One thing to look forward to at this time of year is when woods are transformed by blossoming bluebells. With their iconic purple-blue colour, these vibrant flowers are a delight to see and are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.
Usually blooming from mid-April to early May, now is the best time to try and catch a glimpse of these flowers. They can be found carpeting woodland floors, adding splashes of colour between the trees.
There are lots of woodland walks near Greater Manchester where you can see these gorgeous blooms and make the most of the spring sunshine. We've rounded up some of the best bluebell walks to do nearby, but if there’s any you think are missing, please let us know in the comments below.
READ MORE:
Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire
Rufford Old Hall is a gorgeous Tudor building near Ormskirk set in beautiful gardens and woodland. You’ll find a carpet of bluebells and crocuses along the Beech Walk by the Leeds and Liverpool and in the woodland near the North Paddock.
200 Liverpool Road, Rufford, near Ormskirk, Lancashire, L40 1SG
Bluebell Cottage Gardens, Cheshire
As its name suggests, Bluebell Cottage Gardens is the place to go to find blankets of blue flowers in the spring. The plant nursery, located just outside of Dutton, has its own bluebell woods as well as gardens and wildflower meadows.
Lodge Lane, Warrington WA4 4HP
Speke Hall, Merseyside
This beautiful timber-framed Tudor hall is nestled in a green oasis of gardens and woodlands on the bank of the River Mersey. Each spring from early April to mid-May the ancient woodland is transformed into a sea of blue as the blooms appear. There are several paths you can take through the woods allowing you to take it all in.
The Walk, Speke, Liverpool L24 1XD
Dunham Massey, Altrincham
There’s lots to explore in the extensive grounds of this 18th century house, including an ancient deer park where you’ll find a herd of fallow deer roaming freely. The best spot for seeing bluebells is under the oaks and witch hazels next to the Bog Garden.
Woodhouse Lane, Altrincham, WA14 4SJ
Hardcastle Crags, Yorkshire
Located just north of Hebden Bridge, Hardcastle Crags is a wooded valley with a 19th century mill nestled in the centre. It’s a magical place to go for a walk all year round, but at this time of year the woods and valley sides are carpeted in bluebells.
Gibson Mill, Midgehole Road, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX7 7AW
For more of the latest What's On news, click here.
READ NEXT:
- This hidden riverside village is one of Greater Manchester’s best kept secrets
- Amazing new Paul O'Grady mural appears on Canal Street building after overwhelming reaction to defaced work
- The Lakeland town named one of the 'best places to live' under two hours from Greater Manchester
- The historic town food tour with a celebrity gin bar and famous old courtroom
- The most beautiful places you can see blossom in Manchester this spring
