Where to spot spring flowers in Lancashire

The daffodils are waving in the breeze, the crocuses have popped up to say hello and it’s a wonderful time to explore nature.  

If you are looking for the best spots to go to see springtime bloom in Lancashire, read on. 

Crocuses  
 

Crocuses typically bloom at the end of February, so are considered as one of the earliest signs of spring but they can still be enjoyed during March if you're quick!  

These flowers may be little, but they are just as beautiful as other spring blooms and offer a confetti-like spread of colour across parkland throughout the county. From yellows and oranges to purples and violets, whites and blues, the flowers can even come in striped and bi-colour varieties!  

In the north of the county, Lancaster Castle Hill has a wonderful crocus display, especially within the grounds of Lancaster Priory, and you'll also find them scattered throughout Ryelands Park too. St Peters Church in Heysham has also been known for its displays and is a must for anyone looking for a rugged coastline walk this spring.   

Townley Hall in Burnley features the flowers prominently in addition to its daffodil displays.  Another impressive sight at this time of year is Ashton Park in Preston which has plenty of crocus displays to enjoy.  

The Beech Walk starting at Rufford Old Hall and bordering the banks of the Liverpool Leeds canal in Burscough is another idyllic spring spot to take in the flowers. 

But one of the most impressive displays is at St Chad's Church in Poulton-le-Fylde. The churchyard blooms into colour each February with the beautiful flowers providing a true spring awakening.  

Daffodils  
 

Without a doubt daffodils tend to put a smile on so many faces, and there are so many great places to spot these springtime flowers in Lancashire. From early March through to mid-April Lancaster Castle's grounds are awash with the bright yellow flowers, and the castle itself makes for an incredible backdrop. Nearby the University of Cumbria grounds are a spot that locals love and can be seen on a walk up to Williamsons Park where you will find even more daffodils to enjoy.  

Lytham is another spot that’s great for a coastal walk and daffodil heaven. The Green, home to the iconic Lytham Windmill, is covered in daffodils this time of year and the grounds of nearby Lytham Hall offer plenty of lovely walking routes through swathes of them too.  

Stately homes grounds are fantastic places to enjoy the flowers, with Astley Hall in Chorley and Towneley Hall in Burnley home to parkland filled to the brim with these bright yellow bulbs.  

Cherry Blossom  
 

The cherry blossoms in Lancashire are never going to rival those found across the globe in Japan, but for many they can signal the true start of spring wherever they are. When the buds bloom in pretty whites and pinks and parklands come back to life it’s a wonderful feeling.  

Often beginning in March, trees can blossom throughout the month and into April, then as the blossom leaves fall in May it can look like a second blanket of snow. 

There are so many wonderful spots for cherry blossoms in Lancashire, from Witton Park in Blackburn through to Fairhaven Lake in Lytham St Annes, where newly planted Japanese Sakura trees can be found.  

But the most impressive places to go are the more built-up parklands like Williamson Park and areas of Rivington Country Park. Over the last few years Burnley's parklands have been transformed with new cherry trees planted to remember those lost during the pandemic, and each year Ightenhill Park, Padiham Memorial Park, Queens Park, Scott Park, Thompson Park and Towneley Park all bloom in remembrance, providing ideal springtime walks for a moment of reflection.  

Wild Garlic, or Ransoms  
 

Wild garlic is commonly thought of as an underground bulb found in woodland, but in April the bulbs produce pretty white flowers amongst their green foliage that can bring additional joy when walking in wooded areas.  

Through April and May, you can smell why these delicate blooms are known as 'Wild Garlic' as a strong garlic scent fills the air. If you love the smell, then head to Spring Wood in Whalley, Dean Wood in Rivington, Warton Cragg in Silverdale, Heald Wood in Bacup and Duxbury Woods in Chorley, where you will find it in abundance.  

The wild garlic flowers usually bloom in Wray's Holy Trinity Church yard just in time for their annual Scarecrow Festival at the end of April and is worth a wander through if you visit the festival.    

Many people forage Wild Garlic. If you are planning to, please ensure you following sustainable foraging guidelines, seeking permission, taking only from plentiful populations and leaving the bulb intact for next year. 

Bluebells 
 

Bluebells bloom in May and are an incredible sight to behold. Due to how many wonderful locations in the region we have a whole blog just dedicated to the many bluebell woods in Lancashire.  

For more inspiration for getting out in nature this spring, head to our walking routes in Lancashire pages, with short, medium and long distance routes to choose from.