A carpet of blue blooms stretching out under the trees is one of the classic images of spring in the Cotswolds. Over half of the world’s bluebells are found in the UK, and their perfect habitat is an ancient woodland, which we have plenty of here. Bluebells normally bloom for just a few weeks between mid-April and late May, with the exact timing depending on the weather.
Although they’re famous for their deep blue flowers, there are varieties of bluebell with white or pink flowers too. They provide a food source for butterflies, bees and other insects – and according to folklore they’re home to fairies. Bluebells are a protected species so it’s illegal to pick them or dig them up, and be careful not to tread on them as they’re easily damaged by trampling.
So if you’re looking for a stunning spring walk, here’s our pick of the best places to see bluebells in the Cotswolds, including details of how to get there and whether dogs are allowed.
Map of bluebell woods in the Cotswolds
Foxholes Nature Reserve, Kingham
Foxholes Nature Reserve near Kingham is one of the top spots for bluebells in the Cotswolds. This tranquil 56-acre woodland stretches down to the River Evenlode. It’s run by the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, who care for species like the nuthatch, treecreeper and rare Bechstein’s bat. Keep a look out on the 1.75-mile Wildlife Walk, which is marked with badger signs.
Free entry. Limited free parking is available in a lay-by just past Bruern. You can also walk to Foxholes from Kingham train station along the Oxfordshire Way (1.7 miles). Or there’s a 7-mile circular walk from Shipton railway station. Dogs allowed on leads.
Siccaridge Wood, Sapperton
In the Golden Valley a few miles west of Cirencester, Siccaridge Wood is a coppiced woodland which dates back to at least the 16th century. The wood is managed by the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, with protected species like fallow and roe deer and dormice making it their home. And in spring there’s a spectacular array of bluebells beneath the ash, silver birch and beech trees.
There’s a fairly easy, stile-free 1.5-mile walk you can follow around the woodland. And the Daneway Inn pub is right by the entrance to the wood if you want to stop for food or drinks.
Free entry. Free parking is available in the lay-by on the other side of the bridge from The Daneway Inn (plus customer parking at the pub). Dogs allowed on leads.
Frith Wood Nature Reserve, Slad
The ancient beech trees of Frith Wood Nature Reserve lie on a ridge overlooking the Painswick and Slad Valleys. It’s part of the Laurie Lee Wildlife Way, a 5.3-mile trail through the countryside where the Cider With Rosie author spent his childhood. As well as beautiful bluebells you can also find wild garlic in spring, and rare plants like wood barley, white helleborine and yellow bird’s nest.
Free entry. Free parking is available in a lay-by at the Bulls Cross intersection on Slad Road. You can also walk to Frith Wood on a 4-mile circular route from Painswick – which is linked to Cheltenham and Stroud by the Stagecoach 66 bus. Dogs allowed on leads.
Woodchester Park, Stroud
Woodchester Park south of Stroud was once an elegant park surrounding a country house. But today this ‘lost landscape’ contains glimpses of its past, including five lakes, a 19th-century boat house and former quarry. It’s now run by the National Trust and is a great place to see bluebells in spring. There are three waymarked walking trails to follow, ranging from 1.7 to 7 miles.
You can also add on a visit to the unfinished, Victorian Gothic Woodchester Mansion (open Friday–Sunday from April to November). Or call in to the Tinkley Gate café for lunch.
Free entry. Parking at the park’s two entrances – Tinkley Gate and Buckholt – for £3 (free for National Trust members). The Stagecoach 65 bus between Stroud and Dursley stops at Tinkley Corner in Nympsfield, a mile from the Tinkley Gate entrance. Dogs allowed on leads.
Cam Peak, Dursley
With blooms stretching up the hillside, Cam Peak puts on one of the most breathtaking displays of bluebells in the Cotswolds. The hill is on the route of the Cotswold Way near Dursley. There’s a short but steep path to the top, but the gentler path around the base gives you the best view of the flowers. You can also extend your walk onto Cam Long Down for far-reaching views.
Free entry. Free parking at Cam Down car park (GL11 5HH). You can also walk to Cam Peak on circular walks from Dursley (3 miles) or Uley (4 miles), both of which are on the route of the Stagecoach 65 bus from Stroud and Gloucester. Dogs on leads if livestock present.
Leckhampton Hill, Cheltenham
Leckhampton Hill south of Cheltenham was once the location of a quarry and lime kilns, but today it’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest. There’s a mix of open limestone grassland and woodland, with bluebells tucked beneath the trees. Our 3-mile circular walk takes in the best spots, including viewpoints looking out over Cheltenham to the Severn Valley and Malvern Hills.
Free entry. Free parking on Daisybank Road (GL53 9QQ) and Salterley Quarry (GL53 9QJ). Or take the Pulhams L bus from central Cheltenham to Leckhampton Hill Foot. Dogs allowed.
Dover’s Hill, Chipping Campden
At 230 metres high, the natural amphitheatre of Dover’s Hill outside Chipping Campden has panoramic views across the Vale of Evesham. Robert Dover founded his English take on the Olympic Games here in 1612, and it now hosts the quirky Cotswold Olimpick Games each spring. You’ll also find swathes of bluebells under the larch and sweet chestnut trees in Lyches Wood.
Free entry. Parking at the National Trust Car Park (GL55 6UW) from £1 for an hour (free for National Trust members) via the JustPark app. Dover’s Hill is also on the Cotswold Way, and you can walk from Chipping Campden on our 4.1-mile circular route. Dogs allowed on leads.
Kiftsgate Court Gardens, Chipping Campden
Kiftsgate Court Gardens is the work of three generations of female gardeners, designed to have an organic, informal feel. It’s famous for the Kiftsgate Rose, but has plenty more to see. In spring that includes the bluebell wood alongside the driveway, which is planted with maple and cherry trees with a mass of blue beneath (check their website to find out when they’re blooming).
Open Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays 2pm–6pm in April, and Sundays to Thursdays 12pm–6pm in May. Entry £12.50 adults. Free parking. Dogs not permitted.
Westonbirt Arboretum, Tetbury
With its 2500 different species of trees from around the world, The National Arboretum at Westonbirt near Tetbury is best known for its colourful autumn leaves. But it’s also a great place to see bluebells during the spring. The plants thrive in the shaded floor of the Silk Wood, an ancient woodland which has also been added to with ornamental species since the 1880s.
Spring is also the time to see magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias in the Old Arboretum, as well as enjoying year-round activities like the Treetop Walkway, kids’ play areas and café.
Open daily. Entry £13–£21 adults (depending on date). Free parking. The Stagecoach 620 bus from Stroud, Yate and Bath stops at the Arboretum. Dogs allowed off-lead in the Silk Wood.
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