Not long after Easter, towards the end of April, the bluebells start to appear in woodlands across the UK. Forests are transformed with an enchanting carpet of vibrant purple flowers. It is magical to go for a bluebell walk in the forest at this time. Bluebells are an indicator of ancient woodland with many bluebell woods dating back to at least 1600. Bluebells are often associated with fairy folklore and are sometimes called ‘fairy thimbles’. Young children can enjoy imagining calling fairies by pretending to ring the bluebells (without touching them of course!).
Photo Credit: Alexandra Tandy Photography
Bluebells are fragile and it’s really important not to stand on them or pick them as they won’t return the next year. To take a photo that looks like you’re nestled in flowers but not actually – you need to get creative with your positioning. Have the subject stand on a path and then you’ll need to find another path or on the curve of a path. Then crouch down to take your photo.
Check out the Red Kite Days guide to Top 10 bluebell walks in Berkshire and Buckinghamshire too.
Where to go for a Bluebell Walk in Oxfordshire
Here is the Red Kite Days guide to best places to go for a bluebell walk in Oxfordshire. If you’re got a favourite spot not on the list or a bluebell woods picture you’d like to share, please tell us about it on our Facebook page or by tagging us on Twitter @redkitedays.
- Harcourt Arboretum, Nunenham Courtney
- Aston Rowant Nature Reserve
- Basildon Park, Upper Basildon (National Trust).
- Shotover Wood, near Oxford. Read our Red Kite Days review here
- Greys Court, Peppard (National Trust)
- Stoke Wood, near Bicester
- Warburg Nature Reserve, near Henley
- Bagley Wood, Kennington
- Badbury Hill, Faringdon
- Nuffield Place woods, Nettlebed (National Trust)
- Foxholes, near Burford
- Wytham Woods (free to visit but you need to apply for a walking pass first)
- Bladon Woods
Bluebells at Aston Rowant Nature Reserve
Bluebell Fun Facts
Did you know that in the Bronze Age, bluebell sap was used to attach feathers to arrows and has also been used to bind pages in the spines of books? The bluebell is a symbol of constancy and may be the origin of the tradition that a bride should wear ‘something blue’ on her wedding day.
The amazing family photo appearing in this article was taken by Alexandra Tandy Photography.
