The soft lilac hue of bluebells covering a forest signal a massive change in my mood. The moving from Winter to Spring makes me smile after the long dark days of January and February and my thoughts turn to new growth and warmer months. And to exploring all the magnificent Bluebell Woods Staffordshire has to offer.
I love getting outdoors as soon as I get the first sniff of bluebell season, they don’t hang around for long so you need to be quick. If you’re planning a walk through some pretty bluebell woods, Staffordshire is a great place to do it. You don’t really need to book anywhere, head into the Staffordshire countryside and you’re bound to see some bluebells. Here are a few of my favourites.
Free Bluebell woods to visit in Staffordshire
Trentham Estate Monument Walk
There are plenty of beautiful flowers to be seen at Trentham Gardens but there really is no need to pay an entry fee to see some glorious bluebells. Head out on the Trentham monument walk and through the surrounding forest for a breathtaking display.
You can park near the main entrance to the Money Forest as possible. Then head up the grassy hill.Postcode ST12 9HR.
Jacksons Bank bluebells
Long time readers of the blog will know that Jacksons Bank is one of my favourite places for a family walk. As soon as bluebell season hits the floor of the forest becomes alive with a cobalt carpet of flowers. Follow this circular walk at Jacksons Bank to take is as many of the flowers as possible. There’s a sweet picnic area near the carpark or carry on the walk down to the small pond and spread out a blanket near the water.
There’s a small, free carpark owned by the National Forest. Postcode DE13 8RG
Birches Valley, Cannock Chase
Birches Valley at Cannock Chase is a hugely popular day trip for families in Staffordshire. It has loads of facilities, a huge carpark and sweet little cafe. During Bluebell season head into the woods, roughly following the Gruffulo trail and you’ll be rewarded with a sea of colour. The newly developed 2 mile Fair Oak trail is another good one to follow.
Park at the main Birches Valley Car park. Postcode WS15 2UQ
Downs Banks
National Trust owned Downs Banks is a gorgeous place for a walk through the forest. Head up to the Millennium Monument for amazing views across the Staffordshire countryside. The best bluebells can be found at the start of the route. Down near the stream.
Parking is free at the Downs Banks car park. Postcode ST15 8US.
Hem Heath Woods
Located just South of Stoke on Trent near Trentham, Hem Heath Woods is home to a variety of trails around its 41 Hectares. Here you won’t just spot bluebells (although there are always plenty) but also many other spring flowers in bloom. It really is one of the prettiest in the area.
There is a large, free carpark onsite. Postcode ST4 8FR.
The Deer Park
This one is an uncertainty but I’m convinced its going to be a fantastic place to see the bluebells when they bloom. Located deep in the Staffordshire countryside near Hoar Cross Hall, The Deer Park is a stunning new farm shop and cafe with a recently opened woodland walk at the back. Based on the surrounding woodlands displays I’m sure this is going to be a stonker but I’ll update here once we’ve seen them.
There’s a small parking area at the Deer Park. Postcode DE13 8QR
Cotton Dell, Staffordshire Moorlands
High in the Staffordshire Moorlands, 86 hectare Cotton Dell. There’s rivers, bogs, open fields and ancient woodland and of course an abundance of stunning bluebells.
There’s a delightful picnic area near the carpark. Postcode ST10 3AG.
Rosliston Forestry Centre
I absolutely love Rosliston Forestry Centre at any time of year and its a great place to start and end a walk around the surrounding country side. During Spring they have a special area of the forest specifically dedicated to bluebells so you can enjoy a walk through the colourful trees, meander back past the lakes and enjoy a coffee from the cafe whilst the kids play in the play area.
Entry to the Rosliston Forestry Centre is free. Parking is £4 for the whole day. Postcode DE12 8JX
Bluebell Woods for a small fee
Yoxall Lodge Bluebell Woods
This is one I’m not too sure about. Over the past few years we’ve loved visiting the Yoxall Woods bluebell woods with its delightful outdoor snack truck and family friendly trails and swings. Last year however it closed. I’ll be keeping a close eye to see if they open again and will update on here when possible.
The countryside around Yoxall however is still a great place to see bluebells. The river walk in Yoxall would be stunning when in full bloom. Find parking in the village of Yoxall DE13 8NQ and head off.
Dorothy Clive Garden near Market Drayton
Perched on the Staffordshire/Cheshire/Shropshire border, the Dorothy Clive Garden is an immaculately maintained open space which is home to some of the best bluebell carpets in the whole of Staffordshire. The gardens are open from 10am to 5.30pm each day over spring and summer and they have a lovely onsite tearoom.
Admission is £9 for adults and £2 for children but do remember this is a full day out, you’ll see a lot more than bluebells. Postcode TF9 4EU
Biddulph Grange Garden, North of Stoke-on-Trent
National Trust owned and Victorian designed, Biddulph Grange gardens is a beautiful place to visit in spring. The perfectly manicured gardens spring into colour but my favourite part is the Woodland walk with plentiful bluebells, daffodils and other spring flowers. There are all the usual National Trust amenities, a lovely cafe, clean toilet and plant shop.
Admission is free for National Trust members, £8 for non members. There is plenty of parking, postcode ST8 7SD.
Trentham Gardens
Another beautiful garden estate with plenty to keep you occupied for the whole day. Trentham Estate is a must visit for the whole family, there’s a fairy trail, barefoot walk, playgrounds, mazes and plenty of places to eat. The bluebells can be found in the woodland walk around the lake area.
Adult admission is £12, £9 for kids and under 3s are free. There is plenty of parking available for the shopping village. Postcode ST4 8JG.
Things to remember when visiting Bluebell Woods.
Please take care not to stray of existing paths to ensure you leave the flowers pristine for others to enjoy. Trampling over bulbs and packing down the Earth also makes it less likely that the bluebells will bloom in the future. It really is so important to protect these beautiful plants for the next generation. If you want a photo with the subject surrounded by the pretty blue flower, look for a bend in the path then get really low.
Whilst bluebells can flower anywhere between the end of March to May I highly recommend keeping an eye out on social media. The season is very weather dependent and only lasts a couple of weeks. It would be such a shame to miss it.
It might be tempting to avoid the bluebell forests on a cloudy day but this is actually the best time to photograph them. The contrast will really bring out the colours.
Make sure you join the Marvellous Midlands Walks Facebook Group where you can share your favourite routes, photos and recommendations for walks in the Midlands. It’s also a great place to ask for recommendations and find inspiration for your next hike.
Pin for later for researching the best bluebell woods, Staffordshire.
