Fellow bluebell seekers, it’s our favourite time of year!
The county is blooming with a burst of spring, so it's the perfect time to head out and see the beautiful bluebell come to life. With ancient woodland all across Kent, you can spot carpets of indigo on many a rural ramble from April and we've got suggestion of the best places to find this floral favourite.
We admit, we’ve only scratched the surface with our favourite bluebell haunts, so if you have a favourite let us know - and most importantly, share your spring pictures with us on Twitter and Instagram!
And if you're in the mood to find more blooms, check out our guide to the best places for spring flowers of every colour in Kent.
Please remember to check websites before visiting these attractions for their latest guidelines about visiting and opening times.
With eight acres of award-winning gardens, it should come as no surprise that Walmer Castle made our list. Known for those beautiful formal gardens, the castle makes for a glorious visit any time of year, but it's spring when the woodland garden and meadow really come alive.
12,000 trees and shrubs are scattered across the landscape at Bedgebury Pinetum and when spring arrives, azaleas, rhododendrons and bluebells are all part of the stunning scenery. Pack a picnic, put your walking shoes on and enjoy this tranquil corner of the county.
Discover a carpet of bluebells on the North Downs with a visit to Ranscombe Farm Reserve in Cuxton, near Rochester. The nature reserve is a haven for rare wild plants, especially arable wildflowers and orchids, so be sure to have those cameras at the ready. Bonus tip - return in May for sightings of wild poppies which form rich red carpets along the edges of the farm’s wheat fields too!
Ah, one of our absolute favourites any time of year, Penshurst Place is glorious during bluebell season. Stroll the acres of parkland surrounding the estate, before venturing into those beautifully manicured formal gardens. Pssst...be sure to come back in May for that Insta-fabulous peony border too!
A sea of blue awaits at Emmetts Garden. Stretched across the slopes of the Edwardian hillside garden, enjoy woodland wanders and plenty of sightings of bluebells, but don’t lose sight of the sensational panoramic views of the Weald that are never very far away.
Looking for a lot of colour? Take a walk in the magical parkland of Hole Park Gardens! Along with many bluebells, you'll find daffodils, magnolia, wisteria, camellias and much more in this garden. Better yet, we recommend taking to two wheels with UK Electric Bike Hire and using pedal power (and a little help) to get there - the perfect way to soak up those spring views.
This 537 acre site is worth a visit if you'd like to see carpets of bluebells and other wildflowers. With 180,000 leaves and 21 different species of butterflies Hucking Estate is a great place to enjoy a walk.
A sight not to be missed are the bluebells in Scathes Wood on the Ightham Mote estate. There is a lot to see during a walk here, such as many different types of trees, flowers and animals. So keep your eyes open!
It is said Guy Fawkes purchased gunpowder from here, but it’s safe to say a more peaceful visit is to be had these days! Among the rich patchwork of habitats of wetland, woodland and open glades, bluebells are emerging across the landscape. Of course, bluebell spot while here, but be sure to keep an eye out for the birds, bats and amphibians that also call this park home.
What could be better than a bluebell scout out in the fairy-tale surroundings of Scotney Castle? Aside from the beautiful ruins of its fourteenth century moated castle and Victorian house, an exploration of the surrounding woodland is perfect for spotting bluebells.
While away a spring afternoon at Sissinghurst Castle Garden, beloved by the poet Vita Sackville-West, and you’ll find swathes of colour. Enjoy a stroll, but don’t forget it’s not just the gardens that get the spring colour treatment, as the 450 acre estate and woodland rolls out the blue carpet come April.
With even more Wealden views across 200 acres of woodland, Toy’s Hill is the place for when you want nothing more than to lace up your walking boots and stride into spring. You’ll find bluebells spread all across the woodland floor, along with sightings of a well sank by Octavia Hill, one of the founding members of the National Trust, and a bat hibernaculum.
