Lambs leaping, birds singing, the days stretching and spring flowers are starting to peep their heads through the dewy grass. Welcome the changing of the seasons and visit these stunning locations to see Spring flowers blooming.
Christchurch Park
An oasis amongst the hustle and bustle of Ipswich, Christchurch Park is a must-visit whatever the season, with beautiful floral displays among its 80 acres of lawns, trees and ponds. The snowdrops start to bloom in January, followed by bluebells and daffodils and multi-coloured tulips as the summer arrives.
Whilst there, pay a visit to Christchurch Mansion; boasting 500 years of history, it is one of Suffolk's most treasured buildings. Explore the period rooms from the Tudor kitchen to the sumptuous Georgian saloon. There is also a large collection of fine art, which includes renowned Suffolk artists John Constable and Thomas Gainsborough.
Captain's Wood, Orford
One of the greatest expanses of Bluebells in Suffolk, a visit to Suffolk Wildlife Trust's Captain's Wood is a must this Spring.
The majestic woodland habitat of ancient trees and wild flowers deer roam freely, barn owls hunt the clearings and ten species of bat feed amongst the trees.
In Spring, Captain’s Wood exhibits one of the most astonishing displays of bluebells to be found anywhere in Suffolk. The woodland habitat varies from mostly open wood pasture with oak and birch to a large stand of almost pure hazel, clumps of mature Scots pine and lines of planted sweet chestnut. Veteran oak trees are found throughout much of the wood pasture, supporting several species of fungi and invertebrates which are dependent on the slowly rotting heartwood, notably the fungus 'oak polypore' that is only known from six other sites in Britain.
In addition to the ancient wood pasture are small fields and scrub. The land has been left fallow and has developed into a wonderful mosaic of rough grassland, scrub and woodland. The fallow deer play a crucial role in keeping this land open.
Reydon Wood Nature Reserve
One of Suffolk Wildlife Trust's stunning reserves, enter through the tunnel of trees and enjoy a magical walk through this medieval wood. Sit amongst the ancient trees, the dappled light and flower-blanketed beds and enjoy a walk around the circular trail that takes in about half of the wood and can be completed in 30 minutes.
Children will love playing in the numerous dens, fashioned out from cut wood and fallen branches and look out for butterflies and wildflowers such as the common spotted orchid, ragged-robin and fleabane. In spring, the spectacular eruption of spring flowers rivals any Suffolk wood, boasting swathes of bluebells, yellow archangel and greater stitchwort.
Blakenham Woodland Gardens, Ipswich
This peaceful haven is just 4 miles northwest of Ipswich. The 6 acre woodland garden is home to a variety of rare trees and shrubs, Chinese rocks and a landscape spiral form. In the Spring months, the gardens are laden with snowdrops, daffodils and camellias, followed by magnolias and bluebells in the latter part of the season. Even the badgers have their own dell!
The gardens are open from 1 March to 28 June, with a Bluebells ands Magnolias event on 24 April from 10am - 4pm.
Manor House, Middleton, Saxmundham
Manor House sits with just over an acre of garden on a triangular plot which was once the northern tip of a medieval green. Started from a wilderness in 2015, this lush hideaway is now an ambulatory garden with seating, so you can sit amongst the blooms and enjoy the new tree plantings, borders, meadows, vegetable garden and spring flowering trees, shrubs and bulbs.
The garden is open by Arrangement from February - April for groups of between 6 and 24. Contact the Garden owner to arrange your visit.