The bluebells are coming out in force now and from late April to early May we are often treated to beautiful carpets of bluebells in some of our Cornish woodlands, estates and gardens. Here is a guide to some of the best places to enjoy them around Cornwall.
Godolphin Estate
The bluebells come out early at this National Trust estate outside Helston. You can enjoy them as you strollย through the woods from the car park to the main house where parts of the new BBC Poldark series were filmed. ย There is also a cafe, situated at the entrance to the main house grounds where you can book tours of the house.ย www.nationaltrust.org.uk/godolphin
Cardinham Woods near Bodmin
There are some beautiful displays of bluebells at Cardinham Woods and the woods, which are run by the Forestry Commission areย very family friendly to explore.ย There are several marked trailsย through the woods, and the Woods Cafe which offers ย lovelyย cakes and Tregothnan teas is very friendly.ย For more information and details of the walks www.forestry.gov.uk/cardinham
Enys Gardens, ย near Penryn
These beautiful gardens just outside Falmouth are famed for the huge swathes of bluebells which sweep across vistas in the gardens. There is also a lovely tea room where you can enjoy tea and cake. Other lovely featuresย includeย a lake and the walled garden. www.enysgardens.org.ukย Tel:ย 01326 377621
Idless Woods near Truro
Listed by the Forestry Commission as one of their top ten bluebell sites in the UK, Idless Woods is a lovely walk and just north of Truro. For directions visit www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/englandcornwallnoforestidless
Tehidy Woods near Redruth
The popular woods are carpeted with bluebells at this time of year and they are a lovely place to explore with your dog. Do watch out for swans, especially as they are nesting at this time of year. There is a cafe at the main South entrance, where the food ย is lovely. For more details and a map: www.cornwall.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/parks-and-open-spaces/tehidy-country-park/
Trelowarren near Helston
Ten minutes drive on to the Lizard (towards St Keverne) beyond Helston is Trelowarren, a beautiful estate with really lovely bluebell walks. ย The New Yard restaurant opensย breakfast from 8am and you can really make a day of it here as there is a spa, outdoor pool and an arts and craft gallery to enjoy while you visit. trelowarren.com
Lanhydrock
The wooded estate around the main gardens and house of the National Trustโs Lanhydrock isย a haven for walkers. From Respryn car park or the main car park new the house you can set out on walks along the River Fowey. Pick up walk and trail maps from the kiosk at the gatehouse, reception and shop and enjoy a coffee at the Stable Cafe.ย ย www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock
Trewardrevas Mill, near Constantine
This pretty woodland walk near The Waymarker restaurant, near Brill and Constantine is a lovely gentle stroll that loops around an old disused water mill with a pretty stream. Itโs lovely at any time in year, but spectacular with bluebells, woodland anemones and celandine in early May. The Waymarker is a real hidden gem, an award-winning restaurant where owner Rhiannon makes truly spectacular cakes.
