With bluebells and wildflowers carpeting woodland floors and an array of insects and birds flittering around, the spring and summer months are truly a magical time in Lancashire. We are lucky enough to have called The Forest of Bowland home forever 25 years, and during this time we’ve built quite a knowledge of the local area. Here, we give you our recommendations for the best places to see Bluebells in Lancashire.
Aughton Woods
Aughton Woods is situated a stone’s throw from Hawthorns Caravan Park. As an ancient semi natural site that was last coppiced over 70 years ago, Aughton Wood has been left to become a haven for wildflowers and rare species of birds and insects to flourish. If you’re lucky enough to visit in the spring time, you’ll find much of the woods covered in beautiful azure bluebells.
Aside from being home to many wild flowers like primroses, wood speedwell and foxgloves, Aughton Woods also boasts an exciting array of rare bird species. Twitcher’s can enjoy looking out for the resident chaffinches, nuthatchers, treecreepers, pied flycatchers and chiffchaffs overseeing the woodland from the above.
The woods are situated in a quaint, remote location – making them a perfect place for you to spend a day off the grid, relaxing with only the sound of birdsong and your own thoughts. It is no surprise that the area is a popular point of inspiration for poets and artists, as well as place to enjoy a picnic in Lancashire.
Distance from Hawthorns: 7-minute drive
Warton Crag Nature Reserve
Warton Crag is one of the most popular nature reserves near the Lake District. You can choose to enjoy a steep but rewarding walk, go bird watching or simply sit back and admire the plethora of wildflowers and rare plants. With so much to see and do here, you’d be right in thinking that Warton Crag is one of the most popular places to go wildlife watching and walking in Lancashire.
Seeing the bluebells is just one of many reasons to spend a day out at Warton Crag in Carnforth. The 35-hectare habitat boasts purple orchids, violets, pignut and trees like ash, hazel, rowan and yew, as well as rare plants such as rigid buckler, fern, juniper, St. John’s wort and Solomon’s-seal. Insect enthusiasts also have the chance to spot some of the rarest butterflies in Britain, as well as lacewings, beetles and sawflies.
If you plan to explore the reserve, we recommend bringing some strong walking boots as the climb from the car park is quite steep and rocky.
Distance from Hawthorns: 11-minute drive
Brockholes Nature Reserve
Brockholes Nature Reserve is among the best places to see bluebells in Lancashire. The 250-acre site is a fantastic place to have a day out – especially with children.
This nature haven is unlike others – it was once an active quarry that was used to supply materials for the M6 motorway. However, since 2007 the Lancashire Wildlife Trust helped to turn the site into a sanctuary for wildlife. With massive help from volunteers and funding from visitors, Brockholes has grown into a nature reserve where hundreds of species call home across wetlands and woodlands.
Brockholes regularly hosts events – man of which make a great day out with children in Lancashire.
Distance from Hawthorns: 30-minute drive
Lytham Hall
This recommendation is a little further afield, but we think the drive is totally worth it. Lytham Hall is a Grade I listed building which is dubbed ‘the finest Georgian house in Lancashire’. It was voted as Winner of the Historic Houses Restoration Awards 2022 – giving you some indication of just how highly regarded the property is. With roots dating back to the 12th century, this is one for the history buffs as well as the landscape gardening enthusiasts.
You could easily spend the day learning about the inner workings of the hall, but don’t forget to explore the 78 acres of grounds. Lytham Hall’s historic parkland is truly one of the best places to see Bluebells in Lancashire. Here, you’ll find luscious carpets of the wildflowers, amongst many other varieties which create the floral rainbow that Lytham is popular for.
Come in the morning and delve into the history of the iconic Georgian house, before enjoying a bite to eat and a drink at Lytham Hall’s café. After a sit down, head out and explore the well-maintained gardens – imagining how generations of gardeners have developed the stunning grounds into what they are today.
Distance from Hawthorns: 50-minute drive
Hawthorns Caravan Park
Situated in the stunning Forest of Bowland, Hawthorns is nestled in stunning landscaped grounds, with wildflowers blossoming around the park. You’ll find bluebell woods to the north adjoining to Hawthorns and panoramic views of Morecambe Bay and the Lakeland Hills to the south and west.
Hawthorns Caravan Park is the ultimate destination to enjoy a wildlife watching holiday in Lancashire. We are perfectly situated in the heart of North Lancashire, right on the edge of Cumbria – giving you convenient access to the iconic Lake District National Park. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy regular walking holidays near the Lake District or couples countryside getaways, you’ll be right at home at Hawthorns.
Our Lancashire caravan park is your perfect home-away-from-home. We are proud to supply some of the best new and preloved static caravans in North West England. Our multi-award winning park is only accessible by owners and their guests and we do not allow letting or camping. This gives the park a peaceful and homely atmosphere that will allow you to truly relax.
Discover your dream holiday caravan at Hawthorns Park
Posted on