With the weather warming up and glimmers of sunshine starting to appear, Spring has officially sprung... as have the bluebells!
Here in the Cotswolds we are blessed with some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, so where could be better to walk amongst these beautiful beds of blue?
If you're hoping to see the bluebells in full bloom this year, book soon! We expect they'll be at their best in April and May.
Although you're likely to spot a few bluebells dotted around our hotel gardens and along local walking paths; for the full photo-worthy experience, we've listed our five favourite places to see bluebells in the Cotswolds below...
Home to 165 acres of tranquil woodland, Foxholes Nature Reserve boasts colour and wildlife all year round, but it's the springtime bluebells that are truly unmissable! We recommend following the 1.75 mile Wildlife Walk and looking out for the diverse range of funghi and fantastic bird-life that the reserve is famed for alongside the magnificent carpets of bluebells.
Stay at…
- The Bay Tree Hotel or Lamb Inn, both Burford (11 minute drive)
- The Manor House Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh (24 minute drive)
- The Swan Hotel, Bibury (26 minute drive)
The valley of Woodchester Park is home to a "lost landscape" complete with remains from an 18th-19th century park: a chain of five lakes (one of which with a man-made island that's now a heronry), an early 19th Century Boat House, and a wealth of incredible woodland. Lead your way through one of the many waymarked walks during late Spring and you're sure to see amazing beds of bluebells - often intermingled with wild garlic - and pass by the famously unfinished Victorian mansion.
Stay at…
- The Bear of Rodborough Hotel, near Stroud (12 minute drive)
- The Close or Hare & Hounds Hotel, both Tetbury (18 minute drive)
You'll find Littleworth Wood perched at the top of the Cotswold escarpment, adjacent to National Trust Snowshill Manor and Gardens. This unspoiled woodland has a fascinating history and wonderfully diverse wildlife, plus stunning views across the valley to the village of Snowshill. Visit during April or May to see the forest floor filled with bluebells!
Stay at…
- The Manor House Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh (19 minute drive)
Standing at 230m above sea level near the Cotswold town of Chipping Campden, Dovers Hill offers expansive views of rolling countryside and is home to the renowned Cotswold Olimpicks! Thought to have begun in 1622 by Robert Dover, this annual celebration is held each year on the Friday after the Spring Bank Holiday and includes traditional events such as Morris dancing, tug-of-war and shin-kicking! The lower slopes of the hill are of significant historic interest with remains of a Roman vineyard. This area is now largely wooded with Sweet Chestnut and Larch trees, and is the perfect place to spot bluebells in Spring!
Stay at…
- The Manor House Hotel, Moreton-in-Marsh (14 minute drive)
This wonderful ancient Beech tree wood overlooks the Painswick and Slad Valleys near Stroud offering fantastic views of the Gloucestershire countryside. The wood is home to rare plants such as wood barley, white helleborine and yellow bird's nest and in spring the display of bluebells and wild garlic is beautiful! There are a number of footpaths that meander through the beds of bluebells so be sure to visit.
Stay at…
- The Bear of Rodborough Hotel, near Stroud (12 minute drive)
- The Close or Hare & Hounds Hotel, both Tetbury (22 minute drive)