Bluebell Walks
Many parks and woods will be covered in a carpet of bluebells from mid to late April onwards. The Woodland Trust, who have more than 100 ancient bluebell woods, are concerned that they may not be around for as long as usual this year, due to the extreme heat and dry weather. To find a wood near you that will be covered in bluebells, check out the interactive map on the Woodland Trust website. Please don't forget it's illegal to dig up wild bluebell bulbs and be careful not to trample on these blooms – it's believed that Britain's bluebell woods now account for about 50 per cent of the entire world population of the flower.

Quarry Bank Gardens
As part of the Cheshire Year of Gardens '08 Festival, the National Trust has just opened the 18th century Quarry Bank Garden (see right) to visitors for the first time. The garden, which boasts riverside walks along the River Bollin, beautiful views and huge displays of rhododendrons, has just finished being restored. Whilst visiting the garden, you can also see one of Britain's finest industrial sites – the cotton mill (which has the most powerful working waterwheel in Europe), the restored Appentrice House and the mill workers' village and country estate. Check the National Trust website for more details or ring (01625) 527468. For more information about the Cheshire year-long festival, see the Cheshire Year of Gardens website.

Tulips Galore
Pashley Manor Gardens on the Kent/Sussex border will be open every day from the 25th April until 5th May for its annual Tulip Festival. The festival, which began 14 years ago to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the tulip's arrival in Europe from Persia, features more than 20,000 tulips. There will be 90 varieties on display, from the vibrant red and hot orange coloured tulips in the herbaceous borders to the cream, white, pale golden yellow and apricot tulips in the Elizabethan Garden. More details on the Pashley Manor website.