‘Spring sings with birdlife and wildflowers’: readers’ favourite UK trips of the season

Colour returns to the Cornish cliffs

Late spring is the best time to see the cliffs in colour as the bluebells, thrift and gorse battle it out for best in bloom on the Lizard in Cornwall. Walking the couple of easy miles along the coast between Kynance and Lizard Point will offer you a variety of exceptional, eye-catching and, in some cases, rare plants including Erica vagans, a variety of heath only found on the Lizard peninsula. Wildlife thrives here and in late spring your walk is likely to feature the soundtrack of Cornish choughs overhead. You may even see an adder or catch a glimpse of seals “bottling” (bobbing) in the Atlantic, enjoying the Cornish spring sunshine.
Layla Astley

North Yorkshire in bloom

A spring trip to Knaresborough is a must. Take a wander around this Yorkshire market town before dropping down to the gorge below, through the beautiful blossoming castle grounds. Hours can be whiled away at the Riverside Cafe, and from here you can hire a rowing boat or simply watch those already on the water, slow motion collisions and all. When it’s time to walk off the cake you can wander along the Nidderdale Greenway – it’s four miles to Harrogate along this old railway line. Nidderdale is also home to Mother Shipton’s Cave, worth a visit, but don’t get petrified!
Hannah

Cycling in north Devon

Cycle the Tarka Trail in north Devon for a serene spring adventure. This 180-mile route winds through lush woodlands, rolling countryside, and along tranquil rivers. In spring, the hedgerows bloom with primroses and wild garlic, while otters and kingfishers appear along the River Taw. Stop in charming villages such as Instow for fresh seafood or picnic in a hidden meadow. For an extra thrill, kayak a peaceful stretch of the river at high tide. The trail’s quiet beauty and wildlife make it a perfect off-the-beaten-track escape as nature awakens.
Megan

Beat the midges in the Highlands

Mid-April to early May are ideal for walking in the Scottish Highlands, before the curse of midges. For a superb vista, take the train to Rannoch station and walk across Rannoch Moor to the recently upgraded Kingshouse hotel at the head of Glencoe. An overnight stay in their bunkhousewill cost £54 a head B&B. Then walk south the next day along the old packhorse track to rejoin the train-line at Bridge of Orchy.
Susannah Clark

Wild walks in Little Switzerland, Shropshire

Church Stretton in the Shropshire Hills is a marvellous place to spend a spring weekend. The town itself has a charming high street, with delis, pubs, bookshops and an indoor antiques market, but best of all is the countryside. The Long Mynd looms over the town and offers beautiful walks, wild ponies and spectacular views. The Carding Mill Valley feels surprisingly Alpine, hence the area’s nickname of Little Switzerland. There are easy train connections to historic Shrewsbury and foodie Ludlow. We stayed in a delightful wood lodge above town in the trees. Who needs Zermatt?
Dan Ashman

The beauty of Tiree, Scotland’s Hawaii

The Hebridean island of Tiree is blessed in spring because of its mild microclimate. The warming Gulf Stream waters bring in waves that give it the name of the Hawaii of Scotland. Cowslips and crocuses greeted me as I headed to the white sand beaches and stunning views of the open Atlantic – there is nothing between Tiree and the Canadian coast. Spring lambs and rabbits graced the flat fields of bluebells as I marched on for an invigorating walk on the sands. A local crofter suggested a boat tour out to uninhabited Longa Island – telling me spring was the perfect time to see Hebridean nature and wildlife at its best. Soon I was enjoying the company of perky puffins and singing seabirds – after following the farmer’s advice to lie on my stomach and imitate the movements of a seal not to scare them. An odd but fun way to welcome spring!
Bill

Northumbrian dolphins, ale and stotties

The Northumberland coast is unbeatable at any time of year. In spring it sings with birdlife and wildflowers. Visit in May for a chance of puffin-spotting on the Farne Islands. If you’re lucky you’ll also see dolphins, and grey seals are abundant. Northumberland is home to a wonderful array of flora including, in late spring, wild orchids. Low Newton-by-the-Sea is an excellent base with an atmospheric pub, the Ship, serving local ale and stottie sandwiches, among other delights. Lindisfarne is another must see – just make sure you check the tides before setting out across the causeway.
Suzi

Bluebells on the edge of London

If Covid-19 taught me one thing, it was to appreciate how much exploring can be done locally. I was aware that Epping Forest was on my doorstep, but hadn’t appreciated the volume of trails, and who knew that Lawrence of Arabia owned 18 acres at Pole Hill, one of the highest points. We also discovered a community nature park, the Paddock, in our neighbouring borough, with clumps of spring primroses and cowslips, and the Parkland Walk, which follows a former railway line. And finally, we hunted down bluebells in Wanstead Park and Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, one of London’s “magnificent seven” of Victorian cemeteries.
Helen Jackson

Stratford drama as the riverside comes alive

Spring is the perfect time to visit Stratford-upon-Avon, when blossoms line the riverbanks and the town’s Elizabethan architecture transports you back in time. Start your day on the River Avon with a self-drive wooden punt from Avon Boating (£11pp) – a peaceful way to take in the views. Then, step back in time at Shakespeare’s birthplace, or take a walk in the leafy Welcombe Hills. As evening falls, catch a world-class performance at the Royal Shakespeare theatre, and round off the day with a meal at the Vintner, an independent bistro set in a historic building on Sheep Street.
Steph

Winning tip: puffins and chips in Ballycastle, County Antrim

Ballycastle has a magnificent beach but was never served by direct trains from Belfast so didn’t develop like a resort. It is a very pleasant market town on the coast so doesn’t feel desolate outside the summer months. Its ferry serves Rathlin Island and from spring the cliffs at the famous “upside down” West Lighthouse are covered with puffins. Back at port, dinner at the famous Morton’s chip shop will soon get your sea legs back. Ballycastle was poorly served for hotels but this is now changing. The new Salthouse hotel (doubles from £190 B&B) overlooks the town and is worth a visit for the food alone.
Eve