Tuesday 15 May 2012

Bluebell hunting


On Saturday I went bluebell hunting in the woods. We took the train to Raynes Park, in South London, and walked to the Fishpond Wood Nature Reserve. The bluebells were a little battered from the rain, and potentially we were a few weeks past their best - but as it was the first day it hadn't rained in a long time, it was a glorious day out! We walked through the woods back to Cannizaro Park in Wimbledon which always has amazing seasonal flowers (and a hotel, if you'd like to take tea), and had a fair share of its own bluebells - the bottom photo is from there. One of my favourite things to do is also to walk around the streets near Wimbledon Common and look at the amazing houses.

Apparently, other places in South London or nearby to spot bluebells include Winkworth Arboretum (although I've heard that's good if you want to share your bluebells with 200 other people), Banstead Woods, Kew Gardens, and in the Pembroke House gardens in Richmond Park. I haven't been to these, though, so let me know if you've got any other suggestions. Have you been bluebell hunting this year?

11 comments:

Cristina | Positively Beauty said...

I love bluebells! I did go bluebell hunting, photos are on my blog :)

Decorator's Notebook said...

I adore bluebell woods but have missed them this year (although the train went through a lovely one on the way to Rye). Nice to know that there is one within reach of London too.

that kate said...

I want to go bluebell hunting. There are always lots of lovely ones in the woodland gardens in Bushy Park. It has a lovely cafe in there also! Pembroke house always has such stunning flowers and it really is an amazing place to explore. I remember seeing some lovely ones last year outside Hampton Court Palace, next to the formal gardens.

Lynne said...

Oh, I love Bushy Park but I didn't know there was a cafe! One of my favourite places. I haven't been to Pembroke House but will check it out.

Marie said...

I came from Sweden to go bluebell hunting for the first time this year. I especially liked Langley Wood in Heartwood Forest near St Albans and the bluebell wood at Coton Manor in Northamptonshire. The last one had a lovely tea room, too.

Charlotte said...

not only am I IN LOVE with your shop... I am IN LOVE with your Amazing blog.

I've been going back a good few pages of posts.

I love.
xxx

Jane Flanagan said...

Ah - so beautiful! I miss these openings in a wood or forest from home.

Katie said...

It's a little further away, but Box Hill is an AMAZING place for bluebells!

Sneaky Magpie said...

Such a great day out, we went to Banstead Woods a couple of weeks ago and it was beautiful however very rainy. So funny, had no idea about this location which is just down the road from me. Pembroke Lodge garden is stunning but nothing compared to bluebells in woods, they don't have that much of them. But definitely worth a visit, truly beautiful and a good cafe with stunning views of Surrey.

Rose said...

bluebells are my absolute favourite

Zoƫ {Conversation Pieces} said...

Beautiful, beautiful pics... I so want to go bluebell hunting too now :)