Where to See the Best Bluebells on Dartmoor This Spring

As spring unfolds, Dartmoor awakens in a sea of blue. The longer, lighter days bring the perfect excuse to wander through carpets of bluebells, their sweet fragrance drifting through the fresh moorland air. If you’re looking for the best places to experience this seasonal spectacle, here are three breathtaking locations that promise a stunning display.

Holwell Lawn Bluebell Circular Walk, Widecombe-in-the-Moor

Arguably Dartmoor’s most iconic bluebell site, Holwell Lawn transforms into a shimmering blue wonderland each May. On a sunny day, the scent is intoxicating, and the rolling fields seem to glow under the soft light.

While this spot is well loved and can get busy, a circular walk will lead you through quieter pockets of bluebells, offering a more peaceful way to enjoy their beauty.

For the easiest access, limited parking is available along the road at Holwell Lawn’s western boundary. From here, you’ll step straight into one of Dartmoor’s densest and most impressive displays of bluebells.

Meldon Woods Bluebell Circular Walk, Okehampton

Nestled on the western side of Dartmoor, Meldon Woods offers a more secluded bluebell experience. Between the historic Meldon Viaduct and the parking area near Meldon Reservoir, you’ll find an enchanting stretch of woodland blanketed in vibrant blue. It’s one of the most impressive bluebell walks in Dartmoor National Park, highly recommended for those who appreciate both wild beauty and a touch of history.

There are multiple routes into the woods, whether you drop down from the Granite Way at Meldon Viaduct or start from the car park at Meldon Aplite Quarries. Visit in May for the best display, when the woodland floor is a haze of blue beneath the fresh green canopy.

Lydford Gorge (National Trust), Dartmoor

Missed peak bluebell season? Don’t worry, Lydford Gorge’s unique setting means the bluebells bloom later here than anywhere else on Dartmoor. Nestled in the deepest river gorge in the South West and sitting 150 metres above sea level, this hidden gem keeps its floral display going well into late May and even early June, depending on the weather.

But there’s more to this trail than just bluebells. Lydford Gorge is an adventurer’s paradise, featuring a dramatic 30 metre waterfall, a thrilling suspension bridge, and powerful torrents that roar after rain. Be sure to wear sturdy boots, as the paths can be slippery but with a National Trust tea room waiting at the end, it’s well worth the journey!

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful stroll through open moorland, a woodland wander, or a late spring escape into a dramatic gorge, Dartmoor’s bluebells are a sight to behold. Plan your visit, breathe in the fresh spring air, and enjoy one of nature’s most spectacular seasonal displays.

Best of All

You can walk straight out of the front door at Lydgate House and Cottage and enjoy the bluebells as you take a wander through our 36 acres of Duchy land. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in Dartmoor’s spring beauty right from your doorstep.