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

Cornish cliffs are once again a vibrant shade of colour

It is best to visit the Lizard at the end of spring, when the gorse, thrift and bluebells are in full bloom. The coast between Kynance Point and Lizard Point is home to a wide variety of eye-catching, and in some cases rare, plants. Erica vagansA variety of heath that is only found in the Lizard peninsula. In late spring, you’ll likely hear Cornish choughs chirping overhead as you walk. It is possible to see an adder, or seals bobbing (bottling) in the Atlantic during the spring sunshine.
Layla Astley

North Yorkshire in bloom

Knaresborough in spring is a must. You can wander through this market town in Yorkshire before you drop down into the gorge, passing the castle grounds. The Riverside Cafe is a great place to spend time. You can rent a rowingboat or just watch the slow-motion collisions of those already on water. If you want to get off the cake, wander along the Nidderdale Greenway – it’s four miles to Harrogate along this old railway line. Nidderdale also has Mother Shipton’s CaveIt is worth a visit but don’t be petrified.
Hannah

Cycling in north Devon

Cycle the Tarka Trail North Devon is the perfect place for a peaceful spring adventure. This 180 mile route passes through lush woodlands and rolling countryside along with tranquil rivers. Primroses, wild garlic and otters are seen along the River Taw in spring. Instow is a charming village where you can enjoy fresh seafood and picnic on a hidden field. Kayak at high tide along a quiet stretch of the river for an extra thrill. Its wildlife and quiet beauty make this a great off-the-beaten track escape.
Megan

The Highlands is a great place to avoid midges

Early May to mid-April is the best time for hiking in the Scottish Highlands before the midge plague. To enjoy a stunning view, take the train from Glasgow to Rannoch and then walk across Rannoch Moor. Kingshouse hotel At the top of Glencoe. An overnight stay in their bunkhousewill cost £54 a head B&B. Then, the following day, you can walk south along the old horse-drawn track to rejoin your train at Bridge of Orchy.
Susannah Clark

Wild walks in Little Switzerland, Shropshire

Church Stretton is the perfect place to enjoy a weekend in spring. The town is charming, with bookshops, pubs and delis. It also has an indoor antique market. The Long Mynd towers above the town, offering beautiful walks and wild ponies. It also offers spectacular views. Carding Mill Valley has a surprisingly Alpine feel, which is why it’s called Little Switzerland. You can easily reach historic Shrewsbury or foodie Ludlow by train. We stayed at a charming wood lodge Above the city in the trees. Who needs Zermatt?
Dan Ashman

Tiree, Scotland’s Hawaii

Tiree, a Hebridean Island, is blessed with a mild microclimate in the spring. The Gulf Stream brings in waves which gives it its name. 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. As I continued my walk, spring lambs, rabbits and bluebells adorned the fields. 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. It was a fun and unusual way to welcome spring.
Bill

Northumbrian dolphins – ale and stotties

Northumberland’s coast is stunning at any time. It is alive with birds and wildflowers in the spring. In May, you can see puffins on the Farne Islands. You may also be lucky enough to see grey seals and dolphins. Northumberland boasts a diverse range of flora, including wild orchis, which bloom in late spring. Low Newton-by-the-Sea makes a great base, with its atmospheric pub serving local ales and stottie sandwichesThere are many other attractions to enjoy. Lindisfarne is another must see – just make sure you check the tides before setting out across the causeway.
Suzi

Bluebells at the edge of London

Covid-19 made me appreciate how much I can do locally. I knew Epping Forest was close by, but didn’t appreciate the number of trails. And who knew Lawrence of Arabia owned the 18 acres of Pole Hill at the highest point? The Paddock is a community-run nature park in the neighbouring borough. There are clumps spring primroses, cowslips, as well as the ruins of a medieval castle. Parkland WalkThe path follows an old railway line. We also hunted for bluebells at Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park and Wanstead Park, two of London’s “magnificent 7” Victorian cemeteries.
Helen Jackson

Stratford drama comes to life as the riverside comes to life

Spring is a perfect time to travel to Stratford-upon-Avon. It’s when the city’s Elizabethan architecture will take you back into the past. 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. Take a trip back in history at Shakespeare’s home or go for a walk through the Welcombe Hill. Then, in the evening, enjoy a world class performance at the Royal Shakespeare theater. Finish the day by dining at Vintner, a bistro located within a historic building at Sheep Street.
Steph

Ballycastle’s puffins & chips: a winning tip

Ballycastle is a beautiful beach town, but it was never connected to Belfast by direct trains. As a result, the area didn’t grow into a resort. It’s a pleasant coastal market town, so it doesn’t feel lonely in the winter. Rathlin Island is served by its ferry and in spring, the cliffs of the “upside-down” West Lighthouse become covered with puffins. Once you reach the port, a meal at Morton’s Chip Shop will help you regain your sea legs. Ballycastle used to be poorly served by hotels but now this is changing. The new hotel is a welcome addition to Ballycastle. Salthouse hotel (doubles from £190 B&B) overlooks the town and is worth a visit for the food alone.
Eve