Erica Here in Kent we are very lucky to have a lot of ancient woodland, which is what native Bluebells need to thrive
Bluebell season in Kent is April to May depending on the weather. Visit too early and they wont have flowered, visit too late and they will be on their way out. You can keep an eye on social media to see how the bluebells are faring each year as visiting places to see bluebells is very popular.
Here are our favourite places to view bluebells in the county of Kent
Bluebell Season in Andrew’s Wood, Sevenoaks
Andrew’s Wood is a not very well kept local secret during bluebell season. For non locals it is near the very popular Polhill Garden Centre (where you can pop in for a coffee after visiting the bluebells). There is free parking here but it does get very busy, especially at weekends. There are also toilets.
Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks a great place to see bluebells
You don’t actually have to enter the National Trust property itself in order to enjoy the bluebells at Ightham Mote, there are tonnes in the walks around it. There is a pay and display car park which is free to National Trust members, you can also use the toilets and cafe without having to pay to enter.
Our favourite walk is the shorter Red Walk which is a little over a mile. The views are stunning! You will need wellies or walking boots in muddy conditions and, although a rugged, all terrain pushchair will make it anything else will struggle. During dry weather it shouldn’t be a problem though.
Emmetts Garden (National Trust), Ide Hill
Emmetts Garden holds a special place in my heart as I spent a lot of time there as a child. We visited during bluebell season and I cannot begin to describe how wonderful the bluebells were! We found the best were down in the valley which was a bit of a pain with a pushchair but well worth it for the sight and scent of the bluebells!
Being a National Trust property you do have to pay to enter unless you are a member.
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens, Bluebell Festival, Sevenoaks
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens take Bluebells so seriously they have a festival dedicated to them! We have been visiting Riverhill Himalayan Gardens throughout their season (which runs from mid-March to late October) for several years now. It is our Sunday afternoon place to pop to as we are lucky enough to live a few minutes down the road.
We love Riverhill Himalayan Gardens every season and Bluebell season there is no exception. They are lucky enough to border St Julians Club who allow walkers to continue a further walk to enjoy the bluebells on their land during their Bluebell Festival. We found the best bluebells to be up on the hill past where you find the yeti (if you know, you know). The walk is pretty hilly but Riverhill have recently updated some of their paths in order to be more accessible.
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens is paid entry, although it is free if you just want to use the cafe.
Ranscombe Farm Reserve, Strood, wildflowers in Medway
Ranscombe Farm is internationally significant for it’s threatened wildflowers. It offers three circular walks in differing lengths where you can enjoy the wildflowers which, obviously, vary depending on the season. During bluebell season you will find an abundance of bluebells in the woodland, but there is such a varied geology you will also find meadow and field flowers.
There is a small carpark on site but parking is possible elsewhere.
Please respect bluebells and don’t walk on them or pick them, thank you!
