April has a habit of keeping a rather lovely secret, but we want to share it with you!
For a few short weeks every year, and we do mean short, the woodlands surrounding Winchester transform almost overnight into something rather special. When you open the front door to your lodge you will be greeted by a blanket of blues and purples as the forest floor becomes covered in bluebells.
The UK actually holds over half the world’s population of bluebells and Winchester is well known for being home to some of the most spectacular, dense carpets of bluebells; it is quite a sight!
Where can you see them you ask?
Well, they are quite omnipresent across the city, parks and woodlands, but a particularly lovely spot to witness this blue wonder is Micheldever Wood, a locally kept secret. From mid-April to mid-May this forest is overtaken by this stunning spectacle. The woodland itself offers over 370 hectares full of trails to explore. It even has a Roman Villa alongside other archaeological sites including Bronze Age remains to visit along the way.
On that note, did you know that this beautiful wildflower contains a sticky, toxic substance. During the Bronze age this glue-like secretion was used to secure feathers to arrows and weas later used as book bindings and even in place of starch to stiffen collars.
What do you need to know?
Now, as tempting as it may be to skip merrily into the bluebells like something out of Pride and Prej’ (it’s only right that we channel our best rosy-cheeked Elizabeth Bennet as a nod to Austen when she resided in these parts), we must gently remind ourselves that these delicate little beauties are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. That means no picking, they really are best admired exactly where they are as they provide the early Spring meals for bees and butterflies alike.
The good news is that the paths are perfectly placed for soaking it all in with camera phones at the ready. So why not take your time, amble at will and soak in one of Winchesters treasures.
Hungry along the way?
Since Micheldever Wood is deliberately kept in its most natural form there are no cafes or public toilets on-site, but there is a delightful picnic area where you can enjoy a taste of home (aka food provided by your luxury lodge hosts!). Incidentally, did we mention that you can get posh picnics delivered to your door simply by booking ahead of your stay with us? That way we do the hard work, and you can simply enjoy. If you prefer to eat out there are a selection of delightful little stop gaps just a short drive away.
If you wish to enjoy the comforts of your lodge after exploring some ancient woodlands, look no further than the front door of your lodge. You can simply step outside and enjoy the forest landscape with bluebells as far as they eye can see and follow the nature trail to keep you on track.
Ready to Visit?
Whether you spend your days wandering through bluebell-covered woodlands (whilst enjoying a delicious picnic prepared by us or simply enjoying the scenery from the comfort of your lodge, it’s worth visiting before this particular sight gives way to a flurry of other colours for another year.
So, if you’re thinking of a spring escape, this might just be the perfect time to visit. The bluebells won’t wait forever… and we’d love to share them with you.