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The gardens in the spring at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire
The gardens in the spring at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Countryside and woodland in Liverpool and Lancashire

From hidden pockets of woodland near urban areas at Speke Hall and Gawthorpe Hall, to rolling hillside at Holcombe Moor, here's our pick of countryside and woodland places to visit in Liverpool and Lancashire.

Bluebell walks in the North West

Seeing bluebells carpeting a woodland floor or scattered along a grassy verge is the highlight of any walk in April and May. These delicate blooms are found all across Western Europe, but about half of the world’s population is right here in the UK. Discover some of the top places to see bluebells near you.

Bluebells carpet the woodland at Speke Hall, Merseyside, and a path winds between the trees
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Speke Hall hidden paths trail 

Explore the hidden paths around the garden and through the ancient woodland surrounding Speke Hall. From late-April to the end of May, the winding paths are surrounded by a sea of delicate bluebells.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
Bluebells in the garden at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire
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Rufford Old Hall 

Rufford Old Hall’s woods are awash with bluebells in April and May. Follow winding paths and step over bridges that give you a close up viewpoint of the carpet of blue below. The black and white Tudor hall makes the perfect backdrop for your spring photos.

A carpet of bluebells in a woodland at Dunham Massey
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Dunham Massey, Greater Manchester 

An unmissable carpet of delicate bluebells transform the Winter Garden at Dunham Massey each spring. Meander through the winding paths and glimpse the sun breaking through the tree canopy above.

Carpet of bluebells in the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank
Trail
Trail

Quarry Bank, Cheshire 

Cheshire & Greater Manchester

Explore the Southern Woods at Quarry Bank to find jaw dropping displays of bluebells carpeting the bank next to the River Bollin. As the river twists and turns alongside this woodland walk, keep your eyes out for other hidden gems too.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1 (km: 1.6) to miles: 1.5 (km: 2.4)

Countryside and woodland in Liverpool and Lancashire

View from the fernery in the Walled Garden, Gawthorpe Hall
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Explore Gawthorpe Hall's estate 

With over 50 acres to discover, Gawthorpe Hall estate is a great place to explore. From woodland walks and a hidden walled garden to beautiful formal gardens and a natural play area perfect for little explorers there’s plenty to see and do.

View to Red Brook
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Exploring Holcombe Moor and Stubbins Estate 

Whether you enjoy walking, running, bird watching, cycling or horse riding, enjoy spectacular views, woodland, riverside rambling and heritage.

A man and a women dressed for winter walking through the garden at Speke Hall.
Trail
Trail

Speke Hall hidden paths trail 

Explore the hidden paths around the garden and through the ancient woodland surrounding Speke Hall.

Activities
Walking
DistanceMiles: 1.2 (km: 1.92)
Bluebells in the garden at Rufford Old Hall, Lancashire
Article
Article

The woodland at Rufford Old Hall 

Enjoy far-reaching views over the West Lancashire plain with a stroll through Rufford’s North Woods and along the canal-side path before reaching the wide-open North Paddock.

Countryside and woodland further afield

A carpet of bluebells in a woodland at Dunham Massey

Countryside and woodland in Cheshire and Greater Manchester 

From deer parks and grand estates to the rolling countryside and woodland, there is plenty of space for you to stretch your legs this winter at National Trust places in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

Three walkers going through a gate on the path up to Scafell Pike

Countryside in the Lake District 

Explore the Lake District's majestic mountains – among them Scafell Pike, the tallest in England – ancient woodland, hidden waterfalls, rugged coastline and, of course, its many lakes. You might even spot a red squirrel, roe deer or bird of prey.

View of a river running through a valley of mountains

Countryside and woodland in Wales 

Explore dramatic and beautiful valleys, ancient woodlands and river walks or have an adventure through the wild Welsh mountains and visit some of the country’s most iconic peaks.

A sunlit beach and cliffs at Boggle Hole near Robin Hood's Bay with a view towards Ravenscar. A wide expanse of rippled sand dotted with pools and rocks in the foreground, with cliffs on the right, curving into a rocky headland topped with green fields in the distance.

Coast and countryside in Yorkshire 

Discover the many opportunities to stretch your legs and explore the coast and countryside across Yorkshire – whether you fancy a gentle stroll through a deer park, a refreshing hike in the Dales or scenic route along a coastal path.

Child visitor smelling a rose in the garden at Gawthorpe Hall, Lancashire

Discover more in Liverpool and Lancashire

Journey from a Tudor house to the childhood homes of Lennon & McCartney via coastal pinewoods and a photographic time capsule.