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We’re so lucky to have lots of lovely woods in and around Hitchin, and right now is the perfect time to go exploring as the bluebells come out!
Before I share locations, here’s some advice from The National Trust about how we can protect these beautiful flowers, so we can enjoy them for years to come.
Top tips:
- Never walk on the bluebells- once the leaves are damaged, they are unable to absorb the sun and photosynthesise, so they die back.
- Explain to children about the importance of protecting, keeping off, and not picking the bluebells.
- Stick to the paths- most bluebell woods are well-cared for and have clear walkways in order to protect the bluebells, so make sure you stick to them.
- Keeps dogs on a lead as they won’t understand the pathways and may run across them.
There are many local photographers who offer bluebells photoshoots locally, so check out my Photographers section here.
Where to see bluebells:
Hitch Woods, near Preston/Whitwell
These are our favourite woods for a walk, as there’s an easy loop to follow and lots to explore including dens, hollow tree stumps and trails. There’s a small car park and on-road parking right by the woods. If you’re lucky, you may even spot a herd of deer, and of course there is a beautiful carpet of bluebells in April and May. We had a photoshoot with Carly Bedwell Photography (picture above) in April 2022 and the pictures were stunning!
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Pryors Wood, Great Ashby, near Stevenage
Recommended by local photographer Lauren Jennings, Pryor’s Wood is a nature reserve within Great Ashby District Park. There’s a car park (located at the end of a residential street called Serpentine Close, so don’t panic that you think you’re going the wrong way), play area, picnic area and large open green space to run around in. The bluebells are in a small wooded area next to the car park with well-maintained pathways weaving through the woodland. Box Wood runs alongside it which also has beautiful bluebells displays.
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Astonbury Woods, near Stevenage
This small woodland has been secured by The Wildlife Trust thanks to donations and is located just off the A602 between The Chequers pub at Bragbury End and The Three Horseshoes at Hooks Cross. Parking is slightly tricky as you can’t really access the woods from the A602- there are a few places you can park at the side of the road on Astonbury Lane.
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Whomerley Wood / Monks Wood, Stevenage
Recommended by one of my followers on Facebook, this wood is opposite Stevenage Football Club.
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Mardley Heath, near Knebworth
We used to visit this wood a lot when we lived in Stevenage as it’s a great trail to walk around and the trees are great for exploring and climbing! Great for dogs and cycling too as it covers 37 hectares, with clear trails.
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Tewin Orchard Nature Reserve and Hopkyns Wood
A beautiful spot to see cherry blossom-covered fruit trees, as well as badger sets and birds- you can see the bluebells and also enjoy a bite to eat at nearby (few mins’ walk!) Tewin Bury Farm Hotel, which has a lovely play area, café and hotel.
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RSPB The Lodge Reserve, Sandy
One of my followers recommended the RSPB Lodge in Sandy having bluebells on one of their trails.
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Heartwood Forest, Sandridge
My mum used to live overlooking Heartwood Forest, so we’ve been to see the bluebells here a number of times and they don’t disappoint! There’s plenty of parking and well-managed paths- it’s a really lovely place for a walk. It’s part newly-planted forest, part ancient woodland, created by The Woodland Trust with the help of volunteers. The bluebells can be found in a stretch of ancient woodland called Langley Woods.
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Gobions Wood near Brookmans Park
With my grandma living nearby, we used to go for walks here with her dog when we visited. There’s a pond, a park, large grassy area and woodlands with a one mile waymarked trail running through it. You can walk from the train station in Brookmans Park in around 20 mins or there’s a car park.
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Ashridge Estate
Perhaps one of the most well-known of the Hertfordshire bluebells woods, this sprawling National Trust estate has become so popular, they have had to start charging a small fee of £3 per adult and £1 per child, with all fees going directly back in to managing the estate. The best place to see the bluebells is Dockey Wood, which has parking for around 50 cars, with more parking at the Visitor Centre on Monument Drive.
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Wherever you choose to see these beautiful displays, please ensure you follow the pathways and enjoy!
