It’s official – Spring is upon us and its one of my favourite times of year, so full of hope and promise! The burst of colour is certainly a welcome sight after the wintery bleakness. Now the sun’s warming up it’s the perfect time to get outside with our families and enjoy the magnificent displays of bluebells and other spring flowers.
Here’s my top five favourite places in Cornwall to enjoy the Bluebells (in no particular order)….
1 – ENYS GARDENS, NEAR FALMOUTH
The Enys estate (pictured above) is beautiful any day of the year but it really comes alive while the Cornish bluebells are out. Here you can witness vast carpets of bluebells which sweep across Parc Lye and the woodlands. There’s also a cute little café with scrummy homemade cakes. The gardens open from April 1st on set days of the week. During Enys Gardens Bluebell Festival (Saturday 4th – Sunday 12th May) they open every day from 10am till 5pm. Dogs on leads welcome.
2 – LANHYDROCK, NEAR BODMIN
Lanhydrock house is set amidst huge 1,000 acre wooded parkland and each year is swathed by indigo blooms making it one of the best places in Cornwall to see the bluebells this spring. The house itself has over 50 rooms to view and with several cafes/ tea rooms on site there’s more than a day adventure to be had. The national Trust are offering guided walks so you see the best of the bluebells on Saturday 28th April between 10am and 1pm. Dogs on leads welcome on the estate, apart from in the house and formal gardens.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock
3 – PENROSE ESTATE, NEAR HELSTON
I remember how amazed and in awe I was when taking the walk from Helston boating lake through the Penrose Estate and gazing upon Loe Bar the first time – it truly is a sight you must see especially while the bluebells are out in early May. Take a picnic or grab something light from the barn takeaway (seasonal opening hours) and find a spot amongst the trees, by the lake or if you’re up for the walk – perch on the bar and gaze out to the ocean. Dogs on leads welcome.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrose
4 – KENNALL VALE, NEAR FALMOUTH
A firm family favourite and home to my Spring Mini Sessions! Steeped in history, Kennall Vale’s woodland has old granite water wheels, streams, waterfalls, a water filled quarry to name but a few. The woodlands are awash with bluebells at the end of April / early May and are well worth a meander. The kids (and dogs!) will love splashing in the shallow streams, standing under waterfalls and exploring the hidden pathways that lead to stunning bluebell glades.
www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserves/kennall-vale
5 – TEHIDY WOODS, NEAR CAMBORNE
Over 250 acres of woodland, a lake and a café to explore! Almost everywhere you turn you’re surrounding by carpets of bluebells – it’s a truly magical and enchanting experience. Dogs aren’t allowed around the lake but are welcome around the rest of the park so we always park at North Cliffs free Car Park and walk from there (taking a photo on our phone of the park’s map before we set off).
http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/parks-and-open-spaces/tehidy-country-park/