The prettiest places to visit in the UK this spring

Make memories this spring by travelling to one of the prettiest places the UK has to offer; spend your holiday taking in blooming wildflowers in charming villages or exploring the magnificent gardens and houses across our unique island. 

The thought of spring instantly conjures images of colourful flowers, woodland blankets of vibrant bluebells and pure white snowdrops, banks of daffodils, hedges full of songbirds and fields full of lambs making it a wonderful time of year to get away.

We've sought out some of the prettiest places in the UK to visit in spring which will well and truly chase away those dark winter days and leave you feeling refreshed.

Glencoe, Scotland

The best time of year for sun in Scotland is early spring and summer. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and breathe in the clean fresh air around Scotland’s lochs and mountains.

The sweeping valley of Glencoe offers some of Scotland’s most dazzling scenery where Loch Leven meets the Three Sisters mountain range. As the soft spring sun shines through the peaks it’s difficult to imagine anywhere being more beautiful than Glencoe on a gentle spring morning.

Complete your trip with a stay in one of our self-catering cottages in Scotland so you can soak up all of the amazing scenery the Highlands has to offer.

Holidays in Scotland

Bodnant Garden, Wales

After the dark winter months, we are craving vibrancy and life from the great outdoors which is why the renowned Bodnant Garden is certainly the place to go. The beautiful Laburnum arch is thrown into colour towards the end of spring - a golden yellow which under the spring sunshine glows around the whole garden. Be quick though, once the arch is in full colour it only lasts a couple of weeks.

Aside from the archway, Bodnant Garden provides acres of open space for families to enjoy spring picnics and for kids to run around the well-kept lawns and explore the hidden corners and grand ponds.

Plan a spring holiday with the family in Wales and make the most of the delights of spring - search our cottages in Wales to find somewhere you'll all love.

Retreat to Wales

Wallington Estate, Northumberland

Do you remember how exciting it was spotting frog spawn in the pond as a child? As spring arrives you’ll be able to spot frogs and their spawn in the stunning lakes at Wallington.

You can also wander through ancient woodlands and discover secret gardens – the perfect place to get a real sense of nature. Keep your eyes peeled for your first butterfly of spring too! For the kids, it’s a haven for a good old game of hide and seek.

Need somewhere to stay? Our cottages in Northumberland will set you up perfectly for exploring the area and soaking up the spring atmosphere at the Wallington Estate.

Escape to Northumberland

Bourton-on-the-Water, Cotswolds AONB

With its honey-coloured stone villages, the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is beautiful at any time of year and Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the loveliest villages you'll find with spring bringing a whole mix of new colours to the stunning surroundings. Daffodils, snowdrops and primroses line the hedgerows and baby lambs can be seen playing in the fields.

A simple afternoon stroll over the bridge, along the river and down peaceful country lanes and footpaths reveal all the signs that winter has been long-forgotten in Bourton-on-the-Water. Springtime is a great opportunity to discover the village's charming attractions or explore the Cotswold Way - with 100 miles of footpaths running beside peaceful rivers, through pretty villages and across open countryside, the scenery is sure to take your breath away. Read our guide to the best walks in Bourton-on-the-Water for further inspiration.

After a long day walking through the countryside or discovering more Cotswolds' pretty villages, relax in one of our cosy Cotswold holiday cottages.

Escape to the Cotswolds

Hawes, Yorkshire Dales National Park

A patchwork of lush green and vibrant yellow fields, it’s difficult not to stop and take a photo as you take a blissful drive through the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Hawes is a perfect snapshot of this beautiful region. Complete with waterfall and charming cottages lining the streets, Hawes is a scenic escape in the heart of the Dales. 

Further afield, the 6-mile Upper Wharfedale wild walk is definitely one for a spring day, following traditional drystone walls, hillside streams and flower-rich meadows which sweep down into gentle rolling valleys. Another walk not to be missed is the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, taking you past tumbling waterfalls and through ancient oak woodland on a real springtime adventure.

We have a selection of gorgeous holiday cottages in the Yorkshire Dales which make lovely bases for exploring the area at your leisure.

Explore the Dales

Blickling Estate, Norfolk

Those beautiful little bluebells are a real symbol of spring and with nearly 50% of the world’s bluebells found in the UK, it’s not difficult to see why we treasure the sight so much. Punctured only by magnificent oak trees, the ancient Great Wood at Blickling Estate in Norfolk is swathed in blue during spring and dappled with the first rays of spring sunshine making it truly magical.

Blickling Estate is cared for by the National Trust and provides a day out that families will love. The astonishing red brick manor house is surrounded by flawless gardens which lead on towards the bluebells woods. With all sorts of children’s activities including exploring the secret garden, following the nature trail and running around the bluebell woods, it’s a real family day out waiting to be had.

If you're planning on visiting the Blickling Estate during your holiday, our holiday cottages in Norfolk will provide a super-comfortable base for you and all the family.

Take a trip to Norfolk

Brownsea Island, Dorset

Located in Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, a dramatic and beautiful National Trust island, crowned with a castle, is a haven for wildlife, but as winter ebbs away, it really comes to life.

Spring is a popular time for red squirrels as they inhabit the treetops and roam the ground - you’ll be guaranteed to spot them bathing in the first twinkles of the spring sunshine. As a thriving nature reserve, this is a real haven for wildlife enthusiasts, home to all kinds of birds from kingfishers to oystercatchers.

There's no need to rush - plan a lovely spring break in one of our Dorset cottages and you’ll have plenty of time to admire the views.

Stay in Dorset

Edinburgh, Scotland

While the countryside is bursting with colour, spring makes for a really lovely city break too and at this time of the year, Edinburgh is truly beautiful.

Benefitting from pretty city centre parks which are alive with cherry blossom and well-maintained flower beds, it’s not difficult to see why it is such an attractive city at this time of year. Admire the bright yellow gorse covering Arthur’s Seat or take a scenic stroll along the Water of Leith Walkway – there’s several places where you can see spring in Edinburgh.

Plan the perfect city break in spring and complete your trip with a stay in one of our stylish Edinburgh cottages.

Holidays in Edinburgh

Brogdale Collections, Kent

Home to the world’s largest collection of fruit trees and plants, not only is Brogdale alive with colour but with flavour too. The tasty orchards are swathed in everything from apples, pears and plums to cherries and strawberries.

In spring the blossom-filled orchards are a beautiful backdrop for family days out and exciting events which are often held, including the Hanami Festival, a celebration of cherry blossoms and all things Japanese. It’s a great one for the Easter holidays with the kids.

Stay nearby in one of our comfortable Kent cottages and you can finish your holiday off with a trip to the coast.

Retreat to Kent

Exbury Gardens, New Forest 

A magnificent gardens complete with steam railway and cafe, Exbury Gardens is the perfect place to visit this spring. Take a trip here to see the flowers in full bloom and a whole range of non-flowering plants thriving under the bright sunlight and warm weather that has arrived. 

There's a river winding through the landscape, a Japanese bridge to wander across, plants such as magnolias and hybrid rhododendrons thriving in the woodland and beautiful wisteria that's draped over the Sundial Garden. Best of all, dogs are welcome to explore the gardens with you! 

Take a trip to the New Forest during springtime for wonderful walks and scenic landscapes and you'll enjoy a relaxing holiday to remember. 

Explore the New Forest

Escape this spring

With Easter falling in the midst of spring and as the next big holiday, these beautiful spots dotted around the UK make for the perfect family days out. Long walks, pretty photos and tasty picnics - start planning the perfect holiday this spring. 

Spring holiday cottages