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The English bluebell is one of the most remarkable wildflowers in Europe. The Lake District holds a disproportionate share of the world's remaining bluebell woodland — England has approximately half of the entire global population, and the ancient oak woods of the Lake District are among the finest bluebell habitats anywhere.
In late April and early May, in the right woodland in the right conditions, a bluebell wood in the Lake District is one of the most beautiful sights in England.
Hyacinthoides non-scripta — the English or common bluebell — is a bulbous perennial of ancient woodland, flowering before the tree canopy closes and cuts off the light in early summer. The flowers are deep violet-blue (occasionally white in a small proportion of plants), tubular, drooping at the tip, with a distinctive sweet fragrance.
The English bluebell is under threat in many parts of the country from the Spanish bluebell (H. hispanica), an introduced garden plant that hybridises readily with the native species, producing vigorous hybrids that gradually displace the native plant. In the ancient woodlands of the Lake District, where the native species has been established for thousands of years, the threat is less severe than in southern England — but it is present wherever gardens with Spanish bluebells border native woodland.
The bluebell season in the Lake District runs from approximately late April to mid-May, varying by altitude, aspect and the weather of the particular year. Lower-lying woodland on south-facing slopes flowers first — typically late April. Higher woodland, and north-facing sites, flowers later.
The peak season in most years is the first two weeks of May. A cold spring delays the peak by a week or two; a warm spring accelerates it.
Grasmere — the mixed woodland on the lower slopes of Silver Howe above Grasmere has good bluebell displays in May. The path from Grasmere village towards Red Bank passes through this woodland.
Rydal — the woodland on the eastern shore of Rydal Water, on the path between Grasmere and Ambleside, reliably produces bluebell displays. The proximity to Wordsworth's Dora's Field (which, coincidentally, is famous for daffodils in March) makes this a particularly rich literary and botanical walk.
Borrowdale — the ancient sessile oak woodland on the valley sides of Borrowdale supports extensive bluebell populations. Ashness Wood, above Derwentwater, is particularly good.
Near Sawrey — the woodland near Hill Top (Beatrix Potter's farmhouse) has bluebell displays in May that were part of the landscape Potter lived in and painted. The woodland on the approach to Near Sawrey from Hawkshead is worth seeking out in the bluebell season.
Grizedale Forest — the ancient woodland patches within Grizedale have good bluebell populations. The Grizedale mountain bike trails pass through some of the best areas in May.
The bluebell season coincides with the spring tour season, which is one of the best times to visit the Lake District. On the Beatrix Potter tours, Near Sawrey woodland is part of the route; on the 8 Lakes tours, Ashness Wood above Derwentwater is part of the Borrowdale section. Your expert storyteller will point out the bluebell woodland and explain the ecology of these ancient woodland sites.
Our tours run from April through the bluebell season. See all tours and book here.