Beat the blues, with local bluebells!

If there’s a more beautiful sight than a carpet of bluebells in the woods, then we can’t think of it at the moment! Spring is officially here, so to put the winter blues well and truly behind you, why not take the little ones for a stroll in a couple of weeks or so round the best local bluebell spots. There are loads to choose from (click here for a searchable database) but we’ve just picked a couple here to get you started…

We know we’re in danger of being Bolton Abbey bores, but we just LOVE the place and with a tearoom and gift shop called Dusty Bluebells, it’s no surprise that the woods on the estate are famed for their spectacular bluebell displays usually from late April (there were some already starting to come out when we went for the egg trail thanks to the early sunshine!) until late May. The woodlands are amazing at the best of times, but become really magical with all the bluebells and the colour-coded nature trails suit all ages and abilities – the green trail is great for prams and pushchairs and follows the west bank of the River Wharfe from the recently refurbished Cavendish Pavilion to the Strid.

For those not reliant on pushchairs, there’s a fab two and a half mile walk round Middleton Woods in Ilkley. Ideal for little legs or babies in carriers, the bluebells here are really spectacular too! The details in the Telegraph & Argus link above are great and it’s well worth a trip (with maybe a little treat at the family-friendly Betty’s afterwards?)

Before you set off, don’t forget to download the Woodland Trust’s Nature Detectives FREE activity sheets , crammed with tips on how to distinguish the native English bluebell (true blue!) from the Spanish invaders and other fun facts and activities.

Enjoy!
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