Japan has cherry blossoms. The Netherlands has tulips. Britain’s answer? Bluebells, a stunning woodland flower that erupts into a sea of vibrant blue in April and May.

For city-slickers in need of a nature hit or travellers visiting London, now is the perfect time to head to Dockey Wood on Ashridge Estate.

Its bluebell fields usually peak between mid-April and early May. Bluebells are not only visually stunning, but their presence signifies that the surrounding woodland has been around for at least 400 years.

Where’s the best place to view bluebells near London?

One of the top spots for bluebell flower viewing in Britain is Dockey Wood on Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire – just over an hour’s drive from London.

While the blooms are evidently the main drawcard, Ashridge Estate has more than 2000 hectares of stunning woodlands waiting to be explored. Visit the historic Pitsone Windmill, take in views from the towering granite Bridgewater Monument and watch out for butterflies, birds and deer.

How to get to Dockey Wood

There is parking space at Dockey Wood for 40 cars. Do not park along the roadside as this can block emergency vehicle access.

During the peak visiting period, the National Trust recommends parking at the Visitor Centre on Monument Drive and walking the approximately 2.5-kilometre marked path to Dockey Wood.

Bluebells are delicate and take years to recover from damage. Photo: Unsplash

Responsible visiting

While the blooms are well worth a visit, the large numbers of visitors they attract puts pressure on the woodland’s flora.

Bluebells don’t spread to new areas easily or quickly, so it is vital to protect them. It can take bluebells about seven years to recover from damage.

“The delicate soft leaves of bluebells are easily damaged, and this stops them from being able to photosynthesise, meaning they die back,” the National Trust’s website says.

“In turn, this means they can’t put food back into their bulbs, reducing their ability to produce flowers and seeds. Watch your step and the bluebells will continue to flower for years to come.”

If you do visit, stick to the following guidelines:

• Do not – under any circumstances – touch, pick or step on the flowers;
• Stick to the main visitor paths and watch out for “faux” paths created by resident badgers that can be mistaken for human paths;
• Keep dogs on a leash and do not allow them to run into the bluebell fields;
• While stepping into the sea of flowers can be tempting for a photo opportunity, this is strictly forbidden.

How much does it cost to visit Dockey Wood bluebells?

On the busiest weekends, the National Trust charges visitors an entry fee of £3.50 ($A6.61) per adult and £1.50 ($A2.83) per child. It is free for National Trust members.

Check the dates here

Other places to see bluebells in England

• Kew Gardens, London
• Micheldever Woods, Hampshire
• Wendover Woods, Chiltern Hills, Buckinghamshire
• Badbury Clump, Oxfordshire
• Boxley Wood and Rochester Forest, Kent

Republished from International Traveller