A walk to see the bluebells is one of the highlights of spring.

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 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. The National Trust is one of the most important organisations in the UK for bluebells – a quarter of the Trust’s woodland is ancient or semi-natural; the ideal habitats for bluebells to flourish

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

Basildon Park near Reading

There’s a brand new bluebell trail taking you into a previously undiscovered part of the woodland at Basildon Park. It is only available from 2 April to 31 May. The rangers have roped the route to show the way and protect the bluebells.

Bluebell trail through ancient woodland at | National Trust

(Normal admission or free to National Trust members)

Maidenhead Commons near Maidenhead

This moderate 6.9 mile circular walk heads south from Pinkneys Drive through to Pinkneys Green and Winter Hill Road Woods before stopping at the Brick and Tile Works and the beautiful mixed woodland of Maidenhead Thicket, once a hot-spot for highwaymen, now a hot spot for clusters of bluebells.

Maidenhead Commons trail | Berkshire | National Trust

(National Trust-owned countryside, free for everyone to access)

Buckinghamshire

Bradenham estate, near High 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 (leased from the National Trust) is a great place for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea. Try this longer hike here:

Bradenham beech woods walk │ Chilterns | National Trust

(National Trust-owned countryside, free for everyone to access)

Low Scrubs, near Wendover

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.

Low Scrubs circular woodland walk | Bucks | National Trust

(National Trust-owned countryside, free for everyone to access)

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.

Hughenden Manor estate views walk | Bucks | National Trust

(Normal admission or free to National Trust members)

West Wycombe Park, near High Wycombe

The grounds at West Wycombe Park are open from 1 April, just in time to see the bluebells clustering around the base of the beeches and oaks. Take a walk around the lake and you may also spot ducklings, goslings and cygnets on the clear waters of the little chalk stream.

Garden at West Wycombe Park | Bucks | National Trust

(Normal admission or free to National Trust members)

Cliveden, near Maidenhead

The famous 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.

Cliveden family walking and play trail | National Trust

(Normal admission or free to National Trust members)

Oxfordshire

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.

Watlington Hill circular walk | Oxon/Bucks | National Trust

(National Trust-owned countryside, free for everyone to access)

Nuffield Place, near Henley-on-Thames

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.

Nuffield Place | Oxfordshire | National Trust

(Normal admission or free to National Trust members)

TOP IMAGE: National Trust – Hugh Mothersole