As spring blooms and the days get warmer, I can’t wait for the magical sight of our yearly woodland bluebell display! I’m so excited to share my favorite spots near West London where you can find these breathtaking carpets of blue. The perfect backdrop for refreshing spring walks and stunning seasonal photography! These early spring flowers burst into life in April and May, creating one of nature’s most spectacular shows—but they can be tricky to find! While they return year after year in some woodlands, others that seem just as perfect may have none at all. Let’s go find them together!

Look for ancient woodlands of deciduous trees, where the bluebells appear just before the tree’s leaves shade out the sunlight.  Please remember that bluebells are a protected species, though they appear in their thousands in some areas their habitat is quite rare, they are easily destroyed and hard to regrow.  Please don’t pick the bluebells and stick to the paths to avoid walking on them, to protect them and allow everyone to enjoy their beauty.

 

My top three beautiful bluebell locations

3) Ruislip Woods

Bluebells are found only in a few small sections of Ruislip Woods, but when you find the right one, the display is absolutely magical! 

I’d suggest heading into the woods from the entrance at the corner of Sherwood Avenue and Broadwood Avenue. The wide path, with its wooden boardwalks, can get a bit muddy in winter, but once the weather dries up, it’s an easy stroll. About a hundred meters in, you’ll spot beautiful bluebells on your right.

Keep following the main path, and in around 15 minutes, you’ll arrive at Ruislip Lido’s beach and café.

How to find it

This pedestrian entrance to the woods is via the gate to be found at the junction of Sherwood Avenue and Broadwood Avenue. Street parking can be found nearby.

You can see more about visiting ruislip lido with children on my blog and read more about Ruislip Woods from Hillingdon Council.

2) Merlin’s Woods

A part of Whippendell woods in Croxley Green, there is a beautiful display here, but only on one side of the road!

As you approach, you’ll spot plenty of bluebells from the road. A wide path from the car park, running parallel to the road, takes you through woodland covered in them. If you wander further in, you’ll find sunken bluebell groves and winding trails to explore.

How to find it

There are 2 carparks on Rousebarn lane, located about 5 minutes walk apart.  They are  on either side of the barrier which makes it a no through road to traffic.  There is a hight restriction on the car park, so there is no parking for vans.

You can see more about Whippendell Woods from the Woodland trust.

1) Micheldever woods

A vast expanse of bluebells under dramatic tall straight beech trees

Further afield but worth the trip, this is the most stunning bluebell woods I’ve ever seen. The trees are gorgeous, and the bluebell displays stretch for miles. You won’t see the bluebells right away, but just follow the trails marked on the information boards in the car park for some circular walks.

How to find it

Coming from the A33, the road goes under the M3 and then there is a small carpark on the left. Try to get there early to grab a spot.

You can see more about Micheldever Wood from Forestry England.

More bluebell information

Here are some good links for more information about bluebells in the UK and bluebells in west london.

• Bluebell woods in England – Woodland Trust
• Bluebell woods near you  – National trust
• About native and Spanish bluebells – do you know the difference? – Woodland Trust

 

Book bluebell portraits

If you and your family love this this once a year bluebell spectacle why not celebrate it in your family portraits this year  – find the details here.