Since bluebells are my absolute favourite, I thought I’d highlight some of the bluebell walks in the local area and share some of the breath taking blue carpets. You might have noticed that bluebells are starting to emerge, they will fully bloom towards the end of April leading into the start of May.

When you are strolling around admiring the blue carpet, there might be some facts about bluebells you find interesting – for example ‘Almost half the world’s bluebells are found in the UK’.  I’d like to share some intriguing facts and insights about bluebells that I’ve uncovered while exploring these sites.

Bluebells at Greys Court

One of the bluebell walks on my local list is at Greys Court in Rotherfield Greys, near Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. This historic Tudor family home is managed by the National Trust, and admission is approximately £16. Greys Court is a fantastic destination to explore, especially now as we approach the ideal time to witness the bluebells in full bloom. There’s plenty to see and enjoy during a visit here.

 Conservation for Bluebells

Bluebells are quite rare, which adds to their allure and makes them feel particularly special to me. Something to remember whilst exploring these sites is to look but not touch them, as they are protected, under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). It is against the law to intentionally pick or uproot bluebells. I also try to make sure my dog doesn’t trample any as bluebells rely on their leaves for photosynthesis, and if they’re damaged, they can’t produce food and may die back. Since bluebell colonies take several years to establish—from seed to flower, typically five to seven years—protecting them is vital for their long-term survival and enjoyment for future generations.

Organisations like the National Trust and Woodland Trust play crucial roles in bluebell conservation. A quarter of the woodlands cared for by the National Trust are ancient or semi-natural, providing ideal conditions for English bluebells to thrive. These organisations actively manage and protect woodlands to preserve habitats where English bluebells can flourish.

Bluebells at Stoke Woods

Stoke Woods, located outside Bicester, is a charming woodland owned by the Woodland Trust. It’s a wonderful place for a stroll among beautiful bluebells and offers free entry and parking, although during busy times of the year, the parking lot can fill up quickly. Stoke Wood was once part of the expansive 3,000-acre Swift’s House estate, where Sir Thomas Mostyn built Swift’s House in 1800.

This woodland is often busy and is easily accessible, with a level entrance near the car park through a bridleway gate. Most trails are well-maintained and clearly marked, though some internal paths may become muddy during wet weather. Consequently, I had to navigate carefully to avoid the mud and ensure I didn’t disturb the bluebells. Despite the mud this is a lovely walk for bluebells in Oxfordshire. 

The Fairy Bluebell Folklore

I find that walking around woods with the presence of bluebells certainly adds to the mystical atmosphere and the association with fairy folklore. Bluebells have long been linked to tales of fairy magic and enchantment, often portraying them as flowers connected to otherworldly realms.

In folklore, bluebell woods are believed to be places where fairies reside, weaving spells and traps to lure unsuspecting humans. The ringing of bluebells is thought to signal the presence of malevolent fairies, foretelling ill fortune. Similarly, picking bluebells is said to incur the wrath of fairies, leading one astray into a perpetual state of wandering. So, another reason not to pick or damage them!

Symbolically, bluebells carry meanings of humility, constancy, gratitude, and everlasting love in the language of flowers. There’s a charming belief that turning a bluebell flower inside-out without damaging it can bring luck in love. Wearing a wreath of bluebells, according to tradition, ensures that one can only speak the truth.

Bluebells at Stowe Gardens

Stowe is another beautiful place to visit, in Buckingham, Buckinghamshire. Stowe is run by the National Trust, and it is around £15.00 per entry. Every year in springtime, bluebells transform woodland floors across the country into a delicate sea of blue. Community volunteers have planted over 300,000 bulbs throughout the grounds, making their snowdrops and bluebells a sight to see. 

Stowe is a fantastic garden to visit, especially for fans of period dramas. Many films, including Pride and Prejudice, have used the grounds as a backdrop, often featuring the statues in their scenes. 

Where are the Best Places to Plant Bluebells?

Creating beautiful groups of bluebells in your garden can be challenging because bluebells thrive in woodland settings, preferring partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. However, you can create your own little fairy scene by planting them in groups beneath deciduous trees or shrubs to mimic a mini-woodland atmosphere.

If you are looking for a more fairy tale garden, you can get in contact with us for some advice on how to make this happen.

Bluebells at Hughenden Manor

Another beautiful place to visit to see the bluebells is Hughenden Manor, a National Trust property, in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire and the admission is around £15. The woodlands around Hughenden Manor are full of bluebells in the spring so is a great site to visit.

Hughenden is a large estate with over 600 acres of woodland and farmland over the Chiltern Hills and so as you can imagine, when the bluebells are out and spring is in full swing, the land looks incredible.

Bluebells in Medicine

Bluebells have had various historical uses beyond just looking pretty. While they were not commonly used in traditional medicine, legend suggests that 13th-century monks turned to bluebells to treat snakebites and leprosy, despite the bulb’s being poisonous – raising doubts about their efficacy.

While bluebells are not widely used in modern medicine due to their toxicity, their properties continue to be studied for potential therapeutic benefits in specific contexts.

Uses of Bluebells in History

While bluebells were not extensively utilized in medicine, they were repurposed for other practical applications. Their adhesive sap was employed to bind book pages and affix feathers to arrows. Moreover, during the Elizabethan era, their bulbs were crushed to create starch used for stiffening ruffled collars and sleeves.

English and Spanish Bluebells

Planting bluebells in your garden requires the careful selection to favour the English bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) over the Spanish variety. The Spanish species is more vigorous and could potentially outcompete the native UK flower.

Native to the UK, Hyacinthoides non-scripta bluebells face a threat from the non-native Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica), which was introduced to Britain in the late 17th century. Over the past 30 years, the Spanish bluebell has started to spread from gardens and take over.

Differences Between English and Spanish Bluebells

It’s fairly easy to tell the difference between English and Spanish bluebells but the hybrids can be trickier as they take characteristics from both.

Native bluebells are usually a deep violet-blue colour and can be characterized by bell-shaped blooms with six petals and upturned tips. These fragrant flowers nod or droop gracefully to one side of the flowering stem. Occasionally, bluebell flowers may also appear in white or pink.

Spanish bluebell heads are much more upright and lighter blue but can also be occasionally white or pink. The Spanish bluebells have broader leaves than the native bluebells.

Exploring the Local Area for Bluebells

Exploring the local area and venturing across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire to admire the bluebells on scenic walks has revealed the mystery and wonder behind these enchanting blue flowers.

Beyond simply enjoying their beauty, I have looked into the history of these “fairy flowers” which has been a fascinating journey. It’s a reminder that there’s always more to uncover in the natural world. I can’t recommend enough to take a walk into your local woods this weekend to see if you can find any bluebells as they are always such a joy to see.