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 2024!
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!
Find out more about what Harrogate has to offer in spring, including the beautiful RHS Harlow Carr.
10 – The Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is bursting with life this time of year and can make for a great coast and country escape, without the crowds. Hit up the cultural spots – the opulent Osborne estate gives a poignant glimpse into the life of Queen Victoria while Dimbola Museum hosts the ‘Technicolor Dickens’ photo exhibition until 18 May
The island’s a walker’s paradise with more than 500-miles of well-maintained, signposted footpaths. What’s more, the Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival celebrates 25 years this year and returns from Saturday 11 to Sunday 19 May. Explore the Island like a local; the majority of walks are led by residents keen to share their knowledge of a subject, or to just ‘show-off’ their favourite walk.
