You’ve got one walk a day, so best make it gorgeous! We’re so lucky to have the most incredible number of bluebell woods in Berkshire and whilst, sadly, a few are closed to the public this year, there are still loads of options to get your fix of the little blue fellas. Here are 11 of the best hotspots that you can still visit during lockdown.

Rushell Farm, Stanford Dingley

Every year Rushell Farm opens up its woodland for beautiful bluebell walks in aid of Reading MS Society. The spring strolls start from the impressive Rushall Manor and take you on a variety of walks on ‘permitted paths’ that vary in length from a dedicated 5 miles down to a short, ‘wheelchair friendly’ circuit.

Pope’s Meadow, Binfield

Pope’s Meadow, named after Binfield’s most famous resident – the 18th-century poet and philosopher Alexander Pope, is a Green Flag Award-winning site and has a small wooded copse full of bluebells. You never know, it might even inspire you to write poetry too. At Binfield Road in Bracknell are The Three Copses (Temple Copse, Tinker’s Copse and Jock’s Copse ) – hazel coppice woodlands full of bluebells with a handy circular walk through them.

Moor Copse, Tidmarsh

Moor Copse in Tidmarsh (between Theale and Pangbourne) is an area of tranquil woodland surround by a patchwork of meadows and pastures set in the heart of the Pang Valley. No guided walks this year, but you’ll see bluebells, early purple orchids and cowslips at their very best. It’s a 2-mile stroll, but the paths can get a bit muddy in places.

Warburg Nature Reserve, Henley

If you live near to Warburg Nature Reserve in Henley, you’re in for a treat. The reserve is carpeted in bluebells and wildflowers at this time of the year. The perfect antidote to lockdown.  

Bowdown Woods, Newbury

Bowdown Woods just south of Newbury is a magical ancient wood that stretches from the vast heathland at Greenham Common down to the River Kennet and is full of hidden valleys, sunny glades and patches of heathland with bluebells at every turn. The Wildlife Walk takes in some damp clay areas on the lower slopes and steep climb up to the higher, drier ground.

Ferneygrove Farm, Bracknell

Fernygrove Farm‘s usually open their ancient bluebell woods to the public from mid-April (10am-3pm). Drift around the sea of blue in your own time – it takes about 45mins to walk around. It’s a bit rough and uneven in places not particularly suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. 

Brick Hill, Chilton Foliat-Hungerford

Bit of a hidden gem and a little off the beaten track… largely because it’s in Wilts. Eek. I know, I’m playing fast and loose with the county lines, but in fairness, this pretty bluebell loop takes you from Chilton Foliat into Hungerford and back (if you fancy) or you can just meet the driver in the local pub.

Also worth visiting: Chazey Wood, within the Mapledurham estate. Highwood, Woodley with its mixture of lowland woodland and heathland which used to be part of the grounds of Woodley Lodge. The Coombe, Streatley, has an abundance of bluebells in the spring. Clayfield Copse, Caversham has a lovely woodland walk suitable for buggies and wheelchairs.

Every year when I write about bluebell hotspots I receive a flurry of messages about the ones I’ve forgotten. Aside from the places that are closed, have I finally nailed the list this year, I wonder? Please let me know if there are any omissions!