The Best Places to Visit On Your UK Vacation
Spring is one of the most magical seasons to explore the historic charm and natural beauty of the UK. There is just something so romantic about wandering through the old cobbled streets of charming British towns, lined with spring flowers and magnolia and cherry blossom trees in full bloom. Walks through the countryside and hikes in the lush forests are made even more relaxing and peaceful by the budding new leaves and wildflowers popping up everywhere.
Spring is the perfect time to plan a vacation to the UK, with beautiful spring flowers in full bloom, less rainy days to dampen your sightseeing and a more authentic British experience with less tourists than the peak summer season. My blog post on The Top 5 Reasons Why Spring is the Best Month to Visit the UK will give you even more reasons why you should visit the UK during Spring, and if you’re convinced enough that you’ve already decided to book your Spring vacation to the UK, these are the best six places to include on your vacation itinerary.
1. London
When anyone thinks of a vacation to the UK, London is probably the first place that comes to mind. London is a bustling metropolis that mixes modern British life and historic character perfectly. The skyline if filled with modern skyscrapers made from glass, steel and concrete, but if you walk along the city streets, you’ll be amazed at the regal historic buildings that date back hundreds of years.
London always has a vibey and trendy feel in the air, but as the city starts to buzz back to life after the long, dark winter months, Spring feels extra special. Local festivals and markets start up again and the city transforms as the cozy fairy lights from winter are replaced by spring flowers blooming in local parks and locals getting out and about throughout the city streets.
Some major city events that happen in London during the Spring include the Chelsea Flower Show, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and the Oxford and Cambridge boat race. Spring is also the perfect time to explore the Royal Parks like Kew Gardens, Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens to enjoy daffodils, bluebells and crocuses in full bloom. If you enjoy a good cherry tree blossoming as much as I do, then you’ll also want make a stop at Greenwich Park, near the ranger’s house for some awesome photo opportunities.
Some central, highly rated accommodation options in London are:
London is a great place to base yourself for a part of your UK visit, but there are definitely some less touristy spots around the country that show off the best that spring in the UK has to offer.
2. Cambridge
Cambridge is a beautiful, old university city located an hour away from London, by train. Dating back to 1209, Cambridge University is one of the oldest universities in the world, and is the main attraction in the city, with people coming from all over the world to see the beautiful architecture of the prestigious honey-coloured college buildings. Cambridge is also filled with green spaces, a great food and coffee scene and friendly, laid-back locals.
The River Cam flows through the city of Cambridge and university students have been famously punting boats along the river here for over 120 years, so definitely make sure to book a river punting experience while you’re here. You can book this in person on the day, or ahead of time, by using this link on GetYourGuide. The city is also famous for being particularly bicycle friendly, so if you’re up for it, rent a bike and cycle through the historic streets to make your visit even more fun.
The flowers along the riverbanks and the lush green spaces really turn this beautiful city into the perfect place to enjoy a British Spring afternoon picnic and makes Cambridge the perfect day trip from London during your Spring UK vacation.
3. Bath
Bath is an incredible city in the South of England that is steeped in history. Bath has been a destination of wellbeing and relaxation since the Roman times. Visitors come from all over the UK, and the world, to enjoy the culture and architecture of this elegant city. There is an ancient Roman Bath in the centre of the city that is amazing to see in person, although the actual bath isn’t open to use by the public. If visiting the Roman Baths has you in the mood for a spa treatment of your own, book a stay at the Thermae Bath Spa, the only natural hot spring spa in the UK.
Bath’s historic character and regal feel is elevated even more during Spring. Royal Victoria Park and Parade Gardens will both be in full bloom with gorgeous spring flowers during your Spring visit to Bath and you can enjoy an afternoon picnic on the greens surrounded by the spring blooms.
A stay in Bath takes you back in time and makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a Jane Austin novel, or an episode of Bridgerton, both of which have ties to the honey-coloured Georgian city. Must see spots in Bath include the regal streets of the Cresent and the Circus, as well as Great Pulteney Street, which makes me think of horse drawn carriages and ladies in puffy Victorian dresses walking down the cobbled streets every time we visit. Browse through the many independent stores along the Pulteney Bridge, which is only one of four bridges in the world with shops along both sides of its full length. Make sure to stop at Pulteney Bridge Coffee shop for an incredible view over the river and weir, while you enjoy a scone and fresh cup of coffee.
4. The Cotswolds
If you’re picturing yourself exploring charming British countryside villages during your UK vacation, The Cotswolds is exactly the kind of place you’re looking for. With its rolling green fields and honeycomb stone cottages, The Cotswolds will enchant you and make you feel like you’re living in a Beatrix Potter story.
Spring in the Cotswolds is extraordinary. The days are sunny, the birds and chirping and the Spring flowers bring the historic charm of the Cotswolds to life. Wisteria grows from the sides of buildings; daffodils spring up along the river banks and green spaces and wildflower meadows bloom in between the farmlands. I would highly recommend planning a visit to the Cotswold Lavender fields in Snowshill for some spectacular photos and to enjoy some time strolling through the lavender fields and wildflower meadows.
Some of the most beautiful Cotswold villages are Chipping Campden, Castle Combe and Upper and Lower Slaughter, as well as my personal favourite, Bourton-on-the-Water. The villages in the Cotswolds cover a large area across five counties in England, so you may want to plan to stay for a couple of nights in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to truly make the most of your time here.
5. The Lake District National Park
The Lake District, located in the North of England, is one of the most scenic areas in the UK. The area is known for its lush green landscapes, towering mountain peaks and the iconic lakes that are located all over the region. During Spring, the Lake District comes to life with vibrant colours of the Spring blooms. Forest floors are covered by bluebells and yellow daffodils line country lanes. Water activities like kayaking and paddle boarding open up again for the spring season and baby lambs scattered around the lush fields make hikes and walks around the region even more special.
Some of the best areas to visit in the Lake District are Ambleside, Keswick, Ullswater and Grasmere. Ullswater is one of my favourite areas, with Aira Force waterfall, Ullswater steam boats that are a fun way to explore the lake, and Glencoyne Bay on Ullswater, which is famous for its wild daffodil blooms, that inspired the British poet, William Wordsworth. Ambleside and Keswick are the best villages to visit to experience great local food and the slate-grey architecture the area is known for.
Spring is considered to be the driest time of the year in the UK, however the Lake District is well known for getting a lot of rain, so make sure to pack a rain jacket for exploring this area. Don’t let the rain put you off though, this is one my favourite places and after you’ve experienced the beauty of the Lakes for yourself, it will definitely become one of yours too.
If you’d like to read more about the Lake District and would like the best itinerary for your time here, and some recommendations of the best places to stay, check out my blog on How to Spend a Weekend in England’s Lake District.
6. Edinburgh and The Scottish Highlands
Scotland is a magnificent part of the UK and should definitely be included on every UK travel itinerary! This beautiful country has some of the most spectacular and majestic scenery in the world and is the perfect way to end off your Spring vacation in the UK.
With friendly locals that will treat you like family, remote hikes that will fill make you feel at one with nature and historic castles that will transport you back to medieval times, Scotland is a country that keeps on giving. You could even do some wild swimming in the cold waters of the lochs, if you’re brave enough! All of this, together with the beauty of the blooming flowers, baby lambs dotting the countryside, and much less of a chance of being swarmed by midges, Spring is the perfect season for a Scottish adventure.
Edinburgh is the biggest city in Scotland, and is probably my most favourite city in the whole of the UK. Edinburgh is a mix of traditional Scottish culture, medieval history and trendy, artistic vibes. The gothic architecture of the skyline makes the city feel cozy and majestic at the same time. Highlights of the city include The Edinburgh Castle, The Royal Mile, The Scott Monument and St Giles’ Cathedral. Another must do is to track down Paddington Bear and politely ask to take a photo with him and his marmalade sandwich in St Andrew Square. Victoria Street is another gem lined with colourful independent stores, and is also thought to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films. Edinburgh is a vibrant, historic city that is full of good vibes, and is the perfect introduction to the rest of your time in Scotland.
The Scottish Highlands is a place that will truly capture a piece of your heart. With majestic mountain peaks, tranquil lochs and endless expanses of pure wilderness, the Highlands will fill you with a sense of adventure and peace. If you’re looking for a relaxing escape from the crowds, while still being able to have an authentic Scottish experience, The Scottish Highlands is the place for you. Look out for Nessie along the shores of Loch Ness, enjoy the wildlife in the Cairngorms National Park, challenge yourself to climb to the peak of Ben Nevis, or take a ride on the Jacobite steam train that’ll take you along the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, another famous Harry Potter landmark. You will also definitely want to take a road trip to the incredible Isle of Skye, which is well known for incredibly dramatic and rugged scenery and landmarks like the Old Man of Storr, the Fairy Pools and the Quiraing. You can also explore the colourful harbour town of Portee, as well as Dunvegan Castle during your time in Skye. The Scottish Highlands is an incredible place that is filled with adventure, nature and experiences that will stay with you for a lifetime, and experiencing the Highlands in Spring will make it even more special. The wildflower meadows in the mountains will truly be wild, the baby beavers, deer and Scottish wildcats will make your visit to Cairngorms even more amazing and the longer, brighter days are perfect for exploring all that the beautiful Highlands has to offer.
These accommodation options on Booking.com are highly rated options for your stay in Scotland:
- Museum Apartments – Edinburgh
- Forth House by Supercity Aparthotels – Edinburgh
- Deeside Holiday Cottages – Cairngorms
- 20 Stormyhill Road, Portree– Isle of Skye
Spring is definitely the perfect time to visit the UK. With warmer days, less rain and blooming flowers making everything feel romantic, no matter which areas of the UK you choose to include on your vacation, Spring will make your time here unforgettable and enchanting.
Exploring the historic charm of Cambridge, Bath and The Cotswolds, while walking along cobbled streets lined with flowers and cherry blossom trees in full bloom, getting to see the baby lambs, and other baby animals bouncing around during countryside walks in The Lake District and Scottish Highlands and soaking up the city vibes, with less tourists around, in London and Edinburgh. Spring is definitely one of my favourite seasons to experience in the UK, and you can’t go wrong if you include these six beautiful and charming British gems in your UK vacation itinerary!
