The Ultimate Guide to Dorset’s Bluebell Woods

For just a few weeks of the year, between mid-April and the end of May, many areas of Dorset woodland undergo a dramatic transformation with the emergence of bluebells. The carpet of colour is a breath-taking sight to see and makes for some fantastic photo opportunities and springtime walks through some of the county’s most untouched and beautiful countryside locations. Here we walk you through the very best bluebell woods in Dorset, including some hidden gems you will likely not have discovered before.

Charmouth Forest, Chideock, Bridport DT6 6DF

Known locally as Charmouth Forest, you’d be surprised to discover that this area of woodland is actually not in Charmouth at all, but a few miles North, next to a small village called Wootton Fitzpaine, hence their alternative name of Wootton Hill or Champerhayes Woods. Bluebells can be found here in the lower section of the woods amongst the beech trees and a circular walking route provides lovely sea views. Children have built a number of dens out of sticks and some of the trees are fantastic for climbing.

Parking: 2 car parks available.

Colmer’s Hill, Symondsbury, Bridport DT6 6HF

Colmer’s Hill is one of the most iconic hills in Dorset, distinctly shaped and visible for miles. It’s a steep climb to the top but you’ll be rewarded with fantastic views in all directions. The south-facing side is where you’ll find the bluebells, and there are walks over the nearby Eype Down which look over this famous landmark. Sheep do graze on the hill so please remember to keep dogs on leads.

Parking: Free at Symondsbury Estate

Coney’s Castle Hill Fort, Marshwood Vale, Long Lane, Bridport

This Iron Age hill fort is managed by the National Trust and is less than a mile away from the popular Lambert’s Castle. Despite having no remaining castles on site any more, you can feel the history of the places and it is easy to explore both in the same day.

Parking: Free for National Trust Members, a charge for non-members.

Delcombe Wood, Blandford, DT11 0HQ

Delcombe Wood is mostly privately owned but does have some limited public access. The drive along the road from Bulbarrow to Milton Abbas can be spectacular, with carpets of bluebells mixed in with wild garlic.

Hardys Cottage in Thorncombe Wood, Dorchester DT2 8QJ

Thomas Hardy’s Cottage, in the hamlet of Higher Brockhmpton, near Dorchester, sits on the edge of Thorncombe Woods. With popular mountain bike trails, this is also a great location to walk amongst the bluebells in the spring. The ancient woodland and heath area covers 26 hectares and is split up by a roman road running through it. In such a scenic location, it is not hard to imagine how several of Hardy’s novels and poems were inspired by the area directly surrounding his cottage.

Parking: £1 for 2 hours or £3 All Day

Hooke Park, Hooke, Beaminster DT8 3PH

Hooke Park houses the Architectural Association’s Dorset-based school and its network of paths take you on a tour of a number of fascinating sculptures created by the students there. The 142 hectare area of woodland also gives rise to beautiful carpets of bluebells each spring.

Parking: Free but limited spaces

Langdon Woods, Chideock, Bridport DT6 6SF

Langdon Woods, above Chideock, is a popular spot for dog-walkers and has an easy, 1.5 mile circular walk through the pine forest with a small children’s play area. The trail will allow you to spot an abundance of wildlife all year round as well as lots of bluebells when the time is right. It’s not far from the trail to get up to Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast of England, where you will get fantastic views across the Jurassic Coast.

Parking: National Trust car park

Lewesdon Hill, Beaminster DT8 3JZ

The highest point in Dorset, Lewesdon Hill is an ancient hill fort which is covered in mature woodland. The views are therefore somewhat limited to certain spots, but the glimpses through the trees of Dorset, Devon and Somerset are worth the hike to the top. You’ll find a dense carpet of bluebells here in spring, some amazing fungi in the autumn, and numerous homemade swings hanging from the trees.

Parking: Limited but you can also walk up from the nearby village of Broadwindsor 1 mile away

We hope you have enjoyed our guide to bluebell woods in West Dorset, please remember to stick to paths, keep dogs on leads or under control, take your litter home with you, follow the Countryside Code at all times and ensure you park in the designated places.

Remember, we host an annual photography competition for guests staying at our parks, so if you take some great snaps, we’d love to see them, and you could even win £250 off your next stay with us!

Powerstock Common Nature Reserve, Dorchester DT2 0EJ

Powerstock Common is a 112 hectare nature reserve run by the Dorset Wildlife Trust consisting of wet and dry grassland, scrub, woodland, ponds and small copses along a disused railway line. A long list of rare and protected wildlife species call the reserve home and during spring you’ll see wild daffodil and early purple orchid as well as bluebells.

Parking: small car park with limited spaces

We hope you have enjoyed our guide to bluebell woods in West Dorset, please remember to stick to paths, keep dogs on leads or under control, take your litter home with you, follow the Countryside Code at all times and ensure you park in the designated places.

Remember, we host an annual photography competition for guests staying at our parks, so if you take some great snaps, we’d love to see them, and you could even win £250 off your next stay with us!

West Dorset Leisure Holidays

West Dorset Leisure Holidays are a family run group of 5 holiday parks on or near the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. The parks offer excellent accommodation and facilities and each of them is unique. Accommodation includes lodges, caravans, glamping and pitches for touring & camping.

Facilities include Martin’s Bar & Restaurant, Highlands End Leisure Club, the Little Fire Station Soft Play and park nature trails. The parks are family friendly, dog friendly and are situated in beautiful coastal and countryside locations with a great range of places to visit and things to do nearby. We have caravan and lodge holiday homes for sale across all 5 parks. Find out more here, or check availability and make a booking.