Sussex


<p>Spring is in the air, and isn’t it gorgeous! We’re so lucky to have the most incredible number of bluebell woods in our area, so there are loads of options to get your fix of the little blue fellas. Here are 16 of the best hotspots to visit now. Remember for National Trust and many other managed sites, you might need to book in advance, check their sites for details.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/03/Bluebells-pxherenature-forest-grass-light-plant-field-480832-pxhere.com_.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36762" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/03/Bluebells-pxherenature-forest-grass-light-plant-field-480832-pxhere.com_.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/03/Bluebells-pxherenature-forest-grass-light-plant-field-480832-pxhere.com_-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/03/Bluebells-pxherenature-forest-grass-light-plant-field-480832-pxhere.com_-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/03/Bluebells-pxherenature-forest-grass-light-plant-field-480832-pxhere.com_-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/leisure-and-libraries/parks-and-green-spaces/stanmer-park" target="_blank">Stanmer Park</a>, Brighton</h2>



<p>The Great Wood at Stanmer Park is a gorgeous example of ancient woodland, right on the outskirts of Brighton. Stock up with drinks and cake from the <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/stanmer-tea-rooms/?msclkid=896652eebbff11ec8d7fb32e6f47abd6">Stanmer Tea Rooms</a> in the Village before heading out along the wooded trails to explore. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.bluebellwalk.co.uk/" target="_blank">Arlington bluebell walk</a> and farm trail, near Polegate</h2>



<p>This most famous of Sussex bluebell spots has been around since 1972. with several walks is open to the public and it&#8217;s wheelchair accessible. Enjoy the glorious view of white star-like wood anemones and delicate, nodding bluebells. Picnic in the car park, or eat at their on-site café. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="480" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2021/03/leonardslee1-720x480.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50579" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2021/03/leonardslee1-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2021/03/leonardslee1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2021/03/leonardslee1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2021/03/leonardslee1-787x525.jpg 787w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2021/03/leonardslee1.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Leonardslee Lakes &amp; Garden (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk/bluebell-woodland-walks" target="_blank">Leonardslee Lakes &amp; Garden</a>, Lower Beeding</h2>



<p>The Bluebell Bank within the ancient woodland of Leonardslee&#8217;s 240-acre estate is at its best in April and May, a stunning carpet of blue, like something from a fairytale. There are some amazing sculptures to see around the grounds too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/12912/abbots-wood/" target="_blank">Abbots Wood</a>, between Hailsham and Polegate</strong></h2>



<p>In the same area as Arlington Bluebell Walk, this ancient woodland is so named because it was once overseen by the Abbott at Battle Abbey.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans" target="_blank">Bateman&#8217;s</a>, Burwash</strong></h2>



<p>Kipling&#8217;s former home, now a National Trust property, is surrounded by Sussex Weald Woodland where you can hunt for the carpets of blue. Tea room open for takeaway and eat in.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Butchers Wood (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/butchers-wood/" target="_blank">Butchers Wood</a>, Hassocks</h2>



<p>A lovely ancient oak woodland bursting with bluebells and with plenty of paths for exploration. Owned by the Woodland Trust, it&#8217;s in an AONB. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/wood/20303/angmering-park-estate-trust-apet/" target="_blank">Angmering Woods</a>, Angmering</strong></h2>



<p>The woodland surrounding Angmering Park Estate, between Worthing and Arundel, dates back to the Norman Conquest and has one of the best bluebell displays in West Sussex alongside delicate wood anemones. You may also spot highland cattle.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/Bluebell-close-up-countryside-flower-spring-877473-pxhere.com_.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-24023" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/Bluebell-close-up-countryside-flower-spring-877473-pxhere.com_.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/Bluebell-close-up-countryside-flower-spring-877473-pxhere.com_-300x225.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/Bluebell-close-up-countryside-flower-spring-877473-pxhere.com_-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/Bluebell-close-up-countryside-flower-spring-877473-pxhere.com_-667x500.jpg 667w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.visitchichester.org/activity/kingley-vale-trail" target="_blank">Kingley Vale</a>, Chichester</strong></h2>



<p>One of the most ancient yew woodlands in Western Europe, Kingley Vale near Chichester has some fantastic twisted trees that look like they belong in <em>Lord of the Rings</em> &#8211; in fact they&#8217;re among the oldest living things in England. There are also&nbsp;bluebell carpets here in spring &#8211; follow the network of walking paths in the nature reserve.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Wakehurst Place, (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.kew.org/wakehurst/visit-wakehurst" target="_blank">Wakehurst, </a>East Grinstead</h2>



<p>Always worth a visit, Kew&#8217;s sister site here in Sussex is glorious year-round and spring is no exception, with carpets of bluebells in the ancient woodland. See 15 other reasons to visit <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/15-reasons-to-visit-wakehurst-all-year-round/">here</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Mayes Park (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.instagram.com/mayespark/" target="_blank">Mayes Park</a>, Warnham, West Sussex</h2>



<p>Lovely woodland with a mix of white and blue bluebells (which are pretty rare apparently 10,000 to 1!)</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffield-park-and-garden/features/bluebells-at-sheffield-park-and-garden" target="_blank">Sheffield Park &amp; Garden</a>, near Uckfield, </strong></h2>



<p>The aptly named Walk Wood at Sheffield Park recently restored a network of paths from the early 1700s. This is one of the best places on the site to see bluebells but you&#8217;ll also catch them in the gardens and on other walks.&nbsp;There is a kids Easter trail on until 24 April, read our review <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/easter-trail-at-sheffield-park-and-garden/">here.</a> </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignnone size-full wp-image-24024"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/©NationalTrust_BluebellsWoodlands_HughMothersole_lowres.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-24024" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/©NationalTrust_BluebellsWoodlands_HughMothersole_lowres.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/©NationalTrust_BluebellsWoodlands_HughMothersole_lowres-300x169.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/©NationalTrust_BluebellsWoodlands_HughMothersole_lowres-768x432.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/©NationalTrust_BluebellsWoodlands_HughMothersole_lowres-720x405.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>© NationalTrust, photo by Hugh Mothersole</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans" target="_blank">Nymans, </a>Handcross, near Haywards Heath, </strong></h2>



<p>Another National Trust property. The woodland and the wild garden at Nymans are carpeted with bluebells. In the gardens around the historic house you can also see the magnificent magnolias.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.denmans.org" target="_blank">Denmans Garden</a>, Fontwell</strong></h2>



<p>This compact four acre contemporary country garden was designed by John Brookes MBE, who was influential in popularising the concept of the &#8216;outdoor room&#8217;. Bluebells are among the blooms you&#8217;ll see there this spring. Book ahead.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image wp-image-36771 size-full"><figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="526" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/03/Denmans-trio.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-36771" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/03/Denmans-trio.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/03/Denmans-trio-300x158.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/03/Denmans-trio-768x404.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/03/Denmans-trio-720x379.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Denmans Graden</figcaption></figure></div>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen-house-and-garden/features/bluebells-at-standen" target="_blank">Standen Estate</a>, East Grinstead</strong></h2>



<p>Around 20 of the 100 acres of the original Standen Estate should be bluebell-tastic this spring with&nbsp;Rockinghill and Hollybush woods carpeted. Purple orchids usually bloom in Hollybush to add to the magic and you may also catch&nbsp;the tulips flowering around the house and gardens. You can walk from Standen to the Bluebell Railway at Kingscote Station. The Standen House itself is an Arts and Crafts family home with interiors by Morris &amp; Co.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/ebernoe-common" target="_blank">Ebernoe Common</a>, Near Petworth</strong></h2>



<p>This varied ancient wooded area, now a Sussex Wildlife Trust nature reserve, incorporates&nbsp;ponds, streams, meadows and reclaimed arable land. Besides bluebells you may see wild orchids, purple emperor butterlies and ponies that help to keep the grass grazed. The common is about five miles north of Petworth and there&#8217;s a car park at Ebernoe Church. <a href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/the-mens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Mens</a>&nbsp;nature reserve (note, no apostrophe &#8211; women are welcome!) is another bluebell spot near Petworth.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="http://www.highweald.org/explore-sussex/nature-reserves/brede-high-wood.html" target="_blank">Brede High Woods,</a> Battle, </strong></h2>



<p>Ancient and secondary woodland and open heathland combine at this spot in&nbsp;the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The woods are to the&nbsp;north east of Powdermill Reservoir so you can combine bluebell spotting with waterside views. They&#8217;re managed by the Woodland Trust. Just over in Kent, also check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden/features/spring-at-sissinghurst-castle-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sissinghurst Castle Garden</a>.</p>



<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/Bluebells-pxhere.com_.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-24022" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/Bluebells-pxhere.com_.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/Bluebells-pxhere.com_-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/Bluebells-pxhere.com_-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/04/Bluebells-pxhere.com_-720x480.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure></div>



<p>For more details on blossom-tastic walks see our insider guide to the blooming gorgeous <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/best-places-blossom-sussex/">National Trust sites</a> in Sussex and our <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/6-reasons-to-get-outside-in-sussex-this-spring/">guide to Standen &amp; Nymans</a> this spring.</p>



<p>For further afield see our guides to Bluebell walks in <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks/bluebell-walks-in-surrey/">Surrey </a>and <a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/best-bluebell-walks/">Kent</a>. </p>


16 stunning bluebell walks in Sussex

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