As winter recedes, a spring getaway is the perfect way to celebrate the return of light and life. These six UK destinations, all easy to reach by train, are wonderful places to witness the landscape awakening. From blooming wildflowers to the return of wildlife, a spring break is a true tonic for the soul.
The 400-hectare Brucefield Estate in Scotland is a hive of activity in spring. The woodlands come alive with a carpet of bluebells and other spring flowers. It’s a key time for wildlife, and a guided tour might reveal nesting birds and the first signs of new life after the long winter. The fresh, clean air and sense of renewal are palpable.
In the Lake District, spring is a time of cascading waterfalls fed by melting snow and lush, green valleys. The sight of newborn Herdwick lambs skipping in the fields is a quintessential Lakeland experience. The weather is often perfect for hiking—not too hot, not too cold—making it an ideal time to explore the fells from your Windermere base.
The Berkshire country house hotel, set in 16 acres of grounds, is a delight in spring. The gardens begin to bloom, and the longer days are perfect for a game of tennis or a walk along the canal to see the waterway coming back to life. It’s a chance to enjoy the gentle beauty of the English countryside at its freshest.
On the coasts of Cornwall and Northumberland, spring brings blooming wildflowers to the cliff tops, creating a stunning contrast with the blue of the sea. It’s a wonderful time for coastal walking before the peak summer season begins. The Essex cabin, with its natural pond teeming with new life, is another idyllic spot to welcome the arrival of spring.