Last weekend we spent a lovely day exploring the trails around Bates Green Farm, centre of the Arlington Bluebell Walk in East Sussex. These beautiful woods are amongst the best bluebells we have seen and well worth a visit.
This gorgeous woodland was first opened to the public for one weekend in 1972 as part of a local fundraising initiative. Since then the enterprise has grown and grown, raising more than £1m for local charities.
Masses of gorgeous wild flowers await to delight the senses with their fragrance and colour. There are several different trails and walks around the bluebells and surrounding fields and woodland. True to character, the girls insisted that we walk all of them, amounting to around 6 miles in total.
Being a weekend day it was busy but most people stuck to the smaller area of Beaton's Wood where the bulk of the bluebells are, so further afield we were able to spot lots of insects, including this orange tip butterfly.
The walks go over some uneven ground and there are lots of stiles and gates to climb over, so only the Blue Walk is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters (available to borrow on site). None of the walks are particularly challenging though, so suitable for beginner walkers.
The gorgeous bluebells are such a wonderful sight, and fill the air with fragrance. Just gorgeous.
Children are most welcome, but do keep a close eye on them as there is some deep water, rabbit and badger holes, and many barbed wire and electric fences on the walks.
Do also make sure no-one walks on the bluebells, however accidentally, as they are unlikely to recover from it and won't grow next year. Dogs are welcome on the lead.
If you come for the day picnics are welcome and there are some tables in a quiet spot near the parking area. Or you can visit the barn where lunches and cakes are available, run by different charities every few days. There is also a plant stall and a couple of craft stalls to peruse.
Arlington Bluebell Walk is open until 19th May 2019. A family ticket (2A + up to 4 children) costs £15; adults £6, children £2.50. Find out more here: Arlington Bluebell Walk
Want more places to see bluebells this spring?
Spring at Ramster Gardens
Best Places to See Bluebells in the UK
Want more days out in East Sussex?
Sheffield Park
Drusillas Park
Brighton with Kids
Top 10 Things to Do in Brighton
Following in the Footsteps of Winnie the Pooh in the Ashdown Forest
This gorgeous woodland was first opened to the public for one weekend in 1972 as part of a local fundraising initiative. Since then the enterprise has grown and grown, raising more than £1m for local charities.
Masses of gorgeous wild flowers await to delight the senses with their fragrance and colour. There are several different trails and walks around the bluebells and surrounding fields and woodland. True to character, the girls insisted that we walk all of them, amounting to around 6 miles in total.
Being a weekend day it was busy but most people stuck to the smaller area of Beaton's Wood where the bulk of the bluebells are, so further afield we were able to spot lots of insects, including this orange tip butterfly.
The walks go over some uneven ground and there are lots of stiles and gates to climb over, so only the Blue Walk is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters (available to borrow on site). None of the walks are particularly challenging though, so suitable for beginner walkers.
The gorgeous bluebells are such a wonderful sight, and fill the air with fragrance. Just gorgeous.
Children are most welcome, but do keep a close eye on them as there is some deep water, rabbit and badger holes, and many barbed wire and electric fences on the walks.
Do also make sure no-one walks on the bluebells, however accidentally, as they are unlikely to recover from it and won't grow next year. Dogs are welcome on the lead.
At the entrance to the bluebell woods there is a small animal petting area with happy pigs, goats and sheep. You can also pick up trail guides and children's quiz sheets here. A secondhand bookshop adjoins for a quick browse.
If you come for the day picnics are welcome and there are some tables in a quiet spot near the parking area. Or you can visit the barn where lunches and cakes are available, run by different charities every few days. There is also a plant stall and a couple of craft stalls to peruse.
A well-deserved cream tea after our walk cost a reasonable £5, with cake slices from £1.50. All proceeds go to that day's charity and all tea room staff are volunteers.
Arlington Bluebell Walk is open until 19th May 2019. A family ticket (2A + up to 4 children) costs £15; adults £6, children £2.50. Find out more here: Arlington Bluebell Walk
Want more places to see bluebells this spring?
Spring at Ramster Gardens
Best Places to See Bluebells in the UK
Want more days out in East Sussex?
Sheffield Park
Drusillas Park
Brighton with Kids
Top 10 Things to Do in Brighton
Following in the Footsteps of Winnie the Pooh in the Ashdown Forest
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