Now we’re right in the middle of bluebell season, there’s not long left to see these stunning traditional woodland flowers.
They usually flower from mid-April to late May, blooming earlier when the spring is mild (but we all know that was not the case in West Yorkshire this year).
Growing very close together, they create a beautiful carpet of blue across the woodland floors they tend to call home.
Although that’s not to say you mightn’t be able to spot a few growing along hedges and in fields and gardens too.
However, the best place for them to grow is in undisturbed soil – so if you want to catch a really magnificent display, you’re best off heading into some of West Yorkshire’s ancient woodlands.
We’ve picked out some of the best countryside walks to see the bluebells in full bloom across Halifax, Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield and Huddersfield to make sure you don’t miss out.
Temple Newsam Estate, Leeds
The woodlands around Temple Newsam Estate are carpeted in a sea of bluebells at this time of year. Park near the farm and playground and then take the paths down to the woods.
Middleton Park, Leeds
One of Leeds’ hidden gems, this tranquil space just outside of the city centre is home to thousands of flowering bluebells at this time of year. There are also sometimes organised walks that you can join in with here too.
Hetchell Wood Nature Reserve, Leeds
This peaceful spot between Leeds and Wetherby boasts some beautiful areas of woodland and grassland that are home to a variety of species, with an abundance of bluebells to be found here in spring.
Judy Woods near Wyke, Bradford
The third-largest woodland in Bradford, Judy Woods has a gorgeous display right now with a floor covered in the beautiful blue blossoms.
Esholt Woods, Bradford
Four woods in one, this makes for a gorgeous walk with plenty of pretty blue flowers to be seen along the way. Be warned, access is not great but it’s all worth it once you see the bluebell display here. Roadside parking only.
Upper Park Wood Nature Reserve, Kirklees
This nature reserve near Holmfirth has a gorgeous array of bluebells on show right now and boasts some fantastic views across the ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ countryside of the Holme Valley.
Elland Park Wood, Calderdale
A wonderful place to go if you want to see hundreds of bluebells at once. Several different footpaths lead into the woods here, meaning there’s plenty to explore.
Hardcastle Craggs, Calderdale
Situated on the edge of Hebden Bridge, seeing the bluebells at Hardcastle Craggs has to be one of the highlights of the year. Peaking in May, the woodland here is filled with the flowers’ sweet perfume with a floor of blue as far as the eye can see.
Seckar Wood is an area of ancient woodland and lowland heathland that is just to the south of Wakefield, close to Newmillerdam. There is a carpet of bluebells that covers the wood every Spring.
Seckar Wood, Wakefield
Located to the south of Wakefield, near to Newmillerdam, this area of ancient woodland and lowland heathland is covered in a layer of bluebells at this time of year.
Nostell Priory, Wakefield
With 300 acres of parkland to explore, this 18th century estate is awash with bluebells during the spring.
Feature image – Unsplash
