Fellow bluebell seekers, it’s our favourite time of year!
The county is blooming with a burst of spring, so it's the perfect time to head out and see the beautiful bluebell come to life. With ancient woodland all across Kent, you can spot carpets of indigo on many a rural ramble from April and we've got suggestion of the best places to find this floral favourite.
We admit, we’ve only scratched the surface with our favourite bluebell haunts, so if you have a favourite let us know - and most importantly, share your spring pictures with us on Twitter and Instagram!
And if you're in the mood to find more blooms, check out our guide to the best places for spring flowers of every colour in Kent.
19th April-1st May
For a true bluebell celebration, come along to the Riverhill Gardens Bluebell Festival this year. You can take in all of the blue-fuelled glory as you walk through their trail - be sure to bring those cameras! Plus, with their annual bluebell inspired craft fair in the Garden Room, this is a day for the whole family to enjoy.
With eight acres of award-winning gardens, it should come as no surprise that Walmer Castle made our list. Known for those beautiful formal gardens, the castle makes for a glorious visit any time of year, but it's spring when the woodland garden and meadow really come alive.
A sea of blue awaits at Emmetts Garden. Stretched across the slopes of the Edwardian hillside garden, enjoy woodland wanders and plenty of sightings of bluebells, but don’t lose sight of the sensational panoramic views of the Weald that are never very far away.
Sat just behind Caracol's meadow in the High Weald of Kent & Sussex sits an ancient coppiced woodland. During the months of May, the woodland comes alive with a carpet of stunning bluebells that the guests can enjoy. Come for a walk, join on to the WealdWay and Tunbridge Wells Circular walk, and be sure to visit the local Groombridge farm shop where you can get some fresh and local produce.
What could be better than a bluebell scout out in the fairy-tale surroundings of Scotney Castle? Aside from the beautiful ruins of its fourteenth century moated castle and Victorian house, an exploration of the surrounding Colliers Wood and Broadham Wood is perfect for spotting bluebells. What's better, you can turn your spring-time day into an overnight stay at the Scotney West Lodge. Sleeping four, this spacious yet cosy cottage has its very own tucked away garden, meaning you and the family can experience the estate like never before.
12,000 trees and shrubs are scattered across the landscape at Bedgebury Pinetum and when spring arrives, azaleas, rhododendrons and bluebells are all part of the stunning scenery. Pack a picnic, put your walking shoes on and enjoy this tranquil corner of the county.
Ah, one of our absolute favourites any time of year, Penshurst Place is glorious during bluebell season. Stroll the acres of parkland surrounding the estate, before venturing into those beautifully manicured formal gardens. Pssst...be sure to come back in May for that Insta-fabulous peony border too!
Looking for a lot of colour? Take a walk in the magical parkland of Hole Park Gardens! Along with many bluebells, you'll find daffodils, magnolia, wisteria, camellias and much more in this garden.
Visit the family home and garden of Winston Churchill and you'll be able to see the beautiful seas of bluebells until your hearts content! Enjoy a bite to eat at the Landemare Cafe, take the kids to the play areas, and soak up the beautiful outdoors!
We know that spring is on its way when the bluebells start to appear in the grounds below the University of Kent. At this time of year, we can't resist an afternoon stroll around Eliot Woods, full to the brim with beautiful bluebells. With easy access via public transport, and great cafes and restaurants on site, this is one of the top spots for all Canterbury locals!
Set in the Kent Downs National Landscape, Ashenbank Wood is the perfect setting for an afternoon stroll spent taking in the wonderful bluebells that mark the start of spring. With other ancient features and wonderful wildlife, you'll want to spend the whole day soaking in the beauty of these woods.
19th April
Join the team at Trosley Country Park for a Wellbeing Walk amongst the bluebells this spring season. Beneficial to both the mind and the body, this is a day of mindfulness and care that you won't want to miss out on. Bring the family along and enjoy a relaxing day spent focusing on your wellbeing.
A sight not to be missed are the bluebells in Scathes Wood on the Ightham Mote estate. There is a lot to see during a walk here, such as many different types of trees, flowers and animals. So keep your eyes open!
For a fantastic spring stay-cation in Kent this year, Keepers Cottages have got you and the family covered. Will you choose Reed Loft, with space for 6, tucked away in the beautiful countryside with its own indoor pool and private garden? Or the magnificent Glen Hill, with space for 19 and unbeatable views over Walmer Castle and blooming woodlands. Whatever you may need this trip, Keepers have got you covered.
It is said Guy Fawkes purchased gunpowder from here, but it’s safe to say a more peaceful visit is to be had these days! Among the rich patchwork of habitats of wetland, woodland and open glades, bluebells are emerging across the landscape. Of course, bluebell spot while here, but be sure to keep an eye out for the birds, bats and amphibians that also call this park home.
This 537 acre site is worth a visit if you'd like to see carpets of bluebells and other wildflowers. With 180,000 leaves and 21 different species of butterflies Hucking Estate is a great place to enjoy a walk.
Discover a carpet of bluebells on the North Downs with a visit to Ranscombe Farm Reserve in Cuxton, near Rochester. The nature reserve is a haven for rare wild plants, especially arable wildflowers and orchids, so be sure to have those cameras at the ready. Bonus tip - return in May for sightings of wild poppies which form rich red carpets along the edges of the farm’s wheat fields too!
