It's that time of year again and the bluebells are in full bloom.

Here's our guide to where to go in Dorset to see these gorgeous wildflowers.

  1. Duncliffe Wood: Managed by the Woodland Trust Duncliffe Wood is a large woodland which stretches over the double summits of Duncliffe Hill like a saddle as they rise out of Blackmoor Vale. Lying three miles west of Shaftesbury, its prominent setting ensures it can be seen for miles around. The surrounding landscape is characterised by sweeping valleys and rounded hills with a dominance of woodland on the scarp faces. The site is well known locally for its spectacular spring display of bluebells - but due to its location there are some steep paths in places.

  2. Hibbitts Wood nature reserve: This is actually two areas of ancient woodland and a small, flower-rich meadow next to the hamlet of Adam's Green near Halstock. The area was donated to the Dorset Wildlife Trust in 2008. As well as bluebells, visitors can spot early purple and bird's-nest orchids, Goldilocks buttercup, wild daffodil, common spotted orchid, cowslips and the rare adder's tongue fern.

  3. Powerstock Common nature reserve: Like Hibbitts Wood, this is tucked away in West Dorset and run by the Dorset Wildlife Trust. It consists of wet and dry grassland, scrub, woodland and small copses. As well as wildflowers, lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of the rare marsh fritillary butterfly.

  4. Thorncombe Woods: This 26-hectare woodland and heath site near Dorchester is packed with history, from the Roman road that runs through it to Thomas Hardy's cottage at Higher Bockhampton. The site is listed on the Ancient Woodland Inventory and is a haven for wildlife and the herd of Dartmoor ponies that lives at neighbouring Black Heath.

  5. Kingston Lacy: The estate, run by the National Trust, is one of the most popular places in the county to see the bluebells each spring. One of the most popular locations on the estate is the Abbott Street copse - where parking is free, but donations are appreciated.

  6. Lewesdon Hill: A bracing walk from Beaminster, this is the highest point in Dorset, at 279m. This ancient hill fort is covered in woodland, which offers views across Devon, Somerset and the stunning Jurassic Coast, as well as being thickly carpeted by bluebells in the spring.

  7. Bulbarrow Hill: Almost as high as Lewesdon, this hill, about 10 miles north of Dorchester and to the west of Blandford Forum is a popular beauty spot at any time of year - but especially when the bluebells come out.