Walk among the bluebells: Perivale Wood open day

One of the great pleasures of travel is discovering somewhere new. And that applies just as much half-way around the world or on a day out 10 minutes from your home.

And thanks to some unexpected good timing and the Little London guide book, I came across the Perivale Wood open day just days before it took place.

Held on (usually) the last Sunday in April, it’s perfect timing to see the carpets of bluebells under the trees.

The forest itself is ancient woodland, which means it dates back at least 400 years (and most ancient woodland has existed since the end of the last Ice Age) – not exactly what I’d expected about this patch of west London, right on the edge of the A40.

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Membership only costs £10 (or £3 for juniors, £15 for two adults at the same address) but the open day is completely free. Normally you can wander freely (within limits) but for the thousand or so visitors expected yesterday, they’d marked out two short paths with helpful signs pointing out various flowers.

While I’m not sure our buggy would have coped, it was perfect for a toddler to scamper around in her wellies – and with paths wide enough that I didn’t have to worry about her trampling all those beautiful blue flowers.

And just as lovely for us to wander in the peaceful woodland and enjoy the timeless sight of bluebells stretching out in every direction.

Perivale Wood: Need to know

There are also regular events for children throughout the year – check out the Perivale Wood Forest rangers facebook page for more information and inspiration, as well as signing up for Rangers and Mini Rangers sessions (Mini Rangers sessions are currently not running)

There is free on street parking outside the reserve at weekends but expect it to be busy during the open day in particular – get there early if possible.

Images copyright MummyTravels