If you are looking for bluebells in Sussex then you may want to consider a trip to see the bluebells at Wakehurst Place. However, if you are planning on visiting then it is recommended to book well in advance since seeing the native bluebells is extremely popular. So consequently it gets very busy. But you can see why it is so popular from the photos below. It really is beautiful.
Where is Wakehurst Place
Wakehurst Place is a house and botanical garden that is based in Ardingly in West Sussex. It is owned by the National Trust but is managed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. You can use the following address – Ardingly, near Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6TN.
Wakehurst is open every day of the year apart from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Opening times vary depending on the time of year you can find details on their website. The mansion is sometimes closed for private events such as weddings, so if you want to make sure it is open on the day you visit you may want to call ahead to check
Part of the Kew Gardens it is possible to buy tickets online. You can select if you are a member or if you have another discount such as being a National Trust Member. If you are then you only need to pay for parking which is £12 for the day or £7 for 2.5 hours. Spaces in the car park are limited which is why it is recommended to book in advance. Adult tickets cost £16.50 and include parking, children up to the age of 16 are free, and young people (17-25) cost £8.25 and also includes parking.
Wakehurst Place Bluebells In Sussex
These photos were taken on Easter Monday several years ago. The best place to see Wakehurst’s bluebells is down past the Millennium Seed Bank. If you walk down the hill you will come to the bluebell woods. They are impossible to miss, they are like a stunning carpet of blue stretching out in front of you along the woodland floors. There must be hundreds of thousands of bluebell bulbs which have been planted.
Between the bluebells, there are white Silver Birch trees, the bark making a lovely contrast to the English bluebells. This little woodland area is called Bethlehem Wood and is number 16 on the map. There are little footpaths that allow you to walk through the sweetly-scented flowers without trampling them. Expect the bluebell’s at Wakehurst Place to arrive late April to early May. However, you want to be quick to see these beautiful flowers as by the end of May the best will be over.
The Play Areas
When visiting anywhere with the boys they are always on the hunt for something to play on or climb. As well as picking up explorer bags at the entrance. It is recommended to book these in advance. There are several other places where the children can let off steam.
- Tree Trunk Trek – This is the main play area and probably one of the best natural playscapes I have come across. Based on several levels it caters for children of all ages. With low platforms for picnics and a large climbing wall. Rope courses and stepping stones are all designed to help children with their balancing skills.
- Labriynth – a circular pathway made out of bricks in a quiet clearing in the woodland. The boys have enjoyed running around this for several years.
- Children’s Walled Garden and Mud Kitchen – The mud kitchen comes complete with pots, pans, teapots and cookie cutters, perfect to encourage children to get creative. The potting shed allows children to plant their seeds. There is a vegetable bed where kids can dig up wooden vegetables and replant them again.
- Explorer Packs – Rucksacks are jam-packed with activities and equipment, meaning children of all ages can make the most of their visit (£4.50) hire charge.
Other Points Of Interest
There are so many things to see when you visit Wakehurst Place to see the bluebells, make sure you allow enough time to enjoy it all. Some of the key points of interest are:
- When we visited the Rodehenrons were also out and looking lovely. There are some great walks that take you around the brightly coloured flowers.
- Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank – It is the largest ex-situ (outside the natural habitat) plant conservation project in the world. The primary goal of the Millennium Seed Bank is to provide an insurance policy against the extinction of rare plants in the wild by storing seeds for future use.
- Walled Garden – These gardens contain collections of plants from temperate regions and are a showcase for horticultural excellence.
- Wakehurst has several woodland areas, each with different character and plantings. Including the temperate woodlands of the world and a natural woodland with native trees. Keep an eye out for the giant redwoods which are majestic.
- Himalayan Glade – visitors can expect to find a range of plants that are native to the mountainous regions of the Himalayas
Top Tips for visiting the Wakehurst Place Bluebells In Sussex
- If you are planning on visiting during the bluebell season then you need to book tickets in advance. They are normally a sell-out.
- Aim for tickets first thing and arrive early as car parking is limited especially if you need to be close to the entrance.
- The best time to visit is earlier in the season as you will find that there is less trampling of the bluebells.
We had such a lovely time at the bluebell woodlands and can not wait to see them again this year. I also like seeing all the bees since they are such an important early source of nectar. Have you any plans to visit the bluebells this year? Or have you been to Wakehurst’s sister garden – Kew’s wild botanic garden? Let me know about your experience in the comments below.
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11 Responses
Gorgeous photos – there is something a bit special about bluebells.
Gorgeous photos. This looks like a great place to visit.
Beautiful photos! It looks like a great day out. Shame about the trampling though!
Ahh! Those photos are just beautiful! The bluebells and all the other flowers are just gorgeous.. #CountryKids
This looks like a beautiful place to visit, I can see why you decided to go back again this year. The Bluebells are really out in force this year now aren’t they? Our local bluebell woods is just a beautiful place to explore at this time of year. It’s wonderful to see Monkey gaining confidence on the climbing equipment, I’m sure he’s begging to go back and try it again!
Thanks for linking up with me on #CountryKids.
We keep meaning to go to Wakehurst but haven’t got round to it yet. Have you ever been to Arlington for the Bluebell walk, that si awesome too – http://www.bluebellwalk.co.uk/ Mich x #Coutrykids
What beautiful bluebells and the play area looks like a lot of fun as well #countrykidsfun
Gorgeous photos 🙂 Wakehurst is lovely – it’s a bit of a trek for us (Hastings) but well worth it.
Beautiful photos! I love visiting the bluebell woods near us, such a lovely time of year.
How beautiful! The bluebells are just coming out in our garden here, not quite enough for photos like this though 🙂 #countrykids