The Bluebell is the sweetest flower
That waves in summer air:
Its blossoms have the mightiest power
To soothe my spirit's care.
Emily Bronte – The Bluebell
Teetering on the edge of summer, when the air is becoming a little warmer and the sun shines a little longer, carpets of bluebells begin to appear throughout Cornwall. From the shores of the north coast and inland flower meadows, to grand county estates - there are plenty of places to experience the magical blue haze and heavenly scents of bluebells this bank holiday weekend.
Located just outside Penryn, Enys Gardens is renowned for its Bluebell Festival, which takes place this year from 30th April – 8th May. Within the historic 30-acre garden lies Parc Lye meadow, where the show of bluebells is awe-inspiring. Open every day during the festival from 11am - 4.30pm, both the gardens and tea room are dog friendly.
Explore the wind-blown woods on the north cliff circular walk at Tehidy Country Park this spring. Ideal for dog walking, this wheelchair accessible route winds its way through bluebell-carpeted woodland, past the Rose Garden towards the north cliff plantation. With plenty of free parking available, plus a café with delicious home-cooked meals, it’s a great place to explore in Cornwall this springtime.
Visit Pencarrow House on Sunday 1st May for their spectacular ‘Bluebell and Wild Garlic Sunday’. The gardens, grade II listed in their own right, cover almost 50 acres and have many focal points including the sunken Italian Garden, secret grotto - and of course, woodland walks dominated by bluebells and wild garlic. Dogs are welcome throughout the grounds and the Peacock Café will be serving light lunches and afternoon teas – along with plant and garlic recipes.
Not for the faint hearted, this challenging 8-mile walk through one of Cornwall’s most illustrious mining areas explores stunning rock formations, a multitude of archeological remains - alongside stunning flora and fauna. At this time of year the grassy slopes are alive with a blaze of purple, providing a splash of colour between the bracken and iconic yellow gorse.
This Saturday why not join Lanhydrock’s Head Ranger for a stroll through the stunning bluebell woods, followed by lunch in the restaurant? The ancient woodland and tranquil riversides paths are alive with springtime blossoms throughout April and May.
Tucked away in the Cornish countryside, this Tudor and Stuart mansion is surrounded by formal gardens and spectacular bluebell woods – providing visitors with a unique and unforgettable experience, as they meander through the bluebell strewn undulating landscape shaped by centuries gone by.
Visit Trelowarren on the 30th April and wander through the estate’s private garden, exploring the gorgeous array of flora and fauna as you go. Bluebells monopolise the pathways, which wind up past the highest point on the Lizard Peninsular - an Iron Age hill fort and a river formed by the ice age!