The English countryside is beautiful at any time of year, from summer’s sunshine and autumn’s dramatic colours, to the frosty winter whiteout. But there’s something about springtime that really sets the pulse racing. As the daffodils and bluebells emerge and the new year comes to life, England offers some of the most glorious rural destinations. So if you love the countryside, here’s our pick of England’s ultimate springtime destinations.
The Cotswolds
Spring is perhaps the best time to visit the Cotswolds – a nationally important landscape in the west of the country. Before the summer crowds descend, the rolling hills and honey-coloured villages offer some idyllic rural experiences. In spring, the Cotswolds are alive with wildflowers, and frolicking spring lambs create a timeless charm.
The Cotswold Way is a 102-mile trail that winds through some of the area’s most picturesque scenery. The stretch between Broadway and Chipping Campden offers fantastic views of the lush green countryside. Afterwards, stop for afternoon tea in the charming market town of Stow-on-the-Wold, where historic coaching inns and antique shops make for a great afternoon.
The Lake District
It’s not for nothing that the poet William Wordsworth, who lived in the Lakes, was inspired to write by the springtime landscape and the ‘host of golden daffodils’ that famously bloom along the shores of Ullswater.
Take a boat trip across Lake Windermere or, for a more immersive experience, follow in Wordsworth’s footsteps with a walk around Grasmere, stopping at his former home, Dove Cottage. The moderate hike up Loughrigg Fell offers some breathtaking views of the lakes and valleys, while the lower slopes are perfect for spotting bluebells and wild primroses. After a day’s exploration, warm up with a pint and a meal at a cosy country pub.
The South Downs
Stretching across Hampshire and Sussex, the South Downs National Park is a huge destination for walkers and lovers of fine English wine. In spring, the chalky downs burst into life with cowslips, and orchids.
The moderate three-hour walk from Amberley to Arundel offers rolling green hills, historic landmarks, and a picture-perfect medieval castle at the journey’s end. Alternatively, visit one of the growing number of vineyards in the region, such as Rathfinny Estate, where you can enjoy a glass of Sussex sparkling wine, which many see as a rival for champagne when it comes to quality.
Norfolk’s Coast and the Broads
Wildlife, tranquility and slow-flowing water make for a relaxing springtime visit to Norfolk, England’s easternmost county. The vast skies, expansive wetlands, and golden beaches provide an idyllic setting for relaxation and some adventure on the water.
Blakeney Point, famous for its seal colonies, is a must-visit on Norfolk’s north coast. And take a week for a canalboat holiday on the Norfolk Broads where you’ll glide lazily past centuries-old windmills, wide open countryside, and charming waterside pubs.
The Yorkshire Dales
With its rolling hills, dry-stone walls, and cascading waterfalls, the Yorkshire Dales national park is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
A springtime walk might lead you through Malham Cove, where a dramatic limestone amphitheatre looms over the landscape. The Aysgarth Falls and Ingleton Waterfalls Trail offer some of the most scenic spots to enjoy the full force of the spring thaw.
And while we know that pubs are something of a recurring theme in the Anglophile, a foaming pint of nut-brown ale in a Yorkshire country pub is one of our closest things to heaven!
Dartmoor
Dartmoor’s rugged beauty is at its most dramatic when the moorland comes alive with the bright yellow of gorse flowers and the playful sight of Dartmoor ponies roaming freely.
Hike up Haytor, one of Dartmoor’s most famous granite tors, or hills, for some stunning panoramic views, or explore the ancient Wistman’s Wood – a mystical, moss-covered rainforest steeped in folklore. As the evenings grow warmer, take advantage of the endless opportunities for stargazing – Dartmoor boasts some of the darkest skies in England.
The Peak District
The Peak District was England’s first national park and it’s still a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. With rugged peaks and green valleys, it offers some of England’s finest spring walks.
For a gentle yet rewarding hike, the Monsal Trail follows a disused railway line through tunnels, viaducts, and breathtaking limestone dales.
And breathtaking Dovedale with its iconic stepping stones and easygoing riverside paths, is particularly beautiful in the soft spring light.
For something off the beaten track, head to Edale, at the start of the Pennine Way, with its wildflowers and babbling brooks. After your walk, enjoy a traditional Bakewell tart in the market town of – you guessed it – Bakewell.
The Cornish Coast
While Cornwall is often seen as a summer destination, spring is a great time to explore its dramatic coastline, before the beaches become crowded. The South West Coast Path offers unrivalled sea views, with stretches such as Bedruthan Steps and The Lizard Peninsula providing some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in the country.
Head inland where Cornwall’s gardens are bursting into sub-tropical bloom, with The Lost Gardens of Heligan and Trebah Garden showcasing an explosion of colour from rhododendrons, camellias, and magnolias.