Two Yorkshire parks named among best places to see bluebells in the UK this May
A study has listed 15 of the best places in the UK to see bluebells this spring - and two of them are here in Yorkshire.
This spring has seen an increase in temperatures across the country, which offers the ideal conditions for bluebells to bloom at the earliest possible time of year.
There has been an increase of more than 250 per cent of Google searches for ‘bluebells’ over the past month.
Car rental experts at SIXT have created a ranking for the best places in the UK to see bluebells, from parks to hidden gems that many people don’t know about.
SIXT has analysed data and created a weighted ranking based on average temperature, hectares of land and popularity.
The top ranking place to see bluebells - Clumber Park - may not be in Yorkshire but it is just a 40-minute drive from Sheffield.
With 3,800 acres of land, Clumber Park is an ideal backdrop for seeing bluebells and has an average temperature of 16C in May, when bluebells are at their peak.
SIXT has also recommended three tips for planning to see bluebells this spring/summer:
1 - Prepare for all weather conditions: British weather can change quickly, so make sure you bring necessary clothing and footwear, as most parks require you to walk in order to see the bluebells.
2 - Accessibility and parking: The majority of the parks are accessible, with there being on-site parking. However, do consider the weekend and any public holidays, leaving you to park some distance away from the area. Driving gives you the option to explore and come and go at your own leisure, but also provides a comfortable space to prepare for changing weather and conditions.
3 - Planning a picnic or bringing camera equipment: Planning ahead for your trip to see the bluebells allows you to maximise your day out. Whether that is setting up a picnic or bringing a camera to capture the flowers, being prepared will enhance your experience. Remember that these items can be heavy to carry around all day, so a car is useful as a base.
Yorkshire’s best places to see bluebells in May
1 - Clumber Park
National ranking: 1
Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Nearest major city: Sheffield
Drive from nearest major city: 40 minutes
Optimum viewing time: Early May
Landscape: Woodland/heathland
Approx hectares of land to explore: 3,800
Average high temperature in May (ºC): 16
Number of Google Searches past month (UK): 46,000
Final score/100: 87.6
2 - Hardcastle Crags
National ranking: 10
Location: West Yorkshire
Nearest major city: Leeds
Drive from nearest major city: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Optimum viewing time: Early May
Landscape: Woodland valley
Approx hectares of land to explore: 400
Average high temperature in May (ºC): 14
Number of Google Searches past month (UK): 3,000
Final score/100: 30.5
3 - Hackfall Woods
National ranking: 12
Location: North Yorkshire
Nearest major city: Leeds
Drive from nearest major city: 1 hour and 25 minutes
Optimum viewing time: Early May
Landscape: Woodland
Approx hectares of land to explore: 120
Average high temperature in May (ºC): 15
Number of Google Searches past month (UK): 2,000
Final score/100: 28.2