A walk to see the bluebells is one of the highlights of spring and the National Trust has revealed the best spots to see these glorious spring flowers.

There is something magical about bluebells, with their sudden, mystical takeover turning ancient woodlands a ghostly blue in late spring. The flowers have long been linked to the fairy-world.

With more than half the global population of bluebells flowering in the UK, Britain’s beautiful blue spring is a quintessential part of our native landscape. A quarter of the National Trust’s woodland being ancient or semi-natural, makes them ideal habitats for bluebells to flourish.

A family walk to discover the delights of these delicate flowers that transform Britain’s wonderful woodlands is an annual event in some households. It’s important to stick to paths as bluebells are fragile flowers and if their leaves are stepped on and crushed as they can’t photosynthesise and will die. The blooming date for bluebells varies depending on the weather, but you can usually expect to see them in late April – early May.

Here is a selection of the top National Trust places in Bucks, Berks and Oxfordshire where you can enjoy bluebells in all their glory:

Nuffield Place, near Henley: The 15-minute woodland walk around Nuffield Place is perfect for little legs and pushchairs, or for those who want a hit of bluebells without having to walk far. Head to visitor reception at Nuffield Place and they’ll point you in the right direction for densely packed bluebells fringing the woodland path (Normal admission or free to National Trust members). Nuffield Place | Oxfordshire | National Trust

Watlington Hill, Watlington: Park in the National Trust car park (pay and display) at Watlington Hill for fine views over the Oxfordshire Plain. You can also see red kites and ravens playing in the thermals on the edge of the escarpment. Follow this hilly 7 mile hike to see bluebells in the beech and ash woodland (National Trust-owned countryside, free for everyone to access). Watlington Hill circular walk | Oxon/Bucks | National Trust

Cliveden, near Maidenhead: The internationally famous Grade I listed gardens at Cliveden blend into woodland along the escarpment which transforms into seas of blue in April. There are panoramic views over the river Thames and Berkshire countryside from the wooded cliffs. There’s a bluebell walk map that you can pick up at the Information Kiosk. Look out for cowslips, snowy wood anemones and dog violets in the woodlands too. Follow this short walk if you’re visiting with children as there’s also a woodland play trail along the route (Normal admission or free to National Trust members). Cliveden family walking and play trail | National Trust

Maidenhead Thicket, Maidenhead: Maidenhead Thicket is a large area of wooded common with around five miles of footpaths taking you through broadleaf woodland, rides and tree-lined avenues. Amongst the many ancient and veteran trees you’ll see patches of bluebells in spring. You can just park up and have a wander or try this longer 7 mile level walk to take in a few of the picturesque commons of Maidenhead (National Trust-owned countryside, free for everyone to access). Maidenhead Commons trail | Berkshire | National Trust

Bradenham beech woods walk, near West Wycombe: The beech woodland on the Bradenham estate is lovely for bluebells in late spring. There are car parks in the pretty brick-and-flint village of Bradenham. It’s a great base to wander into the woodland, criss-crossed with footpaths and carpeted with bluebells in the dappled shade. The Red Lion pub is a great place for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea (National Trust-owned countryside, free for everyone to access). Bradenham beech woods walk │ Chilterns | National Trust

Low Scrubs, near Wendover: A walk back in time. This short, circular waymarked walk is only about a mile long and takes you through the atmospheric bluebell woods of Low Scrubs. You’ll also pass by relics of its past including ancient trees, fences embedded in trees and archaeology from as far back as the early Iron Age (National Trust-owned countryside, free for everyone to access). Low Scrubs circular woodland walk | Bucks | National Trust.

Hughenden Manor in High Wycombe: The beautiful Chiltern woodlands surrounding Hughenden Manor are criss-crossed with footpaths and you’ll see a dreamy haze of bluebells in late spring on this 2-3 hour walk at Hughenden (Normal admission or free to National Trust members). Hughenden Manor estate views walk | Bucks | National Trust

Basildon Park near Pangbourne: The magnificent ancient woodlands surrounding Basildon Park reveal a glorious bluebell bounty. There are way-marked walks of different lengths through the parkland where visitors can find bluebells and other woodland gems such as lesser celandines and tiny dog violets. These walks are suitable for children and there’s a play trail in the parkland too (Normal admission or free to National Trust members) Visit Basildon Park’s parkland | Berkshire | National Trust