Spring is a beautiful time to explore the UK, with the season bringing fresh blooms, greenery and warmer weather after a long winter.
With a range of activities and attractions available, there’s something for everyone.
From the rolling hills of the countryside to the bustling cities, the UK has a lot to offer in the springtime. Here are some of the best places to visit in the UK in spring – updated for 2025!
Top places to visit in the UK in Spring!
1 – Bath
Bath is a beautiful city that’s perfect for a springtime visit.
Known for its Roman Baths, this city has plenty of history to explore. Visitors can take a dip in the natural hot springs at the Thermae Bath Spa or visit the Jane Austen Centre to learn about the author’s life and work.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Bath Skyline Walk offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
2 – Brighton
There aren’t many places in the UK more beautiful in the sunshine than East Sussex’s favourite coastline, Brighton.
Venture down and you’ll see a city spring to life after its quieter winter season. The Royal Pavillion beams surrounded by beautiful, tropical gardens, the North Laines and its many indie stores and coffee shops are bustling with excitement and the infamous pier is the perfect spot to saunter in the warmer breeze – and enjoy a cheeky bag of chips (if the seagulls don’t get to them first!).
Take a short drive out of Brighton to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature at Beachy Head and Seven Sisters Country Park. Both are great spots for a picnic with family or friends.
3 – Bristol
Forget London, if you want a spring city break with some va-va-voom then visit Bristol!
The biggest city in the southwest of the UK, it’s a buzzing cultural metropolis with the quintessentially British villages of the Cotswolds to its north and the lush, the green countryside of Somerset to its south.
Also a hop, skip and a jump from Bath, a UNESCO heritage site full of Georgian beauty, Bristol has a rich history of its own, largely focused around the maritime trade.
The city has lots of different things to see and do and there’s something for everyone whether you’re all about the history, into getting up close and personal with cuddly animals or love everything science and high-tech.
4 – Cambridge
If you’re after a historic university city then you can’t beat a trip to Cambridge (although I may be a little biased as I grew up not too far from here). The city’s beautiful in spring and punting, Cambridge’s version of a gondola trip, is a wonderful, chilled way to see the city – especially the university grounds and the Bridge of Sighs.
Take a picnic and enjoy the city’s green spaces, before heading into the city centre for a bit of retail therapy or culture in one of Cambridge’s many museums…
5 – Cornwall
This southwestern county is known for its stunning coastal landscapes, historic mining villages, and vibrant surfing culture.
One of the original British staycation destinations, the endless beaches, harbours and rolling countryside of Cornwall will take your stress away in an instant.
The gulf stream means the county gets spring blooms before the rest of the UK, so you can enjoy the rugged coastline dotted with wildflowers – plus the beaches are quieter!
Rent a VW camper van or pitch up in one of the region’s many campsites, then plan a road-trip taking in Newquay’s surf culture, the Eden Project, Padstow, St. Michael’s Mount and Tintagel Castle.
Perhaps you’d like to take a walk along the South West Coast Path, which offers stunning views of the sea and the cliffs.
For those up for more of a challenge, be sure to check out Via Ferrata Cornwall, a 60-acre outdoor adventure site providing the ultimate high-wire and climbing route around a disused granite quarry. It also offers guests the chance to try out kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, coasteering and archery.
If the weather isn’t on your side (this is Britain, of course) you could warm up over a cosy pub dinner or in the Jubilee Pool’s geothermally heated section. This art deco diamond shaped saltwater lido can be found in Penzance and gives you the opportunity to soak in balmy 30-degree water.
6 – The Cotswolds
This picturesque region in southern England is characterised by rolling hills, quaint villages and charming country roads.
As England’s country garden, during spring the Cotswolds becomes dotted with fields of yellow rapeseed, and the villages burst into life with blooming gardens and pubs serving seasonal ales.
I head here all the time for day trips to beautiful towns and villages like Bourton-on-the-Water, Tetbury and Minchinhampton Common – where the cows rule the roads.
For history lovers, the 102-mile Cotswold Way trail embarks from the classic market town of Chipping Campden. Starting in the north-east town of Painswick, follow the path south to Coaley Peak picnic site, covering a total of 11.5 miles.
The trail leads you through woodland tracks, venturing across the Stroudwater Canal, crossing the Commons and around the base of Pen Wood. Settle down for dinner at the Coaley Peak picnic tables, taking in the picturesque view across the Forest of Dean while you tuck into your cold cuts. Keep an eye out for the seasonal ice cream vendor for a well-deserved sweet treat.
Also worth checking out is Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park. Springtime is particularly special at the Farm Park, as it marks the arrival of lambing/kidding season. This is a great time to visit the farm, not only for the chance to see all of the farm’s new additions, but also as bottle-feeding activities also take place, allowing visitors to get up close to the lambs and kids, and play a vital role in their care.
7 – Dartmoor National Park
There’s so much to do in Dartmoor National Park and the surrounding area that it’s a great destination for a long weekend adventure, as Emma recently discovered.
Take a road trip across the moors, visit the Cistercian monastery Buckland Abbey, the Morwhellam Quay open-air museum or Dartmoor Zoo – whatever your passions they’ll be something to pique your interest…
8 – Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is a great place to visit in the spring. The city’s many parks and gardens come to life during this season, with cherry blossoms, daffodils and bluebells in full bloom. Visitors can take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Garden or explore the beautiful Princes Street Gardens.
For those interested in history, a visit to the Edinburgh Castle is a must. In the spring, the castle is surrounded by vibrant green grass and colourful flowers.
9 – Harrogate
The Yorkshire spa town of Harrogate has been voted the happiest place to live in the UK and also the third most romantic destination in the world.
Its compact town centre is easy to get around and there’s quite a lot to do both in the town itself and the neighbouring countryside. If you like spas, good food, castles and gardens, then this is a destination for you!
10 – Weymouth
Weymouth has been welcoming visitors for centuries — ever since King George III made sea bathing and ‘taking the sea air’ fashionable in 1789. Today the tradition continues, with swimmers braving the waters of Weymouth Beach for health and rejuvenation.
To celebrate the town’s vibrant history, We Are Weymouth – the town’s Business Improvement District (BID) – is partnering with local businesses, including Weymouth Pavilion, pubs and bars, to host ‘Era Weekends’ throughout the year.
The first event, held in February, was a 1980s extravaganza, with many more to follow throughout Spring and beyond.
11 – The Lake District
This stunning region in northwest England – a World Heritage Site – is known for its scenic landscapes, rolling hills and crystal-clear lakes.
In spring, the area is covered in a blanket of bluebells, daffodils and other wildflowers, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.
Visitors can hike or bike through the scenic countryside or take a boat tour of Lake Windermere. There are also several charming towns to visit, such as Ambleside and Keswick, where you can find local shops and restaurants.
Mercedes Zach, from Asaptickets recommends a visit to Sizergh Castle and Garden. About four miles south of Kendal, it features a beautiful castle, tower and Tudor house.
“Rich gardens of Sizergh include a mirror lake, apple orchard, and limestone rock garden which turns into a marvellously dreamy pink garden due to cherry blossoms that start flowering in April. The ethereal beauty of cherry blossom deserves a grand setting and is definitely worth paying a visit,” she says.
Sally Fielding, of Sally’s Cottages adds Muncaster Castle to this list.
“I make a pilgrimage there each May as this is the best place in the whole of the Lake District for bluebell woods. Not only that, but the rhododendrons are in full bloom too.
“When I go, I always combine it with a visit to Stanley Ghyll waterfall which makes you feel as though you’re in the rainforest – and it’s free.
“Oh and if you’re feeling brave, combine this with a trip over Hardknott and Wrynose passes – Britain’s steepest road!”
12 – Lancashire
Lancashire is home to a number of fantastic places to see, eat and visit. In the spring there’s a blanket of bluebells and wildflowers carpeting the beautiful scenery, and one place particularly recommended is Brockholes Nature Reserve – their aptly names Bluebell Wood is idyllic.
Lancashire is also a fantastic foodie destination, home to the Best Restaurant in England (Moor Hall) and the top Gastropub in the UK (The Parkers Arms).
Then there’s the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, which features breathtaking scenery and great walking routes and connects the Ribble Valley area to Lancaster where you can find the King’s Castle of the North; Lancaster Castle.
In spring Lancaster features a range of events including the Festa Italia Festival – celebration of all things Italian, Highest Point festival and the nearby Garstang Walking Festival.
13 – London
The UK’s capital city is a vibrant and exciting destination all year round, but spring is an especially lovely time to visit. Take a stroll through Hyde Park, one of the city’s most popular parks, and see the colourful tulips in bloom.
Head to the South Bank and catch a show at the National Theatre, or visit the world-renowned Tate Modern art gallery.
For history buffs, there’s the Tower of London and the British Museum, both of which are must-see attractions. Don’t forget to stop by Buckingham Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard, which takes place every other day in the spring.
14 – The Malverns
The Malverns in Worcestershire is well worth a spring visit thanks to its area of outstanding natural beauty, the Malvern Hills.
The region also includes the historic towns Great Malvern, Tenbury Wells and Upton upon Severn. Great Malvern is set on the slopes of the hills and has plenty of independent businesses and cosy coffee shops. Tenbury Wells is a historic market town with plenty of foodie shops and businesses (even its own chocolate factory!) and Upton upon Severn is a pretty riverside town with bags of history, pretty black and white buildings, leisure opportunities at the river and quirky shops.
If you’re looking for something a bit different to do this spring then check out the Malvern Well Dressing and Water Festival, which will be held on 3-11 May this year. The community comes together every spring to celebrate Malvern’s long history as a spa town for the Well Dressing – with over 130 recorded springs and wells. Around 45 of these are creatively decorated around a unified theme by schools and community groups and visitors can take a walking or bus tour to see the displays.
In honour of this event, and to announce the winners of the Well Dressing Prizes, a Water Festival is held on the first May Bank Holiday. This celebration of Spring, water and the well dressing usually includes family fun and entertainment with plenty going on in Great Malvern’s Priory Park.
15 – Norfolk
Norfolk has so much to offer visitors – from boating on the Broads through to beautiful beaches, which are often visited by sunbathing seals!
Then there’s Norwich – a city where medieval meets modern and history rubs shoulders with the world we live in today.
Travel 900 years with visits to Norwich Cathedral – one of Europe’s finest Romanesque cathedrals, with the largest monastic cloisters in the country, Elm Hill – Norwich’s most complete medieval street and Norwich Market where you can take a Great Market Tour to discover the history of this bustling ancient city centre hub.
Then head to the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, located at the University of East Anglia set within 300 acres of natural countryside by the river. Built in the 70s this was Norman Foster’s first commercial build and is a must visit without even taking into account the 5,000-year-old art treasures housed inside.
16 – The New Forest
The New Forest is one of my favourite UK destinations. Made up of a mix of pastureland, heath and forest, it’s a truly beautiful place to explore, as you visit the towns and villages dotted throughout the boundaries of the national park.
Appointed a royal forest by William I, it was an area used by nobility and royalty to host hunts, although those that lived there – known as commoners – were given special rights including permission for their animals to freely graze the land. Still in place today, this is something that makes the New Forest such a unique place, as its free roaming ponies can be seen throughout the area and often can be found wandering along the town and village high streets!
Whatever the UK spring weather may have in store, the New Forest has a lot to offer from country walks and animal parks through to indoor family attractions and historical sites. There’s also beautiful flowers galore – first to arrive are the carpets of bluebells and snowdrops, swiftly followed by cowslips, daffodils and more…
17 – Skomer Island
Spring is the time to visit Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire as the puffins return early to mid April after the winter and the spring flowers are in full bloom.
Explore the island on foot and meet the migrant birds, witness the first landings of puffins to the island, watch the amorous displays of guillemots and razorbills and see the island start to bloom with daffodils and wildflowers.
During the spring Skomer is covered in a display of beautiful bluebells so vast that the island appears blue. Puffins, rabbits and short-eared owls are particularly active throughout the day, making this the perfect UK destination for wildlife lovers!
18 – Swansea Bay
In the Swansea Bay area of south Wales you’ll find the picturesque Mumbles and Gower, with its cute independent shops and restaurants, ancient castle, undulating hills and fresh sea air.
The region is home to Rhossili Bay, an award winning three-mile stretch of beach that’s considered the best in the UK. But beyond Rhossili, there’s also Pwll Du Bay, which is a little off the beaten track, Caswell Bay and Three Cliffs Bay, meaning there’s a beach for everyone.
Oh, and if you’d like something a bit more quirky, why not have a go at tobogganing at Pembrey Country Park – it’s a blast!
In spring the temperature can get up to a balmy 20 degrees, which makes it a great time to get outdoors and explore the beautiful welsh countryside…
19 – Westonbirt
If you’re searching for a captivating destination to embrace the wonders of spring, look no further than Westonbirt Arboretum.
Nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire, the national arboretum boasts a diverse range of tree species from all around the world, offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts and simple wanderers alike.
Most well-known for its kaleidoscope of vibrant red, orange, yellow and gold colours in autumn, we were recently invited to see for ourselves on a spring discovery tour.
20 – The Yorkshire Dales
The Yorkshire Dales are a UK great spring destination – it’s perfect for bluebells, spring lambs and spring salmon!
We recommend a trip to the market town of Sedbergh, a destination that’s totally under the radar but is perfect for an outdoor-focused spring getaway. it’s ideal for quiet riverside walks and lazy picnics. But if you want something more action packed then you can indulge in wild swimming in one of the four rivers, sailing and kayaking on Killington Lake, horse riding.
The town also sits squarely at the heart of a number of the UK’s most iconic long-distance trails, perfect for those that enjoy walking or horse riding. For walkers highlights include the Pennine Journey, and the Dales Way, for horse riders there’s the outstanding Pennine Way.
