It's that time of year when the bluebells are in full bloom. They don't last for long so if you want to go and see them, take some photos and enjoy the woodland, we have some suggestions for you.

This is the list we used last year so we are hoping that this year there will be blue carpets in all the same places!

• Warley Place Nature Reserve, Brentwood CM14 5LN - free parking but the car park is very small
• Hartswood, King George’s Park, Brentwood CM14 5AE - parking is no longer free, pay via app.
• South Weald Country Park, Brentwood CM14 5QS - park by the cricket pitch enter woods on the left, pay for parking via app or at machines.
• Franks Wood, Cranham Brickfields, Upminster  RM14 1HR - park at Sunnycroft Gardens and walk straight past the play area and into the woods. Follow the path and turn left. Free parking but car park very small.
• Cely Woods, Aveley RM14 2TF
• Hanningfield Reservoir, Billericay CM11 1WT.
• Larch Wood at Bedford Park, Havering atta Bower RM4 1QH - walk down the hill with the play area behind you and car park on your right. Enter Larch Wood and turn left. Parking is free.
• Norsey Woods, Billericay CM11 1HA
• The Manor Nature Reserve, Harold Hill RM3 9XR - small free carpark.
• Belhus Woods, Aveley RM15 4XJ - pay for parking via app or at machines on site.

**Please be careful while you are out not to trample, sit or walk on the bluebells as they damage very easily and this affects their ability to rebloom. They can take between 4 and 6 years to rebloom again. Stick to the paths and clearings! 
**Please don't pick the flowers as Native English Bluebells are a protected species.

If you know of somewhere else in the local area where you can see bluebells contact us and we will add it to our list.

We have put together a great list of activities for those kids who crave something a bit more exciting! There's everything from zip-lining to paintballing, white water rafting to kayaking!

Check it out and let us know if you've already done any of these

70 Free (& Cheap!) Things to do in London with Kids 2024

We live so close to our capital city and I am guessing most of us don't make the most of what's on offer - I know I don't!

You won't find any of what I call the 'big ticket' days out here. This is more about making the most of the city and exploring the hidden gems, it's about finding family friendly activities and planning days out that won't cost the earth.

We have found:

• Tips on public transport and how to make the most of it
• Interesting places that you might not know about
• Places to visit to see amazing views of the city
• Play parks - what's a day out without a chance to let off steam in a playground?!
• City Farms
• Museums & galleries with family friendly events and areas to explore
• Fountains and splash areas to cool off on a hot day - ok so you can save this bit for later in the year!
• Ideas for teens

And so much more.

Click here and start planning your next day out!