18 stunning bluebell woods in Hertfordshire 2024
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Where to find bluebell woods in Hertfordshire
With each year that passes, I find there are certain events in the British calendar which start to grow a bit stale. The culmination of the Premier League Football season for example, or the build up to Christmas… no doubt you have your own mental list. However, the appearance of bluebells in Hertfordshire woodlands each spring has yet to lose its appeal. We are fortunate to have some amazing bluebell woods in Hertfordshire.
After years of living in big cities, I moved to a village in Hertfordshire several years ago. Each spring I really enjoy seeing the bluebells appear: a sign that summer isn’t far off. There are certain Hertfordshire bluebell woods which I like to wander through each year while there are other woods which I only visit occasionally. One of my favourites is the Ashridge Estate bluebell woods: this is a particularly well known and impressive display. We also love the bluebell woods at Mardley Heath near Welwyn, a great spot for imaginary play and bike rides.
There are pockets of bluebell woods all over Herts so no doubt I have missed plenty from this list. You’ll notice in the map I’ve created at the end of this article that there is a bit of an East Herts bias to my bluebell walks, as this is my neck of the wood (sorry). Feel free to leave me a message in the comments at the end if there’s a bluebell walk in Hertfordshire which you think I should add.
And remember, our woodlands are rich in wildflowers – not just bluebells. Last spring when I visited one of our local bluebell woods, I discovered the bluebells had yet to flower fully but the wood was carpeted by tiny stitchwort blooms as well – really magical.
When do bluebells come out?
So, when is the best time to see bluebells in the British countryside? Well, the end of April and the start of May are pretty reliable for bluebell displays. Some years the blooms can be enjoyed in early April but a particularly cold winter (such as the one we had in 2018) can delay the flowers. If you do not live near a bluebell wood and you are planning to make a special journey to see bluebells, I would recommend going in late April as this should allow for any irregular weather patterns.
The different types of bluebell plant
There are two main species of bluebells in the UK – English and Spanish. It’s the English plant which we need to protect in the wild. Unfortunately you might discover that it is the Spanish variety which graces your garden each spring. The main difference between the two is how the flowers grow on the stem. The English bluebell has flowers on just one side of the stem which is why they droop slightly. On the Spanish bluebell, the flowers grow all around the stem.
Hertfordshire bluebell walks near London
If you live in London and you’re looking for the best bluebell woods near London, many of these Hertfordshire walks are accessible by train from London in under an hour. If you’d like a full day out, I’d recommend Panshanger Woods in Hertford or Bramfield Woods in Watton at Stone as they both offer an extensive walk as well as bluebells, in fact they’re lovely at any time of year. Both can be reached in about 40 minutes from Finsbury Park and are around a mile from the railway station.
For bluebell woods further afield, check out my guide to bluebell woods across the UK
The best bluebell woods in Hertfordshire
Ashridge Estate, near Berkhamsted
Perhaps the most well known stretch of bluebells in Hertfordshire, the National Trust’s Ashridge Estate is a fantastic outdoor space. There are woodlands and meadows, plenty of wildlife plus a monument to climb and a cafe to refuel in. We visited Ashridge Estate in mid April several years ago, it must have been a mild winter as the bluebells were already in full bloom.
Where to eat: there’s a great National Trust café at the Ashridge Estate
Postcode for parking: HP4 1LT
Find out more about the bluebells at Ashridge Estate here
Whippendell Wood, Watford
If a walk amid bluebells sounds a bit tame, the Watford 10k race is known as the “bluebell run”. It takes in lovely Cassiobury Park (which features avenues of chestnut trees, a play area, cafe and bandstand) as well as the ancient woodland of Whippendell which will be carpeted with bluebells when the race takes place on the May Day bank holiday. Watford Junction is just 15 minutes train ride from London Euston so if you’re looking for bluebells near London, this is very accessible.
Where to eat: there are two cafes in Cassiobury Park
What3words car park location for Whippendell Wood
Find out more about the bluebell woods at Cassiobury Park here
Oxhey Woods, Watford
This is a brilliant woodland for families – there’s a fun sculpture trail running through this local nature reserve which will keep little children entertained. The pathways are fine for buggies and there is a range of walking routes including a circular loop of about one kilometre which runs from the car park.
Find out more about Oxhey Woods here
What3words car park location for Oxhey Woods
Heartwood Forest, near St Albans
Part newly planted forest, part ancient woodland, Heartwood is a work in progress landscape created by the Woodland Trust with the help of thousands of volunteers. There is plenty to keep kids interested including marked trails for little legs, a natural playground and den building areas. The bluebells can be found in a stretch of ancient woodland called Langley Woods – the flowers are protected behind a roped pathway so that visitors can enjoy them without fear of them being trampled on.
Where to eat: there’s a good selection of pubs in the nearby village of Sandridge
Find out more about the bluebells at Heartwood Forest here
What3word car park location for Heartwood Forest
Hitchwood, near Preston, Hitchin
This stunning woodland sits near the village of Preston, midway between Hitchin and Knebworth. It’s a little more off the beaten track than some of the other suggestions in this article but there is a small car park on the corner of Hitchwood Lane and the B651.
Where to eat: we like the Rusty Gun, just up the road.
What3words car park location for Hitch Wood
Post Wood, Ware
This little wood is really fun to explore. It’s quite hilly in places so if you’re bringing a buggy you’ll get a work out pushing it up and down the steep slopes (or you can stick to the higher levels if that doesn’t appeal).
Our kids love Post Wood: there are lots of trees to climb, fallen trunks to walk along, a very good rope swing and there are tons of squirrels. Easily accessible from Ware train station, this is a great location if you want a car-free bluebell fix. If you are accessing the woods from the Presdales recreation ground car park, walk straight across the field (we took a different path and ended up in the wrong place).
Ware itself has a great selection of eateries to recharge in after your walk.
Ware is under an hour from London Liverpool Street so it’s a great option if you’re looking for bluebell walks near London.
Where to eat: The Mexican in Ware is very popular
What3words car park location for Post Wood
Find out more about the bluebells at Post Wood here
Panshanger Park, Hertford
This was our first bluebell success story after moving to Hertfordshire and we return in all seasons as it’s such a great place to bring the children: bluebells, den building, an easy circular walk for youngsters and excellent blackberries come summer.
This is another great option for Londoners looking for bluebells near London. Panshanger Woods is a mile from Hertford North train station which has a regular service into London taking around 40 minutes to Finsbury Park. There are no facilities at Panshanger, so make sure you use the loos at the train station! Panshanger is a huge park with a nature reserve, river, lakes and vast open meadows so it’s a lovely day out. Bring a picnic or head into Hertford for a meal: there are lots of great eateries in the town centre.
Where to eat: there are lots of great independent eateries in Hertford – my favourite is Lussmanns. But for a village pub head to the Grandison at Bramfield.
What3words car park location for Panshanger Park
Find out more about the bluebells at Panshanger Park here
Balls Wood, Hertford
This woodland in Hertford Heath is managed by the Woodland Trust and has a series of ponds amid the trees. There are two waymarked trails through Balls Wood.
Where to eat: the College Arms is a local pub with a lovely garden
Find out more about Balls Wood here
There is unofficial car parking on the Roundings next to the College Arms, postcode SG13 7PW
Wormley Wood and Nut Wood, Broxbourne National Nature Reserve
Hertfordshire’s only national nature reserve can be found just south of Hertford. Broxbourne National Nature Reserve is a brilliant place for a family walk or bike ride in Hertfordshire. There are lots of little streams crisscrossing the woods making it a great destination for kids to play, leaping over the water or running across the wooden bridges.
There aren’t masses of bluebells in these woodlands, just small pockets here and there. I think I saw more wood anemones on my last visit. As well as spring blooms, there’s also a brilliant sculpture trail running through part of the woodlands – perfect for little ones who need a bit of encouragement on a walk.
The bluebells are found in the ancient woodlands of Wormley and Nut Woods. While the sculpture trail is in a separate location. Use the Bencroft east or west car parks for bluebells and then half a mile away are the car parks for the sculpture trail.
Where to eat: plenty of choice near Broxbourne Woods. We had a gigantic Sunday roast at The Farmer’s Boy in Brickendon. Otherwise, family-friendly Baker Arms and The Woodman and Olive both have play areas.
What3words car park location (Bencroft Wood West Car Park), or use track.brick.scare for the sculpture trail.
Find out more about Wormley Wood and Nut Wood here
Sherrardspark Wood, Welwyn Garden City
This is a particularly large woodland to get lost in, despite its location within walking distance of Welwyn Garden City town centre. Like Post Wood in Ware and Panshanger in Hertford, this is a good option if you’re after a car-free bluebell day trip.
The bluebells here aren’t as plentiful as other Hertfordshire bluebell woods but it’s a fantastic place for a walk nonetheless.
Our children love this woodland – it has a little stream running through it which is perfect for paddling. There are lots of climbable trees and it’s great fun to explore by bike. Be warned, the carpark near the Red Lion pub can get pretty busy at weekends.
Where to eat: the Red Lion on the other side of the B197 has had good reviews
Find out more about the bluebells at Sherrardspark Wood
Pryor’s Wood, Stevenage
Stevenage gets a bad rap but it has hidden gems of brilliance. We love the town’s museum and the amazing green spaces which are spread across the town.
Pryors Wood is a nature reserve within Great Ashby District Park. This is a great place for a family day out – there’s a dedicated car park, picnic areas, play ground and a huge expanse of flat open space just crying out for a game of football.
There are bluebells in a small wooded area right next to the car park, but head in the opposite direction to find Pryors Wood – it’s stunning. There are well maintained pathways weaving their way through this ancient woodland and it’s positively noisy with the rustling of squirrels and the spring birdsong. I saw the unusual black squirrel when I visited in April 2022.
The car park is located at the end of a residential street (Serpentine Close) – it feels like you’re about to end up in someone’s driveway but follow the road round and the car park appears!
Where to eat: try the Crown at Aston End which has a lovely garden with a play area
Find out more about Pryors Wood
Astonbury Woods, near Stevenage
This little woodland near Stevenage has recently been secured by the Wildlife Trust thanks to the donations of thousands of supporters.
Recently purchased by the Herts Wildlife Trust, this woodland is a peaceful little oasis and well worth tracking down. If you drive along the A602 between Stevenage and Ware in late April, you’ll see the flash of blue from the road as you pass Astonbury Woods.
The woods are located midway between two pubs – the Chequers at Bragbury End and the Three Horseshoes at Hooks Cross. However, you can’t really access the woods from the A602 (unless you use the car park of the Three Horseshoes pub, in exchange for booking a Sunday lunch perhaps). There are a few areas to park on the side of the road on Aston Bury Lane – look for the bend in the road where it meets Beehive Lane (the latter isn’t a road – it’s a footpath).
Although Astonbury Woods is small, it’s a great spot for a family walk (just keep a look out for the deep pond in the middle of the wood). During our visit, we discovered a huge den – there must be some very industrious visitors to this hidden spot.
What3words for the tiny bit of parking just off Astonbury Lane
Find out more about Astonbury Woods
Comb’s Wood, near Dane End
I cycled through this woodland one spring evening in 2021. I’m not sure whether it was the pale evening light breaking through into the woodland or simply the joy of being out on my bike in lovely weather, but Comb’s Wood was breathtaking. I love returning to this woodland each spring.
There’s a meandering path through the woodland, and a large fallen tree in the centre for kids to play on. If you follow the trail down the hill you cross a stream and head up another hillside – with woodland on one side and (if you time it right) a meadow of daisies on the other – I think the daisies come out some weeks after the bluebells.
There are just a couple of spaces for cars to park along Whempstead Road.
Where to eat: try the Bull in Watton at Stone or the Crown at Aston End
Mardley Heath, near Welwyn Garden City
This is one of our favourite local woodlands – it’s particularly brilliant if you bring a bike (just avoid cycling over the bluebells!). There is an amazing tree – we call it a monster tree – which has exposed roots on a hillside, creating a cave-like area beneath where children can hide. The roots are a brilliant natural climbing frame.
There aren’t as many flowers at Mardley Heath as there are in other Hertfordshire bluebell woods but this is a truly wonderful place to bring children.
Where to eat: the White Horse at Burnham Green is a short drive away and has a good play area.
Read more about Mardley Heath here
Tewin Orchard, near Welwyn Garden City
I’ve earmarked Tewin Orchard as a place to bring my boys when they’re a bit older to spy on badgers from the purpose-built badger hides. At the moment the kids are too noisy for badgers to dare come close, so we’ll stick to the impressive bluebells in spring and the apple festival at the end of summer.
There are only a couple of parking spaces just inside the orchard. To reach the woodland, walk through the orchard, following the signs to the badger hide. From there, you cross over a dip in the land and the woods are beyond – access to this woodland isn’t buggy or wheelchair friendly.
Where to eat: the Plume of Feathers has a lovely beer garden with play area.
Find out more about Tewin Orchard here
What3word car parking location
Gobions Woods, near Potters Bar
This nature reserve just north of Potters Bar is a really interesting spot with ponds, a canal network and meadows as well as a bluebell wood which has a one mile waymarked trail running through it. Brookmans Park train station is a 20 minute walk from the woods.
Find out more about the bluebell wood at Gobions Wood Nature Reserve
What3words car park location for Gobions Woods
Northaw Great Wood, near Cuffley
A couple of miles from Gobions Woods is this lovely big woodland, midway between Cuffley and Potters Bar. Northaw is made up predominantly of oak, birch and hornbeam. There are dense areas and meadow – perfect for a picnic.
There are several places from which to access the woods – the main car park at along a woodland road off the Ridgeway. This car park has toilets.
Find out more about Northaw Great Wood
What3words car park location for Northaw Great Wood
Bramfield Woods, Watton at Stone
This is a popular spot for cycling or horse riding and it’s buggy-friendly too. There are pathways running from Watton at Stone to Datchworth and Bramfield, each village has some good pubs if you need a pit stop. Otherwise, picnic amid the beautiful bluebells.
Watton at Stone railway station is around 45 minutes from Finsbury Park so it’s an easy day trip if you’re looking for bluebell walks near London.
If you fancy a long walk, park at the station or at the Community Centre in Watton at Stone (both free but limited spaces) and access the woods from Perrywood Lane. It’s approximately two miles along country lanes from the train station. Otherwise, there is a small amount of roadside parking along Winding Shot.
Where to eat: plenty of choice – try the Bull at Watton at Stone, the Grandison at Bramfield or the Horns at Datchworth
Find out more about Bramfield Woods here
What3words car park location on Winding Shot
Map of bluebell woods in Hertfordshire
As you can see from my map of Hertfordshire bluebell woods, my compilation is slightly biased towards East Herts where I live – if you’re from another part of the county and you have know of some brilliant bluebell woods in Herts, please do let me know.
More family-friendly walks in Hertfordshire
Heartwood Forest near St Albans
Mardley Heath near Welwyn Garden City
Where do you recommend going to see bluebell woods in Hertfordshire? If you have a favourite Hertfordshire bluebell walk, let me know in the comments below.
Need refreshments? I’ve put together an extensive list of tried and tested pubs in Hertfordshire which are great for families.
Looking for fun days out in Hertfordshire? I’ve written a guide to the best places to visit in Hertfordshire.
Looking for other ways to get outside in the UK? I’ve written about the best sculpture parks and sculpture trails in the UK which covers some brilliant outdoor art, perfect for families who want to get their kids engaged with art.
If you’re driving in the UK, make sure you take a look at my post about family-friendly places to stop just off the motorway. It covers everything from play areas to picnic spots, castles to nature reserves.
We go to see the blue bells in Ashridge forest every year for the last five years. I have not been to the one in Panshanger. I would love to see that. Thank you so much for your recommendation.
Glad it’s close enough for you to get to!
Thanks for these – I don’t think I’ve seen bluebells in any of these places, and it’s good to know where you can consistently find them. I was in Highgate Wood the other day, and hoped to spot some there, but you’re right about them blooming a tad later this year. There were none to be seen, anywhere!
Yes, really late. I normally drive past a patch every day and there’s no sign yet. But spring is coming this week!
Good reason to return, just make sure you get a long weather forecast before you book your flight!
Great list I want to visit this tear #farawayfiled
A few of those are near us so I may try and go see them before they’re gone. Your photos are beautiful. 🙂
Hope you get to see some, they should be around for a while yet.
Great. I will try one of the places on the list. Beautiful photos. #farawayfiles
How beautiful, Annabel. I love seeing bluebells in the woods. We call one of the woods close to us the Bluebell Wood because it always looks so wonderful in May. I should venture up to Hertfordshire one day to see them around you and compare them with the ones closer to us. Thank you so much for sharing this delightful slice of Spring with us on #FarawayFiles
Let’s hope spring continues!
I have a group hike coming up the first week of May, which “promises” a bluebell wood. That is in the Low Weald of Kent, the hike goes from Staplehurst to Headcorn. (No kids on that hike, it’s with a women’s group.) I also have seen a nice stretch of bluebells in the woodland area of Kew Gardens, so if you are in London, you might see them there. Thanks for the list, the photos are great!
I’d love to visit Kew with my kids but we never manage as it’s the wrong side of London. Really must make the effort! The Kent countryside is lovely, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful walk.
My favourite sight by far! The sight of a carpet of bluebells just makes my heart sing & the scent too! We’re a bit far from Hertfordshire but happily have lots of beautiful places to see them near us now non Dartmoor – by far my favourite though is still Silkwood at Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury – just beautiful in every way. #FarawayFiles
That’s good to know, we might be passing by Tetbury in a couple of weeks.
What beautiful photos! I have been meaning to visit Dunham Massey for a while – you’ve inspired me to make it happen! #CountryKids
Hope you make it there!
We’ve been told to visit Ashridge later this month to see the bluebells, I can’t wait to see them all out, here they are just starting to appear but not in flower #countrykids
The ones around here have literally just appeared in the last couple of days!
One can never get tired of seeing flowers bloom especially after a long winter, so seeing bluebells in Herfordshire would be welcoming 🙂 I love your photo of Panshanger Woods in Hertford – they are so pretty! 🙂 #FarawayFiles
I’m looking forward to lots of walks after school this week!
I remember marveling at the bluebells in Ashridge Forest when I lived in Hertfordshire. It feels along time ago now though. we have bluebells here on the farm in the woods and they are all behind this year thanks to the cold spring.However the last 4 days is working wonders for bringing things along and I hope to be sharing ours soon too. Enjoy all the lovely bluebells around you this spring.
Thank you for sharing with me on CountryKids
Yes, our woods have literally changed colour in the last couple of days, such a great sight now!
I have to admit we had never seen any round here until we got our dog approx 2 years ago and then we started walking her in the local woods and the place is beautiful with them.
Great that they are thriving in so many places down near you.
The red jacket amongst them in May 16 makes for a great contrast. #countrykids
Really hoping to see some on a walk today – you’re pictures have made me so excited. They look so beautiful #countrykids
What a great idea to do a list! I love seeing bluebells although I always get a bit disheartened when I see people trample over them to get a photo or let their children pick handfuls of them. Such a shame that they don’t just leave them for other people to enjoy.
My friend lives that way and sends me loads of pics of the bluebells every year! It looks so precious.
#mondayescapes
So beautiful! I don’t think I’d tire of visiting bluebell woods either. The bluebells in my garden haven’t bloomed yet, but I’m looking forward to seeing them flower 🙂 #countrykids
Now that is a comprehensive list of Hertfordshire woodlands fit for any season. Gotta love the bluebells too.
Hope it doesn’t make you too homesick for Stevenage!
This post has me excited for spring! Like you we had a long, cold winter and things are JUST starting to bloom around here. Bluebells are always so pretty and it sounds like you’ve found some magical little spots. Thanks for linking up with #farawayfiles
Hope your springtime arrives soon!
I just love bluebell time, and well done on such a comprehensive woodland list for your county! #CountryKids
Thanks. Yes, it’s one of my favourite times of year!
I do love seeing Bluebell woods but am yet to work out the best places in Devon. Thanks for sharing your Hertfordshire tips on #MondayEscapes
I bet there’s some lovely ones in Devon!
I love bluebell glades, but I don’t know of any local ones to me unfortunately! Thanks for linking up to #ablogginggoodtime
Ah my old neck of the woods! Lovely to hear you say something nice about Stevenage – yes it does get a bad rep! I also like visiting Fairland’s Woods for bluebells, this makes me want to go back and visit! #MondayEscapes
Always good to support the underdog!
I LOVE bluebell season and I’ve written a similar post for East Devon and Dorset. I’ll share yours with my friends who live that way. #AdventureCalling
Thanks! I’ll look out for yours.
My aunt used to live near Welwyn Garden City – I should have hunted out some of these fantastic woods when I used to visit.
I wonder if there are any bluebell woods near me in Lincolnshire – I’ll have to check!
#farawayfiles
You’ve reminded me I really want to visit Lincoln so let me know if I can take in some woods as well as the city!
When I see posts like this one I feel really desperate to get a car again, as most of the great bluebell places around here are otherwise out of our reach. But still, lovely to see your photos of these beautiful spots! x
#CountryKids
I love Bluebells. These photos are great. I want to go and get snapping in the local Bluebell fields now. Popping over from #CountryKids xx
We have yet to see some bluebells here in Ireland. We saw the first ones in mid April last year, but nothing so far this year after this endless winter. The spring sunshine should wake them up soon though 🙂
#CountryKids
I cannot wait to head out and see the bluebells, I have some in my garden now
I love Bluebell season! You’ve reminded me to get out and about to our local bluebell forest this week! #MondayEscapes
Hope you find some!
I afore bluebells and they were everywhere where I grey up in Essex, there aren’t so many where I live in Lancashire which is so sad as they re the prettiest flower x
I love bluebell time too, it reminds me of visiting local woods when I was a kid. We haven’t made it this year, hopefully they’ll hold out for a little while yet! This is a great list, looks like some really beautiful places to visit. Thank you for linking up with us #AdventureCalling
We went for a bluebell wander thousand weekend, they’re just starting to turn so you’d better be quick!
We’ve been admiring some bluebells in west Wales this weekend and that, of course, is no bad thing. The Watford 10K sounds like my sort of run and is pretty much why I love trail running as opposed to pavement bashing – the natural beauty of the landscape always makes it appear less painful. Thanks for joining us on #adventurecalling. We’ll be back open the in the morning for more posts.
I have great memories of the bluebells on the Pembrokeshire coast, would love to go back there!
very pretty