The Murray Parish Trust are excited to announce the return of the popular Bluebell Walk at the Holywell Estate for 2022.
Join us on Saturday 30th April & Sunday 1st May for a unique opportunity to walk in the stunning private grounds of the Holywell Estate, by kind permission of the Earl and Countess of Clarendon.
Enjoy the fabulous display of spring bluebells as you take a stroll around the woodlands, river meadows and historic parklands situated in the new South Downs National Park in the unspoilt rolling countryside of the Meon Valley.
Grounds open at The Holywell Estate, Swanmore, Hampshire. at 10:30 am with parking available on site. Walks start at 11 am, last walk at 2 pm.
The Bluebell Walk takes approximately one to one and a half hours set over a distance of 3 miles.
Activities for children include a Wishing Tree and a nature trail. Plus new for 2022: Stalls and entertainment to be confirmed.
Tickets (subject to availability)
Adults £10
Children under 16 £5
Families (2 adults, 2 children) £25
Includes a hot drink or squash.
Wishing Tree suggested donation £1
Meet the Hares of Hampshire Hare!
This year’s Bluebell Walk has a special visitor!
Ahead of our spectacular public art trail coming to the cities of Winchester and Southampton, walkers this year will get a chance to meet our Hero Hare who will be joining us for both days at the Holywell Estate.
Find out more about our Hares of Hampshire Wild in Art Trail at: www.haresofhampshire.co.uk
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- The Holywell Estate, Swanmore, Hampshire. SO32 2QE
- Postcode for SATNAV – Cott Street SO32 2QG
- Grounds open at 10:30am with parking available on site.
- Self-guided walks start at 11am and the last walk of the day is at 2pm.
- The Bluebell Walk is unaccompanied and takes approximately one to one and a half hours, set over a distance of approx. 3 miles.
- Follow the numbered arrows and always stay on the designated route. A map of the full route is available.
- The walk is through natural pastures and woodland and as such is uneven. Please take extra care throughout your walk.
- Visitors should wear suitable footwear e.g. walking shoes/boots, wellies.
- Please keep out of the ponds and natural water reserves.
- Wheelchair and Pushchair Access: Unfortunately, due to the rough ground on much of the pathway the walk is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
- Children should be supervised at all times and are the responsibility of the accompanying adult(s).
- Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead and under control at all times to protect the wildlife.
- You are of course very welcome to take photos for personal use on your own cameras and phones, but no photography for commercial purposes will be permitted.
For regular updates and to see photos from last year and this forthcoming event please join our Facebook Event Page.
Covid
- If you are feeling unwell, stay at home and follow government guidelines.
- Hand sanitisation stations will be provided
- Any guest not adhering to these rules will be asked to leave
Terms & ConditionsTickets are non-transferable and a 100% cancellation fee applies (full amount will go to the charity).
Interesting facts about the British Bluebell
These iconic wildflowers bring people from all over the world to see the distinctive blue carpeted woodland, displays like these in the UK every year.
- Around half the entire Bluebell population in the world are here in the UK – they are relatively rare across the rest of the world.
The Bluebell is protected under UK law. - The first Bluebells are believed to have appeared in the UK after the first Ice Age. Their main habitat is Ancient Woodland’
- There is evidence to suggest that the sap from the Bluebell was used in the Bronze Age as glue to add feathers to arrows.
- Bluebells take around 5 years to cultivate from seed. If you plant Bluebells, make sure it’s the English variety and not the very similar Spanish Bluebell as this non-native variety is threatening our famed wildflower
