The hottest destinations for spring in Britain

Want a revitalising break full of unforgettable moments? Look no further than a trip to the rugged Welsh coast; a chance to fill your 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 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.

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. If you’re a fan of cruising, you’ll 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. Don’t miss the chance to explore these stunning waters in 2020, during VisitScotland’s official Year of Coasts and Waters.

If you’re curious to sample a taste of Scotland’s coasts you 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.

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. You 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, you 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 in early spring, you 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.

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.

If you’re an animal enthusiast you 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.

Manchester may be one of Britain’s most bustling cities, but just outside the busy centre you 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, hike your 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.