The best places to see the bluebells in Tunbridge Wells this season.

“The Bluebell is the sweetest flower

That waves in summer air.

Its blossoms have the mightiest power

To soothe my spirit’s care”

When do Bluebells flower?

Emily Bronte’s words conjure up the enduring appeal of woods carpeted with this fragrant and beautiful flower.

Come the end of April, beginning of May, Tunbridge Wells, blanketed by ancient and peaceful woodland, is smothered by the annual deluge of striking, perfect bluebells.

See them whilst going for a weekend stroll, walking off Sunday lunch or an organised hike exploring the delights of the Wealden countryside.

If glorious gardens are more to your taste, with tea and cake and other culinary delights, there are a number of historic houses in the area famous for their grounds and hospitality.

Off the Beaten Track for Bluebell Season

For wild walks close to the town centre, but still off the beaten track, head for the tranquillity of High Woods in Hawkenbury with its wonderful spring flowers. Explore Broadwater Down nature reserve on the southern tip of the town, where the woods are filled with birdsong and carpets of bluebells.

Hurst Wood, hidden away behind the St John’s area of the town, is also a mass of bluebells in late spring. Slightly further afield are the Birchden Woods in Groombridge and Shadwell Woods at Rusthall. They are a delight for dog walkers with plenty of open space to tire dogs out and woodland paths to roam.

The famous bluebells - Hole Park

The Best Bluebell Walks in Kent

A car ride away the woodlands at Pashley Manor Gardens are covered in a mantle of soft blue from the end of April until mid May. Visitors can enjoy walks through the woods alongside a pretty stream before exploring the rest of the gardens. The terrace and Garden Room Café are the perfect place to sample the fabulous homemade food.

The Scotney Castle estate at Lamberhurst has plenty of walks and opportunities to see bluebells in the surrounding woodlands.

The spectacular displays of bluebells captivate visitors to Hole Park Gardens and are waiting to be discovered in the woodland. The Bluebell Festival at Hole Park is a hotly anticpated event each year. When you have finished exploring relax and treat yourself to tea and cake from the family run café.

Bluebells at Hole Park

Explore the bluebell season further

Bluebells and woodland walks can be enjoyed at Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, Groombridge PlaceEmmett’s Garden, and Ightham Mote all of which are awash with bluebells in spring. There are plenty of walks available to suit different abilities. All the National Trust properties have cafes for refuelling after your adventures in the woods.

Bluebells have a special magic, a fragile fragrance and a deep ethereal blue which calms and cheers. They are a secret glory of the Weald. So what are you waiting for?  Put on your walking boots and enjoy the countryside.

“And like a skylit water stood

The bluebells in the azured wood”

From A Shropshire Lad by A E Housman

Highlights