Go on a bluebell walk

April and early May is the time of year to see beautiful carpets of bluebells in woodland, depending on general and local weather conditions. The National Trust and Woodland Trust have suggested some of their top sites for bluebell walks in England and Northern Ireland. Some of the best places to enjoy this annual display of colour include:

Ashridge, Hertfordshire The one-and-a-half-mile waymarked woodland trail has a stunning display of bluebells and an array of wildlife coming back to life in the spring. Guided walk on Saturday May 5. or further information call 01442 851227, or click here.

Heartwood Forest, Hertfordshire Enjoy two days of guided bluebell walks on May 4 and 5 in the Woodland Trust's largest new native woodland, near St Albans. Click here for details

Emmetts Garden, Kent One of the highest points in Kent, with views of the Weald and North Downs. The woodland slopes are carpeted with bluebells. For further information call 01732 868381, or click here.

Brede High Woods, East Sussex Take a self-guided bluebell trail, marked by tinkling bells, from Sunday April 12, or join a guided walk on Sunday April 25. Click here for details.

Hatchlands Park, Surrey Little Wix Wood is renowned for a wonderful display of bluebells. The wood can be accessed via the two-mile Long Walk around the estate (a walk leaflet is available). For further information call 01483 222482, or click here.

Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey Set on hillside overlooking a lake, bluebells are just one of its seasonal delights. Click here for details.

Blickling Estate, Norfolk The five-mile waymarked estate walk will take you through the Great Wood and if you wander from the path you’ll come across a wonderful display of bluebells. Guided walk on April 29 and May 2. For further information call 01263 738030, or click here.

Trench Wood, Worcestershire As well as its display of bluebells, this ancient woodland is also a fantastic place to spot the many types of butterfly which flutter to life in spring.

Sea Wood, Cumbria Wander through the semi-natural ancient woodland spotting bluebells before picnicking on the shingle beach of Ulverston Sands. Click here for details

Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire A hidden beauty spot near Hebden Bridge. The three-mile Mill Walk is the ideal place to see a mass of bluebells in spring. For further information call 01422 844518, or click here.

Kingston Lacy, Dorset The two-and-a-half-mile woodland walks on the estate is a great place to see the annual display of bluebells. For further information call 01208 883402, or click here.

Lanhydrock, Cornwall At the start of the one-and-a-half-mile Great Wood and Avenue Walk you’ll come across the Bluebell wood, famed for its carpet of colour in the spring. Guided walk on Saturday May 5. To book call 01208 265278, or click here.

Long Wood, Somerset Long Wood is one of the best woods to visit in Cheddar Gorge thanks to its stunning views and plentiful wildlife spotting opportunities, from buzzards to badgers and plenty in between. Three bluebell trails will guide you through the displays of these pretty flowers. Click here for details.

Mount Stewart, Co. Down, Northern Ireland The main drive and Lake Walk are the best places to see the Bluebells in bloom. For further information call 028 4278 8387, or click here.

Killaloo Wood, Co Down This wood, in the Faughan river valley, is largely composed of oaks, carpeted beaneath with bluebells. Click here for details.