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As winter fades away and the sun gets higher in the sky we are rewarded with the arrival of spring and with it the appearance of the iconic and magical bloom of bluebells. This beautiful spring flower grows in ancient deciduous woodlands of which we have plenty here in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and carpets of the sweet smelling flower cover the forest floor during April and May.
There are plenty of breathtaking displays of bluebells to choose from in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. In fact you don't have to travel far to see them as bluebells can be found all over the forest during spring and many walks will take in expansive carpets of the flowers. Some of the most spectacular shows of bluebells in the country can be seen here in our ancient forest and wild river valley and visitors from across the UK and abroad eagerly await their return each year and the pleasure of seeing the stunning displays deep in the woods or even viewed from the road while driving.
The bluebells are usually at their best in the Forest of Dean during late April and early May, but the timing depends very much upon the weather. They have also been known to show about two weeks earlier in the Wye Valley!
New for 2023 Ultimate Bluebell Photo Competition
Ultimate bluebell 2023 showcases the incredible beauty of the bluebell and promotes the importance of preserving our natural environment. With its delicate petals and stunning hues, the bluebell is a true symbol of springtime.
The competition is open from 1 April until 31 May 2023. All entries will be judged by a panel of photographers and nature enthusiasts, who will select the winning photographs based on creativity, technical skill, and the ability to capture the essence of the bluebell.
Looking for ideas on where to see the best displays of bluebells? Below we have put together our guide to some of the best places to see them:
Bradley Hill and Soudley Ponds
This whole section of forest is swathed in bluebells come spring. You will find displays all around Soudley Ponds including from The Dean Heritage Centre where you can discover a magical walk through beautiful woodlands. Towards the south, between the ponds and Wenchford, is an area known as Bradley Hill. Take time to admire the carpet of blue under the coppice of old oak and beech trees as you reach the old Roman Road (sometimes known as the 'Golden Mile') between Soudley and Blackpool Bridge and you’ll be rewarded with a lagoon of bluebells.
Bigsweir and Cadora Woods
Renowned for their bluebell woods this section of the Wye Valley takes in the Offa's Dyke Footpath north of Bigsweir Bridge travelling towards Redbrook. Enjoy steep bluebell covered views down towards Redbrook.
St Briavels
Built in the early 12th century, St Briavels Castle was an important royal fort on the frontier with Wales before becoming a crossbow bolt factory in the reign of Edward I. Now a youth hostel, it makes a fantastic starting point for walks in the surrounding woodland which becomes a riot of blue from the end of April.
Tintern and the Wye Valley Walk
The woods around Tintern are ancient and rich with wildflowers. In April the scent of wild garlic fills the air and at the end of the month the bluebells cover the forest floor. The Wye Valley Walk from Eagle's Nest for many miles is excellent for bluebells, as are Chepstow Park Wood and Fedw Wood. Before heading down to Tintern be sure to explore Coed Beddick, the woodland that overlooks the village.
Beechenhurst
In the heart of the Forest of Dean, Beechenhurst makes the perfect base for exploring. Surrounded by unspoilt woodland, and the start of the famous Sculpture Trail, Beechenhurst is just the spot to set up a picnic and enjoy the blankets of blue all about you.
Speech House Woods
The perfect place to enjoy a cream team with a view; Speech House Hotel is nestled in beautiful woodland. Take your tea as you overlook the ancient forest, bursting with spring colours, at its borders. The Cyril Hart Arboreturm and Speech House Woodland next door are also perfect spots for bluebell walks.
Cannop Ponds
Enjoy the blooms on foot or on two wheels along the cycle trail from Speech House to the beautiful Cannop Ponds. Wander along the water’s edge surrounded with trees sheltering a carpet of bluebells. Follow our Easy Walk around Cannop taking in some of the surrounding woods which will burst into life with succulent bluebells.
Symonds Yat Rock
Though worth the walk all-year-round, Symonds Yat Rock in spring is something to behold. With the canopy still budding, you can look down into the Wye Valley and spot bluebell woods for miles around. Take the footpath towards Biblins Bridge and on to Monmouth for rich displays.
Lydney Park Estate Spring Gardens
As well as boasting gorgeous gardens, Lydney Park Estate has evidence of settlements dating back to 100BC and extensive ruins of a Roman camp including a Roman temple. Over time many impressive, exotic and rare trees have been planted in the deer park by successive generations of owners while the rich earth of the eight-acre woodland garden provides one of the most spectacular shows of bluebells around. Only open for a short period during spring of each year.
May Hill
Visible from many points around the Forest of Dean, May Hill is a well-known landmark with a distinctive clump of trees on its peak. Commanding views from the brow of the hill reveal swathes of bluebells on its slopes. Why not go there on May Day to watch the sunrise and the morris men dance?
Coppett Hill
Near Goodrich along the River Wye this hilltop is blanketed with beautiful bluebells in spring and offers expansive views of the surrounding countryside.
Interested in exploring more of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley? Discover our wide range of walking routes including our 12 Easy Walks, a great starting point with a wide range of short circular walks. Or if you'd rather go out with an expert guide browse our range of guided tours, including walking tours, nature walks, photography walks and forest bathing walks.
Find Your Freedom
With acres of ancient forest and a stunning winding river valley, walking is of course one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and there are plenty of options for walkers of all types.- A gentle introduction to the region and some simple routes to get you started exploring. These 12 walks are all circular and are mainly on clearly defined, wellworn paths, tracks and lanes which should be easy to locate. There are route maps provided indicating the starting points, car parks and any gates.
- From the 20 million trees in the Forest of Dean to the 58 mile long Wye Valley AONB, our natural beauty, dramatic landscapes and plethora of flora and fauna are what make our area so unique. You can walk for miles along glorious paths and see a wide range of local plants, trees and animals.
- The underlying geology of the Forest of Dean is limestone and sandstone and has resulted in a rich and varied flora. The Forest is home to many wild flowers, from winter snowdrops to spring bluebells, daffodils and foxgloves
- May Hill is one of the most familiar landmarks for many miles around, with its near circular mound and crowning clump of trees. It offers wonderful views and is an ideal spot to view the sunrise and sunset over the forest, hills and valleys all around.
- A haven for wildlife and the surrounding paths are suitable for the less able and wheelchair users
- Picturesque ponds, home to lots of wildlife. Great picnic area and central for walks and cycle paths.
- Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and shop are nearby and there are woodland walks all around including down to Symonds Yat East village.
- 1 Jan 202331 Dec 2023
- A long distance national trail which follows the course of the River Wye from its source in mid-Wales to its confluence with the River Severn at Chepstow in Monmouthshire offering some of the most beautiful views of the Wye Valley.
- A long distance national trail running along the border between England and Wales. It begins in the south at Sedbury Cliffs in Gloucester on the Severn Estuary in England to the east of the River Wye and for about 70 miles of the southern section through the Wye Valley AONB follows the course of the Offa's Dyke earthwork.
- One of the most prominent features in the Lower Wye Valley offering some of the best views and walks in the area. 98 hectares of the hill is a local nature reserve, bluebells cover the hill in spring and it is well known as being an ideal spot to leaf peep the autumn colours. South of Goodrich and west of Kerne Bridge it is surrounded by two large loops in the River Wye with Symonds Yat close by.
- Breathtaking views of the Wye Valley and River Severn from the Eagle's Nest at the top of a steep, wooded limestone cliff.
©Visit Dean Wye 2023. All Rights Reserved.
*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.
