Following the recent announcement by the government which allows outdoor spaces to be open from 12th April we are delighted to announce that the Holywell Estate will be open to the public on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th of April this year by kind permission of the Earl & Countess of Clarendon.
Join The Murray Parish Trust for a unique opportunity to enjoy the fabulous annual display of spring Bluebells as you take a stroll around the woodlands, river meadows and historic parklands situated in the South Downs National Park in the unspoilt rolling countryside of the Meon Valley.
The grounds open from 10:30 am on both dates and tickets must be purchased in advance with all proceeds going to the charity.
Entry Fees
Adults £10
Children aged 2-16 £5 (Under 2s are FREE)
Includes a hot drink or squash.
Bluebell Walk Information
• Grounds open at 10:30am with parking available on site.
• Self-guided walk start time slots are 11am-11.55am, 12pm-12.55pm, 1pm-1.55pm and 2pm-2.55pm. Please do not arrive before or after your allocated time slot.
• 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 provided.
• 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.
Covid-19 Rules
- If you are feeling unwell, stay at home and follow government self-isolation guidelines.
- Guests must stay in their household groups at all times
- Guests must remain at least 2 meters from those not in their household
- Hand sanitisation stations will be provided
- Guests should wear a mask when in contact with anyone not from their household, such as when signing in, liaising with marshalls, at the food outlet and the tea room.
DID YOU KNOW?
- 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 are also know as ‘Fairy Flowers’, English bluebell, Wild Hyacinth, Wood Bell, Bell Bottle, Cuckoo’s Boots, Wood Hyacinth, Lady’s Nightcap and Witches’ Thimbles, Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- 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.
