Bluebell season in the Lake District

The Lake District is famous for its spectacular bluebell displays and some of the UK’s best places to see them are right here.

You’ll find swathes of wild bluebells carpeting ancient woodlands and painting fell-sides in their purpley blue hue, along with cultivated displays in many of our gardens, where footpaths let you close up to breathe in their heady scent.

The spring bluebell show is an annual fixture here on the Lake District calendar, they are a sensitive flower and must be cared for. They thrive in the Lake District’s ancient woodlands and mountains, where the soils have laid unchanged for centuries.

Let’s hope this year is a bumper crop of bluebells, appearing from late April to May. Read on for our Top Bluebell walks.

Muncaster Castle Bluebell Walk

Muncaster Castle sits at the bottom of Muncaster Fell overlooking the River Esk. It is a 70-acre family-owned rocky, woodland estate. Head around the back to the castle after a walk along The Terrace to take in the views down The Ghyll, to Bluebell Haven. The climb is worth it, to see such a large carpet of bluebells. The haze of native blue stretches as far as the eye can see.

Muncaster Castle

Rannerdale Knotts, Buttermere

Rannerdale Knott is a perfectly formed small Lake District fell, right on the shore of Buttermere, which is one of the very prettiest lakes in the Lake District. Buttermere is one of three lakes that lies in the glacial Lorton Valley, in the quiet Western Lakes. Lorton Valley is often called ‘the secret valley’ or ‘the valley of bluebells’ and is a must for celebrating bluebell season. Take care here as the blooms are in a conservation area, so stick to paths and don’t pick any blooms.

Rannerdale Bluebells, Buttermere

Skelghyll Woods, Ambleside

Just a short walk from the centre of Ambleside, Skelghyll Woods are a very easy way of getting your spring bluebell hit. Enter Skelghyll Woods by following signposts near Waterhead car park to Jenkins Crag. Hop over a stile and you are immediately amidst bluebell strewn woodland. If you’re staying in Ambleside, why not head to the woods in the early morning to catch the golden spring light. Simply bliss. Continue on up to Jenkins Crag for views over the lake too, and you can also follow the ancient tree trail through the woods, spotting the tallest tree in Cumbria.

Brandelhow Woods, Derwentwater

A great one for babies and toddlers on this 2.5 mile, easy, pram-friendly bluebell walk. Take the Keswick Launch to start the adventure and enter Brandelhow Park. Look out for the plaque commemorating the National Trust. These woods were their first Lake District purchase and you’ll come across a pair of giant hands holding an acorn, the symbol of the National Trust. A lovely walk right along the lakeshore.

Low Wood, Wasdale

Head to the wildest of the Lake District’s valleys to see this wild and rugged landscape flourishing with wild bluebells. This is the most enchanting and magical bluebell walk in the Lake District, where you can imagine fairies hiding amongst the dancing flower heads. Don’t let any April showers put you off as bluebells drenched in spring showers is quite the sight to behold.