If you’re wondering where to see bluebells in the Lake District, you’re in the right place. We’ve lived here for 20 years, and one of our favourite pastimes is heading out into the park during May to find some of the best bluebell spots. It marks the start of summer, and it’s wonderful to see the woods and fellsides come alive with bobbing blue heads.
Visits to many bluebell locations in the Lakes can be combined with a scenic walk, while a few are easily accessed right beside the road for a few quick photos.
When is the best time to see bluebells in the Lake District?
April to May is the best time to see bluebells in the Lake District woodlands, while the fellside blooms tend to flower a little later, usually in mid-may. Of course global warming and changing weather patterns may mean it’s earlier or later, depending on the year.
It’s best to go early or late in the day for the best light when the sun isn’t directly overhead, especially if you’re into bluebell photography.
So, let’s get to it. Here are some of our favourite places to see bluebells in the Lake District:
Rannerdale bluebells, Crummock Water
The Rannerdale bluebells are probably the most famous bluebells in the Lake District, and for good reason. The setting is stunning, in a hidden valley beside Crummock Water, with the pretty blue flowers carpeting the hillsides. This patch of bluebells is unusual as it’s on the open fellside rather than in the shaded woodlands, which is where you’ll find most English bluebells. Come in the morning or evening for the best light.
There’s a roped footpath through the centre of the bluebell area, so please keep to this to avoid trampling on the delicate flowers. It’s a nice spot for a picnic beside the stream, or you can set off for a hike over Rannerdale Knotts for a good workout and incredible views over the lakes.
For more information, I’ve written a detailed post on how and when to see the Rannerdale bluebells. By the way, the header image was also taken in Rannerdale!
Best time to see the Rannerdale bluebells: They’re usually at their best in mid-May, or earlier if it’s been a warm spring.
Parking: There’s a small, free parking area at the bottom of the valley at Hause Point. If that’s full, there’s further paid parking in Buttermere village, and it’s just a short walk from there.
White Moss Common bluebells, Grasmere
One of our favourite places to see bluebells in the Lake District National Park is in the woods of White Moss Common between Grasmere and Rydal. There are just so many of them, and it’s a magical place for a spring stroll. As you walk from the car park through the woods, you’ll see the floors covered in bluebells, with several pretty leafy glades making for magical bluebell photography.
There are a few woodland trails you can explore to get a variety of different angles for your bluebell shots. Just remember to keep to the paths to avoid trampling on the flowers.
Best time to see the White Moss Common bluebells: mid-April to May.
Parking: White Moss car park (paid), then walk along the River Rothay and through the woods.
Loughrigg Terrace bluebells, Grasmere
As you come out of the White Moss Common woods at the foot of the Grasmere hills you’re greeted by a sea of blue on the lower fellsides. Hang a right along the footpath onto Loughrigg Terrace, where the plunging slopes are awash with bluebells everywhere you look. The view from up here is incredible, with Grasmere down in the valley below. There are a few benches along this stretch of path (although some are admittedly in a bit of a sorry state at the moment), so it’s a wonderful place to soak up the views.
For a longer walk, you can continue along Loughrigg Terrace and take the path to the left which continues up Loughrigg Fell. Lots of lovely views from up here too (though no bluebells!).
Best time to see the Loughrigg Terrace bluebells: mid-May, and sometimes a little earlier if it’s been a warm start to the spring. Some years are better than others, depending on how the weather’s been behaving.
Parking: White Moss car park (paid), then walk along the River Rothay and through the woods before emerging at Loughrigg Terrace
Thirlmere bluebells
One of the prettiest little patches of easily accessible bluebells in the Lake District is on the shores of Thirlmere, right beside the Swirls Car Park on the A591. You do now have to pay for parking, but it’s a great spot for accessing hiking paths in the area so your pennies won’t be wasted if you want to spend longer there.
The bluebells are just through the gate from the car park, on the grassy slope between the trees overlooking the reservoir. There’s a short little footpath you can use to see them better, but the best views are from just the other side of the gate.
Best time to see bluebells at Thirlmere: April through May.
Parking: Swirls Car Park on the A591 (paid).
I’ll be adding more Lake District bluebell locations soon, so watch this space!
READ MORE: Best places to see the Autumn colours in the Lake District
