How to find the bluebells at Coed y Wenallt woods, Cardiff

The bluebells at Coed y Wenallt woods, Cardiff are one of our favourite spring traditions.

For hundreds of years, bluebells have magically appeared every spring at the ancient woodland in North Cardiff. You don’t have long to see them in their full glory. They usually bloom from the end of April until mid-to-late May.

We visited over the bank holiday weekend when the purple-blue flowers were fully blooming. It’s something we have done every year since our children were babies and an occasion I always look forward to.

Please take care of the bluebells. Stick to the paths, don’t stand on them or pick them as they can take years to recover.

What you need to know about finding the bluebells at Coed y Wenallt woods, Cardiff.

We visit the Wenallt regularly in all seasons, but it really is special at this time of the year. The beautiful flowers are a lovely addition to the fallen trees that are great for climbing on, the dozens of dens built from sticks and the tranquil nature of the place.

The woodlands are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in recognition of its value for wildlife. The trees are home to bird species including Great Spotted Woodpeckers, nuthatches, jays, and even ravens and buzzards. You may also see Speckled Wood butterflies, while nocturnal mammals such as dormice and badgers have also been spotted at the Wenallt.

How to find the Bluebells at Coed y Wenallt woods, Cardiff

If you’ve never visited before, it’s not the easiest place to find.

If you head up Thornhill Road to Caerphilly, you’ll come to The Traveller’s Rest pub. Here, take the small left turn opposite the pub onto a country lane. Head down the lane for about a mile.

We ignore the first car park and head for the second, which is the perfect starting point for exploring the woods. It’s small and gets busy so you may need to park carefully along the lane.

You can also access the woods via Rhiwbina Hill. Or you can extend the walk by parking at the top or bottom of the hill.

Please note there are no toilet facilities or any other facilities at the Wenallt, other than a picnic table left of the carpark.

Great for children to explore

You’re greeted by bluebells as soon as you enter the woodlands from the car park. The area to the right is popular with hose taking photos as gaps in the trees allows the sun to shine in and create the most beautiful glow.

It’s worth allowing time to explore the woodlands properly though. Follow the path to the left and you’ll see lots of dens built up against the trees, and the remains of a hollowed out tree. Sadly this was damaged in a storm a few years ago and only a small amount of the trunk remains. Children can still climb inside though and the rest of the trunk has been left on the ground to climb on.

At this time of year, you could manage with a buggy (it might be more difficult in wetter weather), but to go any further a baby carrier would be highly recommended.

Longer walks available

From here, you can head down the slope and follow a circular loop of around a mile and a half. There are more dens to explore, or head beyond the hollow tree to the left and there’s a couple of rope swings and a shorter route back to the car park. There’s a longer 3 mile/5KM walk here or visit Kamoot or All Trails apps for other routes.

Coed y Wenallt, Wenallt Rd, Cardiff CF14 6TQ

I have plenty more ideas for local walks in the Cardiff section of my blog, as well as lots of videos on the Cardiff Mummy Says Instagram, TikTok and Facebook pages.

Do tag me in your adventures if you visit the bluebells at Coed y Wenallt woods, Cardiff. Or let me know if you’ve visited anywhere you’ve seen recommended here. I started Cardiff Mummy Says to help families make the most of all the brilliant places we have locally. It makes my day when someone tells me they’ve been somewhere I’ve posted about.

More days out ideas for families in and near Cardiff

Climbing the Garth with children

Cwmcarn Forest Drive

Nash Point lighthouse and Nash Point