Witnessing these delicate blooms carpeting the woodland floor is a cherished experience I look forward to every Spring. I adore Spring in the UK, especially towards the end of April and beginning of May, and I try not to plan any trips abroad then. Walking in woods covered with bluebells is very special, but that's not only about these blue (or purple to me!) flowers! New foliage with its lush green colour, easy-to-spot birds and their singing, along with wildflowers such as Wood Anemones, Cow Parsley (bottom right), or Wild Garlic (bottom left), not only creates a beautiful display but also provides ingredients for delicious pesto!
When you see a Bluebell, you’ll know it. It might even be the UK's most famous flower - it is thought that half of the world’s bluebells are in the UK.
The bluebell typically remains in bulb form beneath the forest floor in ancient woodlands for the majority of the year, blossoming and sprouting leaves from April onwards. Its early blooming strategy maximises sunlight utilisation before the forest canopy thickens. In vast bluebell woods, millions of bulbs coexist, creating the iconic spring carpets.
Bluebell - Species
These bell-shaped flowers belong to the genus Hyacinthoides and are commonly found not only in ancient woodlands but also along roads, hedgerows, and ditches across the UK. While the native English bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) is a cherished sight, it faces competition from the Spanish bluebell (Hyacinthoides hispanica), introduced to British gardens in the 17th century.
Differences between Native and Spanish Bluebells
Distinguishing between native and Spanish bluebells is crucial for preserving the integrity of British woodland ecosystems.
Native bluebells (pictured left) typically feature delicately drooping flowers with slender stems and a sweet, intoxicating fragrance. Their petals curl back at the tips, giving them a distinctively elegant appearance.
In contrast, Spanish bluebells (pictured right and below) often stand taller, with sturdier stems and more upright flowers. While still beautiful, their petals tend to flare outwards rather than curling back.
When to see bluebells in Worcestershire
The blooming season for bluebells typically spans from late April to early May, although this can vary depending on weather conditions and location. The best time to witness these enchanting blooms is during their peak flowering period when entire woodlands are transformed into a breath-taking spectacle of blue (or purple?). Timing your visit for a sunny day, or even better, a sunny sunrise, will enhance the experience as sunlight filtering through the canopy illuminates the forest floor, casting a magical glow over the scene.
Best places near Worcester to see the Bluebells
With so many beautiful green spaces in Worcester city and the whole of Worcestershire, it is easy to see carpets of these amazing woodland flowers - even in the city itself! Although most woods will require a car and potentially be very muddy, there are locations where you don’t need wellies, a map, or a driving licence.
Worcester City:
Worcester Woods Country Park
Even if you love your city life and are not a keen hiker or don’t drive, you can still see this magical sight very easily. Just head to Worcester Woods Country Park! Just a stone's throw from the city centre, this expansive country park offers a large wood with wide paths for anyone - even for new parents with tiny babies in their pushchairs (I’m an NCT volunteer and lead walks there - you can trust me - see photo below). Free and ample parking, restrooms, a café, playground, and adjoining fields are available.
Tolladine Wood in Warndon Villages WR4
Tucked away in the suburbs, the little wood at the back of the Woodgreen Church is a hidden gem. It’s small and wild, but there is an easy circular route available and a few paths going through the middle. The paths are narrow, often muddy, and the wood is overgrown, but it is accessible on foot (or bus no 34 from the city centre). I often walk there from my house or photograph clients there. It’s quiet and visited mainly by residents of Warndon.
Outside of Worcester City:
Tiddesley Wood
Managed by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust (I’m a proud member), Tiddesley Wood boasts semi-ancient woodland filled with native bluebells as well as many other spring flowers. This big wood covering 80 ha is located near Pershore, and there is free parking close to the entrance to the woods.
Knapp and Papermill Reserve
Also one of Wildlife Trust’s reserves, and my favourite reserve (not only for the bluebells!). I love the variety of landscapes there from riverside walks to lush woodland trails. It’s perfect for spotting native bluebells in their natural habitat, but it requires a slightly longer walk into the reserve first. I recommend doing a full loop which takes about 45 minutes.
For information about the reserves, the Trust, and their amazing work, head to the Wildlife Trust website: https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/
Malvern Hills
The panoramic views from Jubilee Drive provide a stunning backdrop for bluebell enthusiasts. Take a drive along Jubilee Drive and park in one of the few available car parks. It’s best to combine the views of the blue carpets with a walk in the beautiful Malvern Hills. Check out the following website for ideas for shorter and longer Spring walks in the hills: https://www.visitthemalverns.org/blog/spring-in-every-step-on-a-walk-around-the-malverns/
Shrawley Wood
Situated near the banks of the River Severn, 10 miles to the north of Worcester, Shrawley Wood is peaceful and off the beaten path. I discovered the wood by accident while on a walk from Shrawley Village Hall when I foraged for wild garlic. This picturesque woodland, crisscrossed by meandering streams and shaded pathways, is a haven for bluebell lovers. Walking paths are not waymarked so use a good map (see a free app recommendation below). There is no public parking area at Shrawley Wood. You may access the wood from The New Inn for a small fee or Shrawley Village Hall for free, but the walk to the wood will be longer from there. The New Inn is a great place to have a lovely meal after a walk.
These are my favourite places for bluebells in Worcestershire. Naturally, there are a lot more! There might be a small unknown wood near your house so go check it out! Of course, there are also well-known places such as Clent Hills or Uffmoor Wood which will offer you spectacular displays of bluebells.
A few important points about enjoying the bluebells in Worcestershire:
Bluebells are protected - don’t collect or dig them out, don’t walk on them (Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981).
They are surprisingly tall flowers, reaching even 50cm (that’s almost knee height!).
Forests are likely to be very muddy in the Spring so wear wellies!
Many woods won’t have waymarked trails and Google maps won’t show you most existing paths either. Plus, you may have no reception anyway. Use a pre-downloaded map on an app - I personally recommend a free app like MAPS.ME, which I’ve been using around the world since 2016.
Forests are the most beautiful in the Spring - watch out for other flowers such as wood anemones or wild garlic, both of which produce white flowers (remember you can’t forage in the reserves!).
Who am I?
I’m a nature-loving mama, and I spend a lot of time in nature with my family.
Below left - me in the Knapp and Papermill reserve.
Bottom right - my son and I in our small local wood.
I used to photograph nature before (all above photos were taken by me) I decided to become a people photographer, so it was obvious that I’d be taking my pregnant couples and families for relaxed and fun photoshoots to stunning locations in Worcestershire! You guessed it - I do sessions in the bluebells!
You should know I'll donate 10% of sales from every bluebell session to the Wildlife Trust.
Contact me for a maternity photoshoot in the bluebells or a family photoshoot in the bluebells, or a different photoshoot any other time of the year :)
Love,
Karina