Top six daffodil walks
Nationwide
1 BUTLEY, SUFFOLK
Fringed by Rendlesham Forest’s fir plantations, tiny Butley, and its fine display of wildflowers, is a delight to explore in April. The priory woods shine with daffodils, then bluebells across a long spring. Nearby is the extraordinary Staverton Thicks; ancient woodland with some of Europe’s oldest trees. Visit both with easy walks from Butley. suffolkcoastandheaths.org
2 ISLES OF SCILLY, CORNWALL
Lemony heads bob above golden sands and an azure sea on the sub-tropical archipelago of the Scillies. These fabulous flowers don’t all end up as florists’ bundles; countless escapee blooms riffle beside the myriad paths that hug the shorelines and crisscross the tiny islands, most notably St Martin’s and Tresco. visitislesofscilly.com
3 ARNSIDE, CUMBRIA/ LANCASHIRE
Muscular hills of limestone hang above stunning Morecambe Bay, where spring sees the creeks, bays and inlets backlit with the bold trumpets of native narcissus. Extensive clumps and strands dapple the ash and hazel woods above the low silvery cliffs; head to Beachwood and Park Point on good paths from Arnside’s estuary-side prom. arnsidesilverdaleaonb.org.uk
4 FARNDALE, NORTH YORKSHIRE
Cistercian monks from nearby Rievaulx Abbey may have planted Farndale’s narcissi in the 12th century; or perhaps the blooms emerged naturally millennia ago. Whichever, this is one of England’s finest wildflower emergences; a botanic bucket-list essential. northyorkmoors.org.
5 BRODIE CASTLE, MORAY
This laird’s retreat is home to part of the National Collection of Daffodils. Over 100 different cultivars of lent lily – many bred here – nod their heads throughout the estate grounds, shrubbery and walled gardens cosseting the castle, with its notable art collection. Nearby are the Moray Firth’s endless beaches – and famed dolphins. www.nts.org.uk
6 DYMOCK, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
The pastures, woodlands and orchards of this peaceful corner of the Marches, known as the Golden Triangle, effervesce with diminutive wild daffies in spring. The 10-mile Daffodil Way threads from Dymock through the serene Vale of Leadon via Kempley’s ancient church. kempleytardis.org.uk