Late spring is the perfect time to get out and see beautiful bluebells in their full splendour. We are lucky enough to have a range of wonderful walking locations in South Derbyshire that transform into bluebell wonderlands at this time of year. Here are some of our favourites.
Spring Wood, Melbourne
To the east of Staunton Harold reservoir, Spring Wood not only boasts lovely views over the water, but also an abundant carpeting of bluebells throughout the month of May.
Bluebells at Spring Wood
Free car parking is available nearby in the village of Calke at the southern Staunton Harold Carpark (postcode: DE73 8BJ). For more information on additional walks and attractions in and around Calke and Staunton Harold, please click here.
Calke Abbey
Calke Abbey is an “un-stately home” with 600 acres of parklands and gardens. There is also an orangery, cafe, playground, and natural play trail. It is the perfect base to explore the extensive grounds and the area beyond and is renowned for the vast numbers of bluebells that appear every spring. You can find details of events taking place at the Abbey here.
The “un-stately home”, Calke Abbey
There is plenty of car parking on-site, off Main Street in Ticknall (please note there is an admission fees for visitors who are not members of the National Trust). The postcode of the Abbey for your satnav is DE73 7JF.
Coton in the Elms
Coton boasts a host of relatively new woodlands, which are a great spot for bluebell lovers this time of year. Coton Wood, Grangewood, Top Tree Wood and Long Close Wood were all planted in the 1990s and have transformed the area into a walker’s paradise. You can find suggestions for routes and stops around the village in our Coton circular walk trail.
Parking is available at Coton Wood car park. The nearest postcode is DE12 8EP.
Carver’s Rocks
Carver’s rocks can be found at the southern tip of Foremark Reservoir and provides ample opportunities for bird and wildlife-spotting, as well as an abundance of bluebells in spring and heather in autumn.
Parking is available at the main Reservoir car park, where there is a small charge for parking. Please bear in mind that many of the paths are uneven and there are some steep descents along the way to the rocks from the main visitor centre. You can find details of events and walking trails in and around Foremark here.
Elvaston Castle
Elvaston Castle Country Park encompasses approximately 321 acres of open parkland, woodland, and formal historical gardens. At the heart of the estate lies Elvaston Castle, a gothic revival masterpiece (not open to the public) designed by James Wyatt in the early 1800s based on the original house dating back to 1633.
Visitors can enjoy the sculpture train, children’s play area, lake, and nature reserve, as well as taking delight in the blossoms and bluebells that blanket the site at this time of year. Please click here to see our recommended walking trail through the nature reserve.
