England's most colourful walking trails with vibrant floral displays that come alive in April

Sarra Gray
Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:00:14 +0000

Spring is one of the best times to explore the English countryside, and new research has found the best hidden gem walks to see vibrant wildflowers.

As longer days return, more Britons are lacing up their boots, with millions now regularly heading out for hill and countryside walks to discover nature in full bloom.

A new study by Flying Flowers analysed more than 1,000 walking routes to uncover England’s top-rated wildflower walks that combine stunning scenery with fewer crowds, making them ideal for spring and summer staycations.

While Cornwall is often considered a British beach destination, it has some gorgeous walks that pair coastal views with eye-catching flowers.

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England’s best hidden gem wildflower walks for 2026

1. Pentire Headland Walk, Cornwall

2. Revelstoke Park and Noss Mayo Circular, Devon

3. Stickle Ghyll, Stickle Tarn and Pike of Stickle Circular, Lake District

4. Tyneham and Worbarrow Bay Circular, Dorset

5. Cotswold Way: Dursley to Wotton-Under-Edge, Cotswolds

6. South West Coast Path: Sidmouth to Seaton, East Devon

7. Skiddaw and Blencathra Circular, Lake District

8. Cleveland 4 Peaks Challenge, North York Moors

9. Lawrencefield, Owler Tor, Mother Cap and Padley Gorge Circular, Peak District

10. Salcombe and Bolt Head Extended Route, South Devon

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For the second year running, this clifftop trail in Cornwall has been crowned England’s best wildflower walk. The 6.1km circular route offers sweeping coastal views alongside vibrant displays of poppies, corn marigolds and sea thrift.

Set within a Site of Special Scientific Interest, walkers can also spot wildlife like grey seals and peregrine falcons along the dramatic coastline.

The South West dominates the rankings, with Revelstoke Park and Noss Mayo Circular climbing into second place. This longer coastal walk is known for its rich maritime plant life, with species like rock-sea lavender and birds-foot trefoil lining the cliffs.

Elsewhere, routes like the South West Coast Path continue to attract walkers looking for a mix of sea views and seasonal blooms.

Taking third place is the challenging but rewarding Stickle Ghyll, Stickle Tarn and Pike of Stickle Circular. This a lesser-known route with fewer than 100 reviews but near-perfect ratings.

The Lake District continues to dominate overall, with nearly a third of the top routes located here, offering everything from foxgloves to heather set against dramatic mountain backdrops.

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What sets these routes apart is their balance of high ratings and low footfall, meaning you can enjoy peak wildflower season without the crowds.

Head of Flying Flowers, Sandra Varley, said: “Wildflower walks are one of the best ways to experience the wondrous British countryside at its most colourful, particularly between April and August when many native species are in full bloom.

“From coastal paths to upland valleys, the UK is home to an incredible variety of landscapes where walkers can see everything from delicate bluebells and foxgloves to vibrant poppies and sea thrift along the trail.

“What makes these routes especially appealing is that many of the best wildflower displays aren’t always found on the busiest or most famous walks. Our ‘2026 Wildflower Walks’ research highlights highly rated trails with fewer reviews, helping walkers discover quieter routes that still offer spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, and some of England’s most beautiful seasonal blooms.

“And for those who love flowers but may not have the time to explore wildflower trails in person, beautiful, British-grown flowers by post can bring a touch of the countryside home, easier than ever.”