5 Best Places to Visit in Spring in the UK

Explore our list of the top 5 places to visit in the UK during springtime.

The UK is a spectacular place to experience in the springtime as the weather improves and the days get longer. Discover where to enjoy blossoming flora, abundant wildlife and the increasing amount of things to see and do.

Below are 5 of our favourite places to visit in spring in the UK…

1. The Cotswolds

Walking is one of the most popular things to do in the Cotswolds, the UK’s largest AONB, offers 787 square miles of countryside, plus activities and opportunities aplenty. As the sun rises over the dewy grass, dust off your walking boots and trek the Cotswold Way walking path. It meanders from the apex of the AONB, right down to its southernmost point.

Pass through hills and landscapes, along with a number of historic market towns and chocolate-box villages. Browse through our guide to walks in the Cotswolds for even more astounding outdoor opportunities.

Cotswolds Festivals

This AONB plays host to a catalogue of unique events and festivals, the best of which get going around this time of year. One unique attraction the Cotswolds has to offer is the Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling event.

Taking place on Spring Bank Holiday each year, competitors give chase to a nine-pound round of Double Gloucester cheese. The first person to cross the finish line at the bottom of Cooper’s Hill receives the cheese as their prize.

A more conventional event that attracts people to the Cotswolds during springtime is the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival. With prize money second only to the coveted Grand National at Aintree, this four-day festival attracts spectators from all over the world.

It regularly coincides with St Patrick’s Day, which enhances its already electric atmosphere. Explore the wealth of opportunity found here from one of our many cottages in the Cotswolds.

2. Dorset

Dorset’s natural beauty and varying wildlife, come into full flow once the frost has thawed and spring has sprung. The region is largely occupied by the Dorset AONB, which is flanked by the Jurassic Coast.

This 95-mile stretch of history-rich coastline is dotted with a number of popular Dorset things to do. Visitors can learn of the area’s far-reaching heritage, discover ancient fossils as well as formations such as Durdle Door.

Dorset Wildlife

A short ferry trip from mainland Dorset, pay a visit to the National Trust-owned Brownsea Island during spring. See the emergence of its plentiful wildlife whilst roaming the gardens of Brownsea Castle. Other activities and adventures include walking trails and natural play areas.

Another one of Dorset’s top spots is the RSPB Arne, a stone’s throw from the market town of Wareham. Spot various birds choosing their nest for the year, their chirping provides a soothing backing track. Fairs, festivals and events for all tastes can be found in every corner of Dorset.

Families looking to spend Easter in Dorset will be spoilt for choice with bonnet parades, Easter egg hunts and more. Base your adventure from one of an array of cottages in Dorset.

3. Scotland

Visiting Scotland in spring is a sight to behold, there are many reasons why you should visit. The dramatic landscapes and snow-capped mountains become blanketed by colourful flowers and wildlife as winter draws to a close.

The Highlands is ideal for admiring this transition, its West Highland Way is of the many scenic walks in Scotland. It runs from Fort William, past Ben Nevis, through the The Trossachs National Park and ends just outside of Glasgow. As well as picturesque walking, you can find a range of other popular things to do in Scotland.

For a different type of UK holiday, coincide your Scottish cottage break with the one-of-a-kind Highland Games. The event runs from May until September across the region, with over 80 events like nothing else in the sport.

Scotland’s spring traditions

Skiing conditions in Scotland are at their peak during spring. The fresh and soft snow still sits atop the mountains of Glenshee, Cairngorm, Glencoe, Nevis and The Lecht.

Don’t worry about the cold weather affecting you, as May is Scotland’s National Whisky Month. Warm yourself up aprés ski with a traditional Glenfiddich or Glenlivet on the rocks. Lovers of scotch can also tour the Speyside Whisky Trail. It combines three of Scotland’s most associated features; scenery, architecture and whisky to create an experience like no other.

Browse our full range of cottages in Scotland for your very own homely retreat to base your holiday.

4. Peak District

Largely resting within Derbyshire in the heart of England is the Peak District National Park. Be spoilt by the opportunities to relish the great outdoors at the UK’s first National Park.

Dominated by the Dark and White Peaks, find many walking and cycling trails to appreciate it all from. The Pennine Way winds from Edale to Kinder Scout, while the Mam Tor Trail rewards a steep hike with an elevated, panoramic view. Top each memorable day off in style by returning to your homely Peak District cottage.

Is a slower-paced retreat more your thing? Enjoy the rejuvenating spring weather while discovering National Trust-owned houses, parks and gardens.

Slower-paced day trips in the Peak District

Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall stand as impressive structures with things for all to see and do. Enjoy the spring sunshine while roaming the manicured gardens that surround these National Trust buildings.

Amble around a host of towns and villages; Bakewell, Wirksworth and Buxton all offer shops and eateries of the highest order. Matlock is on the outskirts of the National Park; the Heights of Abraham offers another angle to appreciate the scenery. Choose from a number of excellent places to stay in the Peak District to fully experience the region’s magnificence.

5. Lake District

The Lake District is ideal for thrill-seeking holidaymakers looking to get up and active from the moment the first daffodil blooms. This UNESCO World Heritage Site can accommodate tourists of all interests, but what people mostly visit is the scenery. Admire the lakes and fells from action-packed expeditions or with your feet up in a quirky tea room.

England’s highest mountain can be found here, Scafell Pike reaches over 3,200 feet and showcases panoramic views from its summit. Back on ground level, the inland resort of Bowness-on-Windermere abounds with enthralling attractions. Adventure seekers can get their fix with Windermere’s water sports as the more relaxed watch on from a cruise boat.

The Lakes’ literary connections

The Lake District also boasts a rich history in the world of literature. Established English wordsmiths such as William Wordsworth, John Ruskin and Beatrix Potter used the Lakes as inspiration for their work.

Springtime marks the start of the better-known Lakeland shows, varying in genre. Choose from the Words by the Water Festival, Peter Rabbit Treasure Trail, the Keswick Jazz and Blues Festival and more. Select from a number of places to stay in the Lake District in order to make the most of this action-packed National Park.

Spend a day strolling around the characterful towns; Ambleside, Keswick and Kendal are among the most notable and host many of the wonderful things to do in the Lake District.

Don’t hesitate to book your holiday cottage in one of the best places to visit in spring in the UK. Use our carefully crafted Travel Guides for inspiration on how to spend your break.