Britain’s hottest destinations for spring

Spring in the UK offers adventures blooming with natural beauty, tranquil vistas and the chance to see some wonderful wildlife. A great time to dive into a refreshing break, why not welcome springtime by exploring our coastline peppered with puffins, canoeing through a Scottish loch or breathing in crisp countryside air? Check out these tempting destinations for the hottest spring break in Britain.

Explore wildlife wonders in Wales

Visitors wanting a revitalising break full of unforgettable moments should look no further than a trip to the rugged Welsh coast; a chance to fill their lungs with fresh sea air, take in bracing views and even spot some dolphins. For an adventure unlike any other, why not spend some time in the enchanting Cardigan Bay, home to one of the biggest dolphin pods in the UK? This coastline is a hotspot for spying the majestic mammals, so wide-eyed visitors can grab a picnic and flask of hot tea for some bay-side dolphin spotting, or jump on a boat trip with A Bay to Remember for an unforgettable up-close experience.

Lovers of the outdoors can take the chance to experience these coastal delights during VisitWales’ official Year of Outdoors.

Cost: A one-hour boat trip costs £26 for adults and £13 for children, available from March to October.

Glide through a Scottish Loch

For expansive landscapes blooming with fauna and flora, vast woodland and breathtaking lochs, head on over to explore Scotland’s wonderful spring scenery. A great place to start a springtime Scottish adventure is Loch Morlich, which is nestled in the picturesque Cairngorms National Park. Fans of cruising will cherish the memory of gently gliding through the calm loch surrounded by the great outdoors; even beginners can enjoy an instructed kayak trip through the loch. Visitors should not miss the chance to explore these stunning waters in 2020, during VisitScotland’s official Year of Coasts and Waters.

Those curious to sample a taste of Scotland’s coasts can book onto a day or weekend foraging course with Wildwood Bushcraft. Teaching small groups the art of coastal foraging, responsible fishing and selecting edible seaweed, the courses end with a delicious cooked meal gathered from the fresh Scottish waters just 35 miles from Fort William.

Cost: Canoe hire reopens for spring in April 2020 and costs £8 per person for half an hour. Lessons for beginners are also available, with an instructed kayaking session costing £30. Foraging weekends are priced at £180 per person, with dates available in April 2020.

Sail in the Isles of Scilly

For a unique British adventure along mesmerising coastlines, take a trip to the beautiful Isles of Scilly, a cluster of five inhabited islands surrounded by azure blue waters. Located just off the Cornish coast, they are known for being the county’s very own tropical paradise. Visitors can hop aboard a sailboat and enjoy the fresh sea air. Alternatively, take a trip on SeaQuest, Scilly’s glass-bottomed boat, for a mesmerising underwater safari.

After a day spent enjoying Scilly’s clear waters, visitors in early spring can enjoy an evening of world-renowned star gazing, as the isles are an official Dark Skies location. Noted for having low light-pollution which makes the night sky spectacularly clear, visitors can bring a blanket, glasses and a bottle of fizz for a romantic evening under the sparkling stars. Visit the islands of Bryher or St Mary’s for some out-of-this-world dark skies.

Cost: An accompanied day sailboat experience costs £125 for three hours or £165 for a full day. SeaQuest trips start from £14 for one hour.

Spy seals and puffins on Lindisfarne

Want to experience Britain’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace this spring? Travel to Northumberland’s historic Lindisfarne for medieval ruins, traditional pubs and the chance to see a unique walled garden. Also known as Holy Island, this charming tidal refuge offers a slice of rustic coastal life and a glimpse into Britain’s rich history. One unmissable stop is The Gertrude Jekyll garden. Nestled beside the wonderful Lindisfarne Castle, this rustic oasis dates back to 1911 and boasts vegetable patches, herbs and many beautiful blooms.

Animal enthusiasts can also hop on a boat and travel to the nearby Farne Islands for a chance to spot colonies of fluffy puffins and grey seals that can be found basking on the rugged island rocks.

Cost: The medieval ruins of Lindisfarne Priory cost £8.00 for adults, £4.80 for children under 16 and £20.80 for a family ticket. An all-day bird watching excursion in the Farne Islands costs £40. Grey seal spotting trips cost £15 per person.

Soak up spring blossoms in Manchester

Manchester may be one of Britain’s most bustling cities, but just outside the busy centre visitors can find historic houses, perfectly pruned gardens and rustic countryside to hike in. One such springtime stop off close to Manchester is the historic house and gardens of Tatton Park. A delight for any green-fingered visitor, the spring months bring pale-pink cherry blossom to the Japanese garden, a blanket of bluebells to the arboretum and mean the traditional Italian garden is in full bloom.

For a taste of the wilder side of the British countryside, visitors can hike their way to an outdoor adventure in the Manchester Peak District. The first National Park in the UK, the Peak District offers a wide range of landscapes and rock formations. One of the most iconic in the Manchester area is the Trinnacle, found on Saddleworth Moor, Oldham, which looks down on to the tranquil Dove Stone Reservoir.

Cost: Entry to Tatton Park is £7 for adults, £5 for children and £19 for a family of five or less.