It’s that time of year when we are all dusting the cobwebs off our walking boots and heading outside. And, lovely bluebell walks are the perfect place to start. The sun, when it decides to pop its head from behind the clouds, is back, and its warming charm is ready for you to head outside and enjoy. April and May are the perfect time to see those beautiful bluebells in Yorkshire as they begin to litter forest floors and the countryside.
There is a language in flowers, and the fact that they return for a fleeting period each year is a great symbol of the passage of time. Bluebells are said to be a symbol of humility, constancy, gratitude and everlasting love. The delicate flower is shrouded in myth, such as if you turn a bluebell flower inside-out without tearing it, you will win the one you love.
It’s a little-known fact that half of the world’s bluebell population is in the UK. They’re an indicator of ancient woodland, of which you will find plenty in good ol’ God’s Country. This in itself is the perfect reason to head out and explore the county’s woodland to find these beautiful ancient flowers.
So, where are the best bluebell walks in Yorkshire?
1. Nostell Priory, Wakefield
The landscape of Nostell is varied, and with 300 acres to explore, there is plenty to enjoy. Nostell Gardens and Parkland in Wakefield are great places to visit in the springtime and beautiful spots for hunting bluebells in Yorkshire. Take this opportunity to breathe in the country air – lord knows we’ve waited long enough to do so.
Whilst you enjoy the lake, garden and woodlands, why not admire the bluebells that are scattered everywhere, letting us all know spring is finally here?
2. Northcliffe Woods, East Yorkshire
Usually, in East Yorkshire, we’d head towards the coast, but this lovely woodland nature reserve near Market Weighton is a lilac haze this time of year as the bluebells carpet the floor of the woodland. The flowering heathland is a popular spot to visit and one that has a lot to offer for those looking to enjoy the spring weather.
Why not take an idyllic bluebell flower walk through this picturesque scene and enjoy the sights and sounds that nature has to offer?
3. Middleton Woods, Ilkley
Locals will be happy to know that this little gem is on Ilkley’s doorstep. It has amazing views across the Wharfe Valley, beautiful woodland and wildlife to enjoy, as well as the recently blossomed bluebells; it’s quite the walk to get stuck into this weekend.
The Yorkshire Bluebells walk is an easy meander through woods and fields around the stunning market town of Ilkley. If you enjoy the carpet of blue that springtime brings, then this West Yorkshire spot is a lovely place to get out in nature.
4. Nidd Gorge, Knaresborough
One of our favourite places to visit Nidd Gorge, has quite a small car park, so plan your visit carefully. It’s close to the market town of Knaresborough, which is perfect to visit after you’ve had your fill of bluebells – and fancy a drink or two.
Its impressive steep-sided valley is such a beautiful view, and the ancient woodland offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the wildlife and the wonderful carpet of bluebells that appear this time of year.
5. Newton Woods & Roseberry Topping, North York Moors
One of the best places in Yorkshire to see bluebells, Newton Wood’s floor is a spectacular violet carpet of floral colour that will leave you mesmerised. A woodland walk has to rank up there as one of the highlights of nature’s calendar. From late April to early May, you can enjoy the wonderful colours that the North Yorkshire woodland has to offer.
If you’d like to head over to this wonderful colour drench walk, then make sure you discover the wondrous site before heading up to enjoy the views from Roseberry Topping.
6. Moss Valley Woodlands, Sheffield
The perfect place for a picnic, this ancient woodland comes alive this time of year with thousands of bluebells. Take a walk through this glorious place on the outskirts of Sheffield and get lost in nature for a while. The South Yorkshire bluebell walk is a real treat and is popular with locals who’d like to keep it to themselves, but we have to share this beautiful spot with you, wonderful people.
These scents and sounds will have you feeling revitalised in no time.
7. Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge
A sea of bluebells transforms Hardcastle Crags in Yorkshire. The explosion of colour has photographers and nature lovers visiting in their droves. It’s a perfect place to visit if you enjoy the sight of beautiful wildflowers and their perfume. You’ll find bluebells in woodlands, meadows and heathlands, and this West Yorkshire spot is a popular spot for viewing bluebells in the UK. The crags are home to a huge population of bluebells, with April and May the best time to view them.
8. Hackfall Wood, Masham
Another ancient woodland that is a great bluebell walk in Yorkshire is Hackfall Wood near Masham in the Yorkshire Dales. You can expect rustic temples, waterfalls and of course carpets of bluebells on your visit. It’s a huge circular walk that is very well maintained and signposted, which means you can enjoy the carpets of bluebells and other stunning wildflowers that will soon be in full bloom.
It was awarded the coveted European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage at the Europe Nostra Awards in 2011, and it also won the conservation category for the restoration of the 18th-century landscape.
9. Skipton Castle Woods, Skipton
Situated next to one of Britain’s best-kept and most popular castles, Skipton Castle Woods is a unique ancient woodland that is literally straight off the road. Located via the entrance to the Yorkshire Dales, the market town of Skipton is the perfect place to park whilst you explore the woodland that surrounds it, enjoying the April and May flowering.
It dates back thousands of years and each spring and summer, it offers up amazing wildlife, plant life and is a must-visit, especially if you’re on the hunt for bluebells.
10. Millington Woods, East Yorkshire
Covering 52 acres, Millington Woods near Driffield, the capital of the Wolds, was made a Local Nature Reserve back in 1991 and is full of wildlife and plants. Next to my hometown, the area is a lesser-known place to visit in Yorkshire, meaning you can enjoy the quiet and solitude as you enjoy the East Yorkshire woods.
In the spring and summer months, wild garlic and bluebells grow on the woodland floor. It’s the perfect place to explore, whether with the kids or on a long dog walk.
Read More: 11 Of The Best And Most Perfect Picnic Spots In Yorkshire To Visit
Credit: Unsplash
