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Banstead Woods is one of our favourite places to go and see bluebells in Surrey. With the exception of last year due to lockdown, we have visited every year since the twiglets were tiny. We always have our own little annual bluebell photoshoot there!
Why visit Banstead Woods?
Whether you’re looking to take some lovely photos of bluebells themselves, or use them as a backdrop for some family snaps, Banstead Woods is the perfect place to visit. If you go at the right time of year, the bluebells provide an amazing purpley blue carpet over the ground.
Where is Banstead Woods?
Banstead Woods is located in the North East of Surrey, near Chipstead.
When is it best to visit the bluebells in Banstead Woods?
The bluebells tend to bloom from between mid April and late May. This varies depending on the weather.
In terms of time of day, it can get very busy at Banstead Woods when the bluebells are at their best. So if at all possible, I would suggest early morning or later in the evening. Evening can be a beautiful time for photos if you can get some golden hour sunlight streaming through the trees.
My top tip for taking family photos with bluebells
Now, obviously I have to preface this with the fact that I am NOT a professional photographer by any means. However, here is my top tip for bluebell photos (which I basically stole from my other half who is much better at photography than me!)
Try to get some bluebells in the foreground of your photo to add depth and context.
(I think it also looks very pretty!)
Our bluebell photos through the years
As I mentioned, we try to visit every year to take photos of the twigs in the bluebells. Last year we were in lockdown so we weren’t able to go, which was a shame. And I can’t find the photo from 2016! But here are a few of our photos over the years:
How do you get to Banstead Woods?
By far the easiest way to get to Banstead Woods is by car. There is a large car park on Holly Lane – postcode CR5 3NR. It can get very busy as the wood is a popular spot for dogwalkers as well as bluebell visitors!
When you’ve parked, you head up the hill (it is quite steep!) and follow the path round to the right. Then you’ll come to the beautiful open woodland area which has the most bluebells.
Be respectful to the bluebells!
Just a quick but very important reminder…
If you do go to visit the bluebells, please be mindful and show them some respect! Bluebells are very delicate and when we last visited, so many patches of them had been trampled. This is so sad and means they may not grow as well next year. We were also shocked to spot some litter, like empty plastic drinks bottles. I’m sure anyone reading this is not likely to be guilty of any of these things, but just a little reminder to be careful 🙂
Thanks so much for reading! Til next time,
Hannah xx
Looking for somewhere to take lovely lavender photos in Surrey? Check out my post about visiting Mayfield Lavender Farm 🙂
And if you’re after a pro to take the photos for you, check out my reviews of Surrey photographers Rachel Thornhill and Amelia Johnson 🙂
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13 Comments
I do love bluebell woods at this time of year – they are so joyful. These woods look wonderful. Thanks for linking up with #KCACOLS
Fantastic ideas to help give inspiration X
The bluebells at this time of year are just gorgeous, aren’t they?!? Beautiful photos! #KCACOLS
Aww gorgeous photos, I really wanted to do a cheeky Bluebell photo shoot this year xx #mischiefandmemories
Popping back from #KCACOLS xx
Lovely photos (and tips) and my favourite time of year. We are lucky to have some fantastic places to visit here in Devon as well #KCACOLS
What gorgeous photos!! So lovely #KCACOLS
The bluebells are so pretty. I’ll admit that I ran off straight away to find out where Banstead woods are. What an adventure for the Twiglets. Thank you for joining us for #mischiefandmemories xx
I really need to visit some of the Surrey places you recommend as we’re so close! Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories
Looks awesome. Shame there are people out there that can’t seem to pick up after themselves. I honestly don’t understand it #KCACOLS
Beautiful photos. I do love bluebells they make such a pretty backdrop. x #MMBC
What lovely pictures. The bluebells are so gorgeous at this time of year #KCACOLS
I love bluebells. Are are lucky enough to have a big patch in our garden! #KCACOLS