We all know that living in the UK and dealing with unpredictable weather can make travelling in our home country challenging at times. However, if you’re hoping to plan your spring holiday destinations in the UK this year, there are still plenty of options – despite the unpredictableness of the season!
When you’re researching places to visit in spring, UK travel can seem a bit lacklustre compared to European destinations. But this guide to the best places to visit in spring in the UK hopefully will give you plenty of inspiration and ideas and show that the UK has plenty to offer during the early months of the year.
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Places to visit in the UK in spring
This guide covers each country within the UK and suggests places to visit in UK during spring and the best spring holiday destinations in the UK from February to May.
Best places to visit in England in spring
Where to go in England in February
Deciding where to visit in England in February can be a bit tricky. Coastal destinations aren’t at their finest yet and the wind and rain (and sometimes snow!) can really be challenging.
That’s why a city break is a perfect option for where to go in the UK in March. With plenty of indoor activities to do, lovely cafes and restaurants to duck into if it rains and the opportunity to treat yourself or your partner to a fancy hotel staycation.
London, Leeds or Liverpool are all great options for places to visit in England in February and easily reachable depending on whether you’re located in the South, Midlands or North of England.
But consider if there’s a city you’ve always wanted to get to know more about and perhaps this February in England is the time to do it.
Where to go in England in March
Oxford is a beautiful city and perfect as a day trip from London, an additional stop on a Cotswolds trip or you could spend a weekend in Oxford in its own right.
The reason why it’s one of the places to visit in England in spring is because of its popularity in the peak season. From April-September, Oxford is overrun with tourists, tour buses coming in from London, travel tours visiting from across the country and families of students who stay in the city for the student graduations.
Oxford is a small, walkable city and because of this, it can be extremely busy and stressful to visit during the summer. That’s why March is the perfect time to beat the crowds and see what this stunning university city has to offer.
Don’t miss the Bridge of Sighs, the Bodleian Library, punting on the
Where to go in England in April
North Devon really does seem to have its own micro-climate! While we can’t guarantee good weather in April, we’ve certainly seen many people get lucky with the weather on the North Devon coast during the early months of spring in the UK!
North Devon is often overlooked in favour of the South Devon counterparts, but don’t dismiss how much there is to do in North Devon!
Make sure to add Ilfracombe, Lynton and Lynmouth, Valley of Rocks, Clovelly Village and the Southwest Coast Path with amazing spots like Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall and Hartland Point.
If you’re looking for a spring day trip, Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival is the biggest festival of its kind in the UK and runs each year from mid-April to early May. with over 60 varieties and 120,000 bulbs, this is a stunning day out for the whole family that’s perfect for spring – and much cheaper than a trip to the tulip fields in Holland! Tickets to the festival are included in the regular admission price throughout the festival duration.
Where to go in England in May
May is such a wonderful time to travel in the UK because you’ve got a great chance of getting some lovely weather and it’s not quite peak summer yet so you can avoid the crowds.
That’s what makes May a great time to head to the Suffolk Coast.
The Suffolk Coast is a real underrated gem in the UK, especially for a coastal holiday, with cute seaside towns, beautiful beaches, great food and scenic countryside.
Don’t miss Southwold, Aldeburgh and Thorpeness on your trip!
Best places to visit in Scotland in spring
Where to go in Scotland in February
A lot of areas of Scotland’s Highlands and islands are not reachable by tourists or aren’t safe to drive to in the winter months. But did you know Scotland has ski resorts?
February is the ideal time to go skiing in the Cairngorms and experience 3 of the 5 ski resorts in Scotland which are situated in the Cairngorms National Park.
With over 30km of ski runs, 11 ski lifts and a range of facilities and amenities, the Cairngorm mountains are family friendly but also perfect even for the pro skier.
Don’t miss the Cairngorm Reindeers – the only herd of wild reindeer in the UK.
Where to go in Scotland in March
Visiting Scotland in March can still be pretty chilly, making it the perfect time for a Scotland city break in Glasgow or Edinburgh!
With countless amazing free museums to duck into like the free Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow or the free National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, you’ll always have somewhere to go if the weather turns on you.
DIscover the independent coffee shops, cafes and shops in the cities, visit the Glasgow Botanical Gardens or climb Calton Hill in Edinburgh if the weather is good.
Where to go in Scotland in April
Deciding where to go in Scotland in spring is much easier as it’s traditionally the start of the tourist season in April, meaning places like the Isle of Skye start to reopen accommodation, restaurants and cafes that are often closed during the winter.
A trip to the Isle of Skye is a must-see place to visit in Scotland in the spring and visiting Scotland in April means you haven’t got the peak crowds of the summer months yet. Having the bridge over to the Isle of Skye now also means that you don’t have to rely on the ferry timetable to reach the island.
Make sure to drive the Trotternish Loop, see the colourful harbour in Portree and hike the Old Man of Storr.
You can easily spend anywhere from 2-7 days on Skye to enjoy the views, hikes and outdoor activities. Make it your own!
Where to go in Scotland in May
May in Scotland means better weather, clear roads and of course a road trip!
The Scottish Highlands and more specifically, the NC500 route, is the perfect UK spring road trip and an epic way to experience the best of Scotland in spring.
Don’t miss Aberdeenshire, Inverness, Loch Ness, John O’Groats, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
It’s also a great opportunity to visit some of the islands, like the Isle of Skye, Isle of Mull or even the Orkney Islands!
Best places to visit in Wales in spring
Where to go in Wales in February
Wales is known for its beautiful landscapes, Snowdonia National Park and the Brecon Beacons. But these landscapes can be extremely harsh and even dangerous in the colder months and the weather in Wales in February can still be very unpredictable.
That’s why February is the perfect time to visit the Welsh capital of Cardiff for a city break if you’re on the hunt for places to visit in Wales in February.
Visit Cardiff Castle or the National Museum Cardiff if the weather is bad or if the weather is good and you’re ready to get out in nature, why not take a boat trip to Flat Holm Island – just 5 miles off the coast of Cardiff!
Where to go in Wales in March
North Wales is a gem of a region in Wales and perfect for spring holiday destinations in Wales! There are so many things to do in North Wales in February and March, in fact – throughout the year – that you’ll find something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away or a family holiday to Wales for a week.
For things to do in Wales in March, take a day trip or weekend to Anglesey, or visit the Italian village of Portmeirion. If you’re a National Trust fan, don’t miss Bodnant Garden.
If the weather is mild, there are countless places to visit in Wales in March, such as walks in Snowdonia National Park. Or head to Conwy to explore Conwy Castle, Zip World Conwy and the many shops and cafes in the town.
Where to go in Wales in April
The Wye Valley is home to the Wye River which acts as the border between England and Wales.
April is a great time for a UK spring holiday here to take advantage of the walks in the region, the opportunity to canoe or kayak down the river Wye or go stand-up paddle boarding, with the weather getting more manageable.
Don’t miss Monmouth or explore the ruins of Tintern Abbey or visit the countless bookshops of Hay on Wye.
There is so much to do in the Wye Valley and it works particularly well as a destination for people who like a mixture of outdoor activities, history and culture.
Where to go in Wales in May
With the weather (hopefully) improving in May, it’s the perfect time to beat the summer crowds and visit the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast.
With rugged cliffs, white sand beaches and turquoise blue water, it’s easy to forget you’re in Wales at all!
Don’t miss the cute town and pastel harbourfront at Tenby or the stunning sandy beach at Barafundle Bay. Enjoy rambling walks on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path or a boat trip to Ramsey Island which is an RSPB reserve and boats start running from 1st April.
Best places to visit in Northern Ireland in spring
Where to go in Northern Ireland in February
Northern Ireland in February has the same unpredictable weather as mainland Britain of course. Meaning if you’re looking for things to do in Northern Ireland in February, Belfast is a great option!
With plenty of history and culture to explore at the Titanic Experience and in the Cathedral Quarter, plus the countless traditional pubs to experience, you’ll have no shortage of things to do in Belfast even if the weather is bad!
Don’t miss the Duke of York pub in colourful Commercial Court, Crumlin Road Gaol or head out to the Gobbins Cliff Walk if you get lucky with the weather!
Where to go in Northern Ireland in March
Derry-Londonderry is a great option for spring destinations in Northern Ireland thanks to the lively city atmosphere with plenty of indoor activities if the weather is bad, but in close proximity to the Causeway Coast if the weather is good.
You could even pop over into Donegal in Ireland for a day!
Don’t miss the Museum of Free Derry or the Quay Docks Area and Peace Bridge. The city is famous for its historic city walks which you can also walk along the Derry Walls.
If you’re a Derry Girls fan, don’t miss the huge Derry Girls Mural and for beer-lovers, Walled City Brewery is the place to be!
Where to go in Northern Ireland in April
If you’re looking for places to go in April in Northern Ireland, hopefully the weather is good enough for an epic Causeway Coast road trip!
Northern Ireland has an incredible concentration of attractions and places to visit on its relatively short coastline, making it easy to explore in a week or less!
Of course you’ll have to see the Giant’s Causeway, but also don’t miss Portrush, Dunluce Castle, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Ballintoy or Mussenden Temple.
Use this Causeway Coast itinerary to plan your trip.
Where to go in Northern Ireland in May
Home to the highest mountain in Northern Ireland, the Mourne Mountains or the Mournes, are a spectacular mountain range in County Down with countless walks and hiking trails for all abilities when the weather is manageable!
There’s also cycling routes and water activities for those outdoor enthusiasts who prefer more than just walking.
From the popular 3 mile route to the summit of Slieve Donard – Northern Ireland’s highest peak at 850m, to the epic 22 mile Mourne Wall route, or the manageable Hen Mountain which is doable for families, there’s a walk for everyone.
Or for something a bit different, visit the Cranfield Alpacas or enjoy a distillery tour at Killowen Distillery.
Summary: Best Spring Holiday Destinations in the UK
Hopefully this has given you some inspiration and food for thought when it comes to planning your spring getaway. Whether you’re searching for things to do in Wales in February, the best places to visit in England in spring in the spring more generally, or you’re in Britain and are considering a jaunt over to Northern Ireland – we’re lucky to have such a diverse country which, despite the weather, has something to offer all year round!
Pin this for later to help you plan your future trip!
