May is traditionally bluebell month. I’ve started seeing a few peeping up so thought it would be timely to share my ‘Bluebell To-Do List’. I was so disappointed when the 2020 lockdown meant we couldn’t explore new bluebell spots. Here’s a list of places for inspiration to see the bluebells. I’m sure there are many more, feel free to share your favourites on Facebook or Instagram.
It’s worth phoning ahead or visiting the websites of different locations for updates as they don’t always appear at the same time (and it can vary a bit year in year depending on the weather!). It would be a shame to visit somewhere and find they aren’t up yet or have already gone over!
For more information about each of these walks, click on the titles.
Places I’ve seen the bluebells in the past:
Wayland Wood (free)
A beautiful woodland walk with decent surfaces for pushchairs (unsure about wheelchairs). There is a small car park and although there are no facilities, there is a large supermarket just up the road in Watton. No dogs, unfortunately, as it is a Norfolk Wildlife Trust route.
Spixworth (free)
A pretty little circular walk, either from Quaker’s Lane or from the pub in Spixworth. While I haven’t been with a pushchair myself, my friend assures me she has seen people with strollers. Dogs allowed but must be on leads as it is a permissive path. Carey’s of Norfolk is now a regular coffee van in the layby near the bridge.
UEA (along the UEA’s Active Campus Orange Trail) (free)
The only carpet of bluebells I got to see last year, as these are local to me – they’re now starting to flower (30th April) but I’d give it a week or so before they are really coming into bloom. A bit bumpy in places but some stroller friendly paths and can be incorporated with a walk around the lake. The Sainsbury’s Centre café is now open for facilities and excellent cake.
High Ash Farm (free)
A beautiful carpet in the Fox’s Grove – a pleasant surprise in the little woodland area along the circular walk. Unsurfaced, grassy paths but pushchairs are okay along the main route. No facilities unfortunately. It’s a private wood but you can see the bluebells from the main path. However, on 8th May 2021 the private woodland walk will be open between 10am-4pm. No need to book. See their Facebook page for details.
Burlingham Woods – Churchyard and Panxworth Road end/Long Plantation (free)
There are two areas for bluebells – the Church and the Long Plantation, Panxworth Road end (the latter is quite far from the church – about a mile away). This time of year it should be dry enough for the walk with a pushchair but it’s unsurfaced and grassy paths once you’re through Millennium Wood. When I last visited, the paths at the bluebell end were quite narrow within the woods themselves – I’d suggest a baby carrier. Ozzie Oinker’s Farm Shop is a short drive away for refreshments but I don’t believe there are toilets nearby. There is a small space for a few cars of the Panxworth Road near the bluebells so you can park and have a shorter walk.
Buckenham Woods (free)
Absolutely beautiful little spot – but just a small wood. Although I’ve seen pushchairs in the main part of the wood, I would suggest a baby carrier for the bluebell wood section. We came here when my little girl was a toddler and had a lovely time – it was stunning. There is a small car park off Wood Lane but be careful when leaving as it’s on a bit of a blind corner.
Places we’ve visited before but not when the bluebells are out:
These ones have good surfaces for pushchairs. I know Fairhaven is wheelchair friendly as they loan out mobility scooters, but I don’t know about the others for wheelchairs
- Sheringham Park (National Trust – parking charges, need to book slot)
- Bacton Wood (free)
- Fairhaven (admission prices apply – need to book slot; most likely to see on Beech Walk)
- Sisland Carr (free)
- Salhouse Broad (small parking charge)
- Secret Garden, How Hill (free)
- Blickling (National Trust – parking charges apply, check website to book slot)
These ones are probably better suited to off-roader pushchairs or baby-carriers:
- Foxley Wood (free)
- Walsingham Abbey (parking and admission prices apply)
- Thursford Woods (free)
Not wheel-friendly:
- Lower Wood, Ashwellthorpe (free)
Places that have bluebells that I still have yet to visit!
