Where to see Bluebells around Oxfordshire (2024)

Warburg Nature Reserve, Henley-on-Thames

Just outside of Henley-on-Thames is the Warburg Nature Reserve. This special place is stunning all year, but the Springtime is my favourite. The wood anemones, the bird song, the bluebells… It all adds up to a magical experience. I love walking here any time of the year and, if you have missed the bluebells, it will still be worth your time. Access here is relatively straightforward by car. Just remember to bring a good pair of walking boots!

Harcourt Arboretum, Oxford

The University of Oxford is the owner of the majestic Harcourt Arboretum. Home to some astonishing floral species, a seasonal highlight is when the bluebells come out. The end of April through to May is the perfect time to see these flowers in all of their glory. You might even see some nesting birds here, such as nuthatches or tits.

Foxholes Nature Reserve, Witney

Heading into the Cotswolds is the Foxholes Nature Reserve, famous for the bluebell display each Spring. The 1.75 mile walk takes you around the reserve where you might see treecreepers or other woodland birds. If you time it right though, you might be lucky enough to see multiple species of butterfly. 23 different species have been found on the reserve to date. To see them all, you’ll have to go back in the Summer after the bluebells have vanished.

Bagley Wood, Abingdon

Just outside of Abingdon is Bagley Wood. It is an ancient woodland which, during the late Spring, comes into its own. With splashes of colour from the native woodland species, a visit here is a magical day out for the family. It is also a great dog-walking spot.

Badbury Hill, Uffington

Badbury Hill is found in the Vale of the White Horse around Oxfordshire. These historical woodlands are also home to an Iron Age Fort and a Roman Temple. As well as the rich history, they put on an incredible display in April and May. You also will catch glimpses of woodland birds and insects as you wander through.

Shotover Wood, Headington

Up in the Chilterns is the Shotover Wood, a lesser-known bluebell hotspot. These flowers are best seen in May and guarantees a quiet, peaceful walk. It is located within the Shotover Country Park and parking should be easy enough. If you are thinking where to see bluebells around Oxfordshire, this is a hidden gem.

Greys Court, Henley-on-Thames

Anyone familiar with Downton Abbey will recognise Greys Court as the Summer Home. The gardens here are some of my favourite all year around, but Spring is extra special. The gardens are in full-bloom with vibrant Spring colours and are worth a visit themselves. Perhaps more impressive though are the local woodlands, which put on a vibrant display each May.

White Horse Hill, Uffington

If wondering where to see bluebells around Oxfordshire, White Horse Hill is probably not the first place that you think of. However, the woodlands around it offer some breathtakingly beautiful sights this time of year. If you have seen enough bluebells on the day, head on up to the top of the hill for fabulous scenery.

Stoke Wood, Bicester

Stoke Wood is another ancient woodland that is rich in bluebells this time of year. With a large number of oak and ash trees, this is a quintessential English woodland. If you come in the evening, you may be lucky to hear (even see) tawny owls.

Nuffield Place Woods, Nettlebed

A lesser-known entry on this list, but one that I have been to numerous times. The Nuffield Place woods by Nettlebed are astonishingly beautiful this time of year. With ample parking, all along the road, this is a perfect morning walk during May. It is genuinely a highlight each year!

Aston Rowant Nature Reserve, Chinnor

Aston Rowant offers a pleasant walk all year round, but everyone’s favourite has to be in the Spring. Unlike a lot of the ancient woodlands, there are embedded paths here, meaning that you can immerse yourself in the purple flowers. There is also the Talking Trail, which has a collection of six hand-carved sculptures. Worth a visit themselves!

Wendover Woods, Aylesbury

Wendover woods are some of the largest woodlands on this list. By no means as peaceful or quiet as a few of the former entires, these woodlands make up for it in the numbers of bluebells that come up each May. No list on where to see bluebells around Oxfordshire would be complete without this entry and, with a Go Ape nearby, it makes for a perfect family day out.

Rushbeds Wood, Bicester

If you like bluebells and Butterflies, this is the place for you. Outside of Bicester is Rushbeds Wood and, whilst bluebells here are gorgeous, it is the fauna that stands out most. Natural England have even described the invertebrate life as ‘exceptional’ in the past. If you come late May, you should be lucky enough to get the best of both worlds.

Bluebells at Blenheim, Oxford

Blenheim Palace is famous for its vast gardens, and the springtime is one of the finest periods to go. Most spectacular are of course the bluebell woodlands here, which are easily some of the best in the local area. The woods here are also as quintessentially English as you can get. The trees are mostly oak and with that comes the typical wildlife-cast of the springtime English countryside. Watch out for deers, songbirds and lots more.

Final Thoughts

These are just 13 entries that I could think of. There are just so many stunning woodlands nearby that have bluebells out at the moment. Our local village woodland is stunning at the moment, meaning that we can enjoy the scenery without adding to our carbon footprint. If you have any other honourable mentions for this list, let me know and I can put them in!

*Cover image Source Youtube (Minelab Mal)

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