Embrace the Beauty of Spring Adventures
As winter gives way to the invigorating air and gentle warmth of spring, it’s time to step outside and relish the beauty of the great outdoors. With wildlife awakening, parks and gardens blossoming, and local festivities emerging across the UK, there are countless ways to enjoy a delightful day out. From the enchanting bluebell woods of Surrey to the picturesque snowdrop paths in Northamptonshire, the natural splendor of the season serves as a captivating backdrop for exploration. Moreover, with fewer tourists than in the summer months, you can take your time soaking in the sights and sounds of spring.
Discover Sculptures by the Lakes at Dorset Botanic Gardens
Dorset
Set amidst 26 acres of breathtaking countryside, Sculptures by the Lakes is an immersive experience created by the acclaimed contemporary sculptor Simon Gudgeon and his talented team. This Sculpture Park encourages visitors to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in a harmonious blend of art and nature. Stroll through the park to admire over 120 unique sculptures, and don’t forget to pause for a meal at the on-site restaurant. Admission until March 31st is £7.50, visit sculpturebythelakes.co.uk for more details.
Trotters & Tales at Odds Farm Park
Buckinghamshire
In celebration of International Pig Day, Trotters & Tales at Odds Farm Park near High Wycombe kicks off with an exciting array of pig-themed stories, crafts, and animal experiences. Home to five rare pig breeds, including the adorable Tamworth sow, Winnie, who recently welcomed piglets, this farm plays a crucial role in conservation efforts. Join the fun every weekend until March 23rd for just £13.95. More information can be found at oddsfarm.co.uk.
Dinosaur Fossil Trail
Dorset
Embark on a thrilling adventure with the Dinosaur Fossil Trail in Weymouth. This exciting trail features nine installations that celebrate the fascinating fossils of the area, offering visitors a glimpse into the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the land millions of years ago. It’s an ideal outing for families, history lovers, and day trippers to uncover fun dinosaur facts while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the town center. Admission is free, visit weareweymouth.co.uk for details.
Deer-Feeding and Deer Park Safari at Raby Castle
County Durham
After a winter hiatus, the magnificent Raby Castle reopens its gates to welcome visitors daily for the first time in its history. The sprawling deer park is home to two majestic species: the red deer, Britain’s largest land mammal, and the smaller fallow deer. Participate in a captivating safari around the park to learn about these magnificent animals and even join in on feeding times. Admission includes access to the castle, deer park, and gardens for £22 for adults and £13 for children, with under-fours entering for free. Explore more at raby.co.uk/raby-castle.
Art Afoot
Pembrokeshire
Experience a unique artistic journey along three newly marked sculpture trails connecting the charming towns of Fishguard and Goodwick, featuring 19 specially commissioned artworks. Art Afoot complements existing art and heritage monuments that narrate the shared history of these twin towns, including the site of the last French invasion, while celebrating the rich biodiversity and wildlife of this beautiful region in West Wales. Admission is free, visit artafoot.co.uk for more information.
Blossom Walks at Dyffryn Gardens
Vale of Glamorgan
At the stunning Edwardian botanical garden, Dyffryn Gardens, which spans 55 acres, visitors are invited to pick up a Blossom Watch Walk map at the welcome center. This self-guided tour celebrates the garden’s blooming flowers, including crocuses and cherry blossoms. Admission is £13 for adults, £6.50 for children, and free for under-fives. To learn more, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/dyffryn-gardens.
Garden Trail of Heritage Camellias and Rhododendrons at the Lost Gardens of Heligan
Cornwall
Discover a self-guided trail designed by expert gardeners at the Lost Gardens of Heligan. This trail showcases the key features of the heritage collection, including the National Collection of Camellias and Rhododendrons introduced before 1920. Explore the rich stories behind these unique shrubs while learning about their ongoing care. Admission starts from £20 for adults and £9 for children, with under-fives entering free. For more details, visit heligan.com.
Rare and Extinct at Kew Gardens
London
Step into the Temperate House at Kew Gardens for an extraordinary exhibition showcasing the rare and threatened plant collection at Kew. These exceptional specimens, typically kept out of public view, are now on display to emphasize Kew’s efforts in conserving the world’s most precious species and combating biodiversity loss. Admission starts from £22, with under-fours entering for free. Visit kew.org for more information.
Snowdrop Weekends at Acorn Bank
Cumbria
At Acorn Bank, near Temple Sowerby in Penrith, snowdrops create a stunning white carpet across the woodland, signaling the arrival of spring. Although the National Trust area is typically closed during this time of year, it will open on weekends for visitors to enjoy walks through the enchanting swathes of snowdrops beside Crowdundle Beck. Snowdrop weekends are scheduled for March 1-2, 8-9, and 15-16, with admission priced at £9 for adults and £4.50 for children, while under-fives enter for free. More information can be found at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/acorn-bank.
Snowdrop Trails at Canons Ashby
Northamptonshire
Wander through the enchanting Snowdrop Stories trail at the gardens of Canons Ashby, located near Daventry. Discover the fascinating beliefs surrounding these delicate blooms throughout history. The trail is available until March 21st, with admission priced at £14 for adults and £7 for children, while under-fives enter for free. For more details, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/leicestershire-northamptonshire/canons-ashby.
World Book Day at Dunstable Downs and Whipsnade Estate
Bedfordshire
Join the celebration of literature with World Book Day at Dunstable Downs. Engage in crafting bookmarks, drawing inspiration from the stunning views of rolling chalk grasslands, and enter the young writer’s competition. Fancy dress is encouraged for added fun! The event runs from March 1-6 and is free to attend. Learn more at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate.
Daffodil Festival at Cotehele
Cornwall
Each spring, the stunning Tudor house with medieval roots at Cotehele showcases over 300 varieties of daffodils in its gardens, some dating back to the 17th century. Visit from March 15-18 to witness these breathtaking blooms at their peak and follow the trail of slates highlighting Cotehele’s rare heritage varieties. Young visitors can also enjoy playful activities scattered throughout the gardens. Admission is £7 for adults and £3.50 for children, with under-fives entering for free. For more information, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/cotehele.
Spring Spotting Trail at Cliveden
Buckinghamshire
Grab a free activity leaflet and embark on a delightful exploration of spring highlights in Cliveden’s gardens. From drawing your bug self to brushing up on your Latin, there are plenty of engaging activities to enjoy until March 31st. Admission is £19 for adults and £9.50 for children, with free entry for under-fives. More details can be found at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/cliveden/events.
Shaun the Sheep Trail at Anglesey Abbey
Cambridgeshire
Pick up a free trail map and embark on a quest to find all 12 beautifully decorated Shaun the Sheep sculptures exhibited around Anglesey Abbey gardens in Lode. Each sculpture features unique, vibrant designs. The trail runs until April 27th, with admission priced at £18 for adults and £9 for children, with under-fives entering for free. More information available at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/anglesey-abbey-gardens-and-lode-mill.
Horrible Histories Gorgeous Georgians Trail at Osterley House and Park
London
Set off on an engaging, family-friendly trail through the house, garden, and parkland to explore the fascinating world of the Georgians, inspired by the Horrible Histories books. This 10-stop trail features games and activities, including the Horrible Highwaymen and the Wheel of Woe, revealing whether you’d have been a rat catcher, chimney sweep, or miner. The trail runs until August 31st, with admission priced at £17 for adults and £8.50 for children, while under-fives enter for free. For more details, visit nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/osterley-park-and-house/events.
March Madness at Mead Open Farm
Bedfordshire
The Mead Open Farm in Billington is offering tickets for just £10 per person as part of its “March Madness” promotion. Enjoy outdoor play areas, a large indoor play zone with exhilarating drop slides and climbing frames, and daily animal activities, including egg collecting. On weekends, exciting attractions like the SkyTrail and climbing wall are also available. The offer is valid until March 23rd, with under 18 months entering for free. Tickets must be booked online at meadopenfarm.co.uk.
Spring Spectacular at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens
County Down
Northern Ireland’s royal residence will burst into color with more bulbs than ever before, creating stunning floral displays across beds, pots, barrels, and even a boat. Explore the vibrant spring blooms, from fragrant hyacinths to striking tulips, and a selection of Northern Irish daffodils. The exhibition runs until May 5th, with admission priced at £11 for adults and £5.50 for children, while under-fives enter for free. Discover more at hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle.
Dress Codes at Kensington Palace
London
This new exhibition at Kensington Palace delves into the codes and conventions of royal clothing, exploring how fashion evolves when boundaries are challenged. Highlights of the exhibit include iconic pieces worn by notable figures such as Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, Princess Margaret, and Queen Victoria. The exhibition opens on March 12th, with admission priced at £20 for adults and £10 for children, with under-fives entering for free. More details can be found at hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace.
Wildlife & Plastics at the Royal Botanic Garden
Edinburgh
Driven by wind, waves, and surface currents, floating plastics often follow paths similar to those taken by wildlife. This intriguing exhibition at the Royal Botanic Garden highlights the epic journeys of both wildlife and buoyant plastic, offering insight into the global issue of marine litter. The exhibition runs until April 15th and is free to attend. Additional details can be found at rbge.org.uk.
Trek with Alpacas
Kent
Experience the serene Romney Marsh countryside with a unique 90-minute trek alongside your very own alpaca this spring. Learn about these fascinating creatures as you stroll through the picturesque landscape, pausing along the way to feed them. The cost is £25 per person, and more information is available at alpacaannie.com/experience.
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
West Yorkshire
The new exhibition titled A Spring Table showcases 48 vibrant new paintings by Derbyshire artist Russell Wilson. Celebrating the abundance of nature in spring, each painting radiates optimism through bright light and warmth. The exhibition runs from March 8th to June 29th, with admission priced at £9.50, and under-18s entering for free. For more details, visit ysp.org.uk.
Glasgow International Comedy Festival
Glasgow
The Glasgow International Comedy Festival is back, showcasing Scottish talent alongside emerging comedians from around the globe. The festival features a variety of performances including stand-up, improv, sketch, and cabaret, with headliners such as Fern Brady, Jimeoin, and Susie McCabe. The festival runs from March 12th to 30th, with prices varying based on the show. More information can be found at glasgowcomedyfestival.com.
Wilbur’s Wild Welly Walk at Borde Hill
West Sussex
Children of all ages will delight in this interactive trail where they’ll search for hidden wellies around the beautiful Borde Hill gardens. As you embark on this adventure, take in the stunning early blooms, including hellebores, snowdrops, viburnum, daffodils, and magnolias. The trail runs until March 23rd, with a £4 fee per trail, while garden admission is £12.50 for adults and £8.50 for children, with under-threes entering for free. Discover more at bordehill.co.uk.
Stick Man Trails
Various Locations
Pick up a Stick Man trail pack, which includes a lanyard and adventure passport cards, and follow the beloved character on his journey to reunite with his family tree in this engaging interactive adventure. Uncover fascinating facts and explore forest wildlife along the way. The cost is £4, with trails available at various locations across the country. Visit forestryengland.uk/stickman-activity-trails for details.
Gruffalo Orienteering
Various Locations
Join the search in the deep dark woods for characters from Julia Donaldson’s classic tale, The Gruffalo. Keep an eye out for Mouse, Owl, Fox, Snake, Squirrel, and of course, the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s child as you navigate the enchanting landscape. The fee is £1.50, with trails available at various locations across the country. For more information, visit forestryengland.uk/gruffalo.
