One of the best things about springtime in the UK is the bluebells. Vast swathes of them carpeting the woodland floors from late April to mid May, nodding their little heads in the sun dappled light. It really is a sight to behold, one that will take your breath away, and in most cases, it’s something you can do for free, courtesy of Mother Nature. We’ve put together a brief roundup of the top 10 beautiful bluebell woods in Devon that are close to our large group holiday houses.
These are places that offer the best displays of bluebells, the kind of places where you’ll want to linger because it’s just so glorious. Take note though – you might end up lingering longer than you wanted to … according to folklore bluebell woods are a favourite of fairies and they’re on the lookout for humans trespassing into their world! Allegedly, the sight of thousands of bluebells and the delicate scent carried on the gentle breeze can be quite overwhelming and send you into a trance! That’s when you can be pixie led; the little folk come out and lead you round and round in circles until someone comes to the rescue – children might be captured forever, abducted into fairyland.
Bluebells were believed to be where the fairies hung their spells, so naturally, they don’t like it if you tread on the flowers or even worse, pick them. That makes the fairies angry, that spell spoilage. Leave well alone because who knows what angry fairies can do! Bluebells have another use for fairies – they ring out to call them to their balls and gatherings; this magical sound can usually only be heard by little pixie ears – if humans hear it, bad luck will come to them.
So, keep your senses about you, stick to the path, don’t trample the flowers or pick them, and if you think you hear tiny bells ringing, quickly cover your ears! Or forget that old nonsense and take your time to enjoy a carefree stroll among the bluebells. Stay for a picnic, take photos, love being outdoors in nature. Without further ado, let’s get onto those beautiful Devon bluebell woods.
Blackbury Camp, Southleigh, Colyton
Blackbury Camp is an ancient hillfort, dating back to the 4th century BC. That’s well old! The ramparts are still visible, though mostly covered by woodland now. It’s lovely all through the year, but especially so at bluebell time, with a sea of flowers dancing beneath the fizzing green of the beech trees – that colour combination is so striking! Amble to your heart’s content along the paths (most are buggy friendly), find a spot for a picnic.
Dumpdon Hill, Luppitt, Honiton
It’s no surprise that Dumpdon Hill is an Iron Age hillfort – the views are staggering, rolling out far, far across the Otter Valley and the Blackdown Hills National Landscape. People come here for that reason, to walk the circular trail, and to see the bluebells in springtime when the floor beneath the beech trees is awash with them. Go in the evening and then sit and watch the sunset; the simple pleasures are the best.
Ashclyst Forest, Broadclyst, Exeter
At the heart of the NT Killerton estate, this is one of the biggest woods in the East Devon National Landscape. It’s a haven for wildlife, including butterflies, birds - and bluebells. There are several waymarked trails to follow, from a short buggy friendly 20 minute stroll to a longer walk of about an hour. Best is to get deep into the forest, listen to the birdsong, soak up the tranquillity and take in the mass of bluebells that carpet the sun-spangled woodland floor.
Holyford Woods, Seaton, Devon
This is a lovely Local Nature Reserve, almost hidden in a picturesque valley near Seaton, but it’s worth seeking out because it never gets busy, and the wildlife is abundant. There are birds and bats, deer, badgers, weasels and dormice; in the spring when the wild garlic and bluebells pop up it’s such a wonderful place to be, with the birds in full voice and the stream babbling along on its merry way through the middle of the wood. The paths are narrow and can be muddy after rain, so not one for buggies.
Offwell Woods, Offwell, Honiton
Park in the village and follow the footpath up into Offwell Woods – it’s quite steep at first but well worth the climb for the reward. The show of bluebells is absolutely stunning and there’s plenty of wildlife to look out for, the kind of thing that makes you appreciate how good it is to get outdoors. Take a picnic and have a leisurely lunch at a bench overlooking the lake.
Fire Beacon Woods, Sidbury, Sidmouth
With moorland, a bluebell wood and spectacular views over the Sid Valley to the coast, this is a wonderful place to be in springtime, or in fact, anytime of year. Follow the circular walk and take the time to stop and stare, keeping an eye out for wildlife, including common lizards.
Buzzards Woodland, Withleigh, Tiverton
Part of the NT Knightshayes estate, this is well off the beaten track, an idyllic woodland with an incredible sense of tranquility. Think fresh air, sun dappled shade, birdsong and bluebells, bluebells, bluebells. Little streams tinkle along, there are bridges and amazing views from the car parks.
Ermington Wood, Ivybridge
A few miles inland from the South Devon coast, this is a mix of native woodland and a more recent pine plantation, but it’s known for the springtime extravaganza of bluebells on the upper slopes, and boy, it really is something special. Sunlight sparkles through the trees, the bluebells nod their little heads contentedly in the daintiest of breezes. How good is this going to look on your Insta feed?
Lady’s Wood, South Brent
This is a small nature reserve on the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park, so a good one to factor in when you spend a spring day exploring, especially if you want to see a staggering show of bluebells. The short circular walk allows you to see the droves of flowers at their best, but if it’s been raining, the paths can be a bit muddy, so stout boots are advised.
West Alvington Wood, Kingsbridge
About a mile from Kingsbridge, this small woodland is a prime example of how gorgeous the inland countryside of South Devon can be. Stretch your legs with a stroll from the town, love the views along the way and deep beneath the canopy of trees, the washes of bluebells – it’s like they’re all having a big happy party here with the wild garlic and anemones. What a treat.
So on with your boots, phone cameras (or proper cameras!) at the ready, rucksack on your back packed with a wholesome picnic, and off you go. Venture deep into the woodlands, because it’s springtime and the bluebells are here.