Norfolk is recognised nationally as a bluebell hotspot so we have put together a list of some of the best places to find them this spring. 

1. Blickling Great Wood

Eastern Daily Press: The swathes of bluebells at Blickling Great Wood are always stunning.The swathes of bluebells at Blickling Great Wood are always stunning. (Image: (c) copyright citizenside.com)

Known more widely as the home to its award-winning estate, the old-growth woods at Blickling hide away a thick carpet of the violet-tinted flowers in blooming season, providing a wonderful treat in April and May.

Managed carefully by the Blickling Estate to ensure the right amount of light reaches the forest floor, the bluebells have been visited for centuries and are among the finest displays in the country. 

2. Lion Wood

Eastern Daily Press: Lion Wood is a perfect place for Norwich residents to enjoy bluebells this spring.Lion Wood is a perfect place for Norwich residents to enjoy bluebells this spring. (Image: Archant)

A hidden gem nestled within the city's limits, Lion Wood comes alive with bluebells and birdsong in the spring and is a perfect place for dog walkers and rompers to find some peace and quiet come springtime.

The plants are early starters meaning they flower around mid-April before more temperature-dependant species are in bloom.

READ MORE: Millions of bluebell blooms set to dazzle once more at Norfolk burial ground

3. Pigney’s Wood

Eastern Daily Press: The walks in Pigney's wood full of bluebells in April and May. The walks in Pigney's wood full of bluebells in April and May.

This Norfolk Wildlife Trust wood close to Knapton has swathes of the flowers in spring when the forest floor comes alive with activity, with the wood also boasting an impressive 450-year-old ancient oak tree called 'the Old Oak'. 

Bluebells are slow to establish themselves so large colonies are a good indicator of old growth and possibly ancient woodland.

4. Foxley Wood

Eastern Daily Press: Foxley Wood is home to some of Norfolk's most beautiful bluebell walks. Foxley Wood is home to some of Norfolk's most beautiful bluebell walks.

Mentioned in the Domesday Book, the 6,000-year-old Foxley Wood has been under the care of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust since 1988 and is the largest ancient woodland in Norfolk.

During the spring season, Foxley is covered with rivers of blue that stretch as far as the eye can see. 

READ MORE: Stunning private woodland at estate to open up for bluebell walks

5. East Hills Woods

Eastern Daily Press: A hare among the bluebells at East Hills.A hare among the bluebells at East Hills. (Image: Hilary Gostling copyright Newzulu.com)

Come springtime the woodland floor of Costessey’s East Hills Woods - a hilly stretch of woodland managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust on the valley edge of the River Tud - becomes a sea of flowers. 

The Friends of the Tud group has carried out lots of work to clear encroaching brambles to protect the beautiful swathes of bluebells and this is a beautiful woodland with commanding views over the valley. 

6. Wayland Wood

Eastern Daily Press: The Wayland Wood bluebells are a sight to see.The Wayland Wood bluebells are a sight to see.

The woodland made famous by the centuries-old tale of Babes in the Wood, this fairytale setting is also well-known for its stunning springtime bluebell display.

Atmospheric and ancient, this beautiful wood dates to the 10th century and is the perfect place to enjoy a Sunday afternoon walk. 

7. Norfolk Bluebell Wood Burial Park

Eastern Daily Press: A quiet spot for reflection at Norfolk Bluebell Wood Burial Park.A quiet spot for reflection at Norfolk Bluebell Wood Burial Park. (Image: Archant)

Visitors to the Norfolk Bluebell Wood Burial Park, at Hainford, near Norwich, will be astounded to find such an incredible park on their doorstep when the floor bursts with colour and the sound of bees foraging for nectar in the beautifully scented plants. 

READ MORE: Where to find the best bluebells this spring in Norfolk

Despite being protected by law the flowers are under threat from habitat loss, foreign rivals and thieves who dig up the bulbs to sell for profit.

The Spanish bluebell was introduced more than 250 years ago and competes for space and light with the native flower, posing a serious threat. 

An easy way of telling a Spanish from an English bluebell is the English plant bares drooping flowers on one side of the stem and is scented, while the Spanish bluebell is unscented and has flowers on all sides of the stem with a larger more open bell.