10 best places to visit in spring in the UK
With the days getting longer and the daffodils beginning to bloom, it looks like spring really is in the air. This season is one of re-growth, re-birth and the perfect time to get in a good spring clean. Not only that but it’s also a great excuse to ditch the winter layers and head back out into the great outdoors! From wandering amongst the cherry blossoms to watching newborn lambs frolic in the fields, these are some of the best places to visit in spring.
1. Brede High Woods
Although Sussex is known for having the warmest and driest climate in the UK, this spring try swapping the beach for the stunning Brede High Woods. Covering a grand 647 acres, this woodland is home to a diverse range of wildlife and plant species, all of which will be waking up from their winter hibernation during the spring months. Time your visit right and you’ll be rewarded by breathtaking carpets of bluebells covering the floor of the woods.
As well as beautiful scenery, Sussex also boasts an array of superb vineyards producing delicious wine. Regarded as the heart of British wine production, the area is the perfect region for wine tours. So why not combine a morning spent exploring the woods with an afternoon of wine tasting? Sounding like the perfect spring staycation? We at Snaptrip certainly think so!
2. Ickworth
This spring, why not take the kids on a day out to Ickworth over in Suffolk? Here you’ll find a stunning Italianate palace surrounded by miles of parkland and woodland, all carefully looked after by the National Trust. As well as an excellent place to get out in the fresh air, there are about 2,000 lambs born here every year, so you should have a good chance of spotting these youngsters.
3. Wye-Valley
Wales is known for its breath-taking scenery and is graced with a variety of National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty to pick from. Located between the rugged coastlines and lush countryside, we think a spring-time trip to the Wye Valley AONB is a wonderful idea.
Found in South Wales, and stretching all the way up into England, the Wye Valley is especially gorgeous in spring. With sun-dappled trails, the view of the lower Wye Valley from the Eagle’s viewing point in Wyndcliffe is a great end to your hike. Having inspired poets and painters alike, visitors can marvel as this place comes to life; with the first green buds appearing on the trees and flowers bursting into full bloom.
4. The Yorkshire Dales
Yorkshire is a stunning county to visit for a dose of fresh air anytime of year, but we think it is particularly picturesque in the spring. From the North York Moors to the Yorkshire Dales, there’s plenty of spring-time beauty to enjoy.
While there are also a wealth of National Trust spots to choose from, we at Snaptrip are especially fond of Nostell Priory with its beautiful manicured gardens. You’ll find an impressive house as well as several gardens to explore here. The Pleasure Grounds are not to be missed in spring; you’ll find bluebell, foxgloves, snowdrops and much, much more.
5. Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve
Somerset is well known for its cheese and cider but it’s also home to over 70 nature reserves. Dotted across the county, in all shapes and sizes, there is a nature reserve to suit just about everyone’s tastes.
Spring is an excellent time to go wildlife spotting so get your binoculars at the ready. For an excellent variety of wildlife to spot, head to Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve. While you’re here, challenge yourself to see just how many different species you can spot, from butterflies to dragonflies and voles to otters. The diverse habitats here guarantees you won’t be bored!
6. The Lyth Valley
Japan is definitely not the only place in the Northern Hemisphere to see pretty spring blossoms – the UK is also full of spectacular flower-filled spots. There’s no sight quite like spring trees heavy with blossom, coating the world in a vibrant and heady riot of fuschia, cream and pastel pink petals.
One of the most famous of the UK’s blossom spots is the Lyth Valley in Cumbria, which is known for its damson trees. Every spring, this special little corner of the world transforms into a sea of frothy white blossom, with snowy petals bedecking the trees and carpeting the ground.
Damsons begin to flower in late March so mid April is the ideal time to pay the area a visit, just in case it’s a late season. What’s more, you can catch the annual Damson Day fair around this time too.
7. Hay-on-Wye
Every year the sleepy little town of Hay-on-Wye comes alive in spring with its world-famous book festival. Beginning in the second May bank holiday weekend and running into the first week of June, this is the ultimate springtime event.
The number one literary event in the whole world, the Hay Festival celebrates culture, the arts and reading, and features talks and performances from an incredible selection of greatest minds. So this May, ditch the music festivals and instead give your brain a good old spring refresh with a trip to the Hay Festival.
8. Kew Gardens
A pretty city no matter the season, London is especially lovely during the spring. The greenest major city in Europe, London is full of stunning parks and secret plant-filled spots, perfect for sitting back and enjoying the beauty of spring in.
Home to a multitude of plants, the world-famous Kew Gardens is one of the best spring spots to visit in the capital. The most biodiverse place on earth, Kew Gardens explodes with life and colour during the spring months, making it one of the best spring destinations to visit for keen gardeners and nature lovers alike.
9. Cotswolds
Known for its bucolic beauty and rustic charm, Cotswolds holidays become even more special during the spring months. The gently rolling hills come alive with newborn lambs and calves, while pretty villages are lined with daffodils and the woodlands carpeted by bluebells. Set off on a refreshing spring walk throughout the countryside, before settling down in a cosy pub for a hearty lunch next to a roaring fire.
Spring afternoons can be spent wandering the narrow streets of the picturesque Cotswolds villages and towns. Admire the sight of the typical honey-coloured cottages in the gentle afternoon sun, framed by blossoming trees and delicate spring flowers from the ground.
10. Hall Hill Farm
Cute baby animals are synonymous with spring and what kid doesn’t get a kick out of spotting tiny lambs bounding about or fluffy rabbits with floppy ears. During the spring months you’ll be able to spot these frolicking newborns in fields all across the UK. However, if you want to go one step further and take the kids to meet the new spring arrivals then head to Hall Hill Farm in Durham for the ultimate family day out.
Set amidst miles of stunning countryside, this award-winning farm has been open to visitors since 1981 and is home to a lovely family of happy and healthy farmyard animals. During your visit, the kids will absolutely love the chance to meet the new baby animals and bottle feed the little lambs. The bottle feeding of the lambs generally starts in late March and is usually held throughout the day at 11.30am, 2pm and 4pm. However it’s best to check timings before your visit to avoid any disappointment.
