display is pretty much a field of bluebells on Dartmoor found between Hay Tor and Hound Tor. Hound Tor is the nearest car park and if you are driving from the Hay Tor direction you may be able to see the bluebells to your right just before Hound Tor.  Walking to them is across the moor so it’s not suitable for pushchairs etc.

Bluebell Woods in Somerset

Wayford Woods

Popping across the border into Somerset are the lovely Wayford Woods near Clapton. When I went it was late May and the rhododendrons were in bloom so I had missed the bluebells –  but I’ve taken it from good authority that they are also worth the trip for.  Read my post on Wayford Woods for more details.

Best Bluebell Woods Devon Dorset Somerset Wayford Woods

Castle Neroche

In Somerset I also have Castle Neroche to visit during bluebell season. Originally a hill fort, it’s just a short drive North from the A303 heading towards Taunton (the turning by the Eagle Tavern pub for anyone who knows the area).  Castle Neroche is very popular site that has marked paths and routes to follow.

Thurlbear Wood

Another bluebell place I have recently heard about is Thurlbear Wood Nature Reserve near Taunton. This is managed by Somerset Wildlife Trust –  do let me know if you’ve been and how good it is.

Best bluebells in West Dorset

I’ve made a few suggestions below but I also have a post dedicated to bluebell woods in Dorset HERE.

Best Bluebell woods in Devon Dorset Charmouth view

Colmer’s Hill

This iconic tree topped hill near Bridport is not a place you would expect to see bluebells. However surprisingly the hillside is covered in them. It makes a change from the leafy woodland walks and beech trees that we usually associate with bluebells. Even better of course are the stunning views from the top.

Here’s a link to a walk on Colmer’s Hill with more details.

Colmers Hill Bridport Walk bluebells 2

Charmouth Forest

These woods are well known to locals but designed to confuse anyone new. Known locally as Charmouth Forest they are not in Charmouth at all, but a few miles away on the edge of village called Wootton Fitzpaine.

The lower section of woods are beech woods, which is where you will find the most amazing display of bluebells.  

A nice circular walk (about 1 mile) will take you into the woods with fabulous views of Charmouth through the trees. Then head up hill to the track to return to the carpark

 

Best bluebell woods in Devon Dorset Wotton Fitzpaine

Coney’s Castle

Set 1/2 mile from the well known Lambert’s Castle, this ancient hill fort is awash with bluebells in the spring and is lovely for a short walk. Make the circuit around the edge of the fort and enjoy the peace and quiet of the centre where you could stop for a picnic or lay back and watch the clouds roll by. Cross the road and you can enjoy the stunning views across the Marshwood Vale.

This is a National Trust site, and is in fact very close to the woods described above. Coney’s Castle is just off the B3165. There is a small car park off the road.

Best bluebell Woods Devon Dorset Coneys Castle

Phew that’s quite a list even if I do say so myself! The last few years everyone seems to have gone a bit bluebell mad. 

Other places to look for bluebells and to log your finds:

Woodland Trust Bluebell Watch

Wildlife Trust –  Dazzled by Bluebells

While you are admiring the bluebells you will often see a lot of wild garlic. This is a fantastic free food and makes a great addition to a stir fry or for home made pesto. Here are some top tips of foraging for wild garlic.

Finally please do leave me comments once you’ve read this post or after you’ve been to any of these places to let me and other readers know how you found got on. Happy bluebell hunting.

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