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by Steph Boal / Day Out Guides News
Lighter nights and better weather are just around the corner, and we couldn’t be more excited! To celebrate all things spring, we’ve compiled a UK spring bucket list, sure to keep you busy all season.
To ensure we’ve picked the best things to do in spring, we’ve partnered with award-winning travel writer Richard Madden, perhaps best known for The Great British Bucket List. We also asked you, the British public, to reveal which activities you’d most like to do this spring!
So whether you’re looking to spot the resurgence of wildlife, experience unforgettable events or simply admire the beauty of the great outdoors, out spring bucket list has something for everyone!
Read on to find the best things to do during spring in the UK as chosen by you…
Here’s a sneak peek of our ultimate spring bucket list to get you in the mood for blooming flowers, longer days and warmer weather…
Kicking off our spring bucket list is the Eden Project in Cornwall. Home to a breathtaking global garden in a year-round bloom, we aren’t surprised that you voted this as the best thing to do during springtime in the UK.
Nestled on the plot of a barren, former clay mine, the Eden Project welcomes visitors from around the globe to marvel at the largest indoor rainforest in the UK, along with educational biomes, outdoor gardens and an array of contemporary artworks. Stretching over 30 acres, you can spend the whole day exploring this magnificent attraction.
Some highlights of this spring bucket list attraction include the Rainforest Biome, which showcases the humid tropics of South East Asia, West Africa and South America; The Mediterranean Biome, home to over 1,000 varieties of plants from the Mediterranean, California, South Africa and Western Australia; and Hangloose at the Eden Project, which boasts the fastest zip wire in England, plus a giant swing and climbing experience!
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience that the whole family will love this spring, then the Eden Project is perfect for you!
Wildlife lovers will appreciate the next entry on our list of the best things to do this spring! At a time when the weather is improving and animals are becoming more active, what could be better than watching the cutest otters play in the Avalon Marshes in Somerset?
As part of the Somerset Levels and Moors, one of the largest lowland wetlands in Britain, it’s not surprising that the area is brimming with some of the UK’s most exciting wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for those cheeky otters; your best chance of seeing them is around Shapwick Heath in one of the many hides! You may even spot the ‘Big Three’: Bittern, Marsh Harrier and Great White Egret.
Be sure to spend a whole day at the Avalon Marshes, as there is so much to explore! There are countless cycling routes, varying in difficulty, but all promising spectacular views! If history is more you’re thing, then you’re in luck, as a dedicated band of volunteers have worked hard to reproduce faithful reconstructions of a Saxon longhall, Roman villa and a Viking trading ship at the Avalon Marshes Centre.
You’re also not far from the iconic Cheddar Gorge, where you can explore one of these delightful Cheddar Gorge walks or admire the beauty of this attraction from the car, on one of Britain’s most scenic drives. A trip to the Avalon Marshes promises fun for everyone!
Fancy a taste of Italy this spring? Don’t worry – you don’t have to hop on a plane – you can simply head to the idyllic village of Portmeirion on the edge of Eyri National Park (Snowdonia).
Inspired by all the romance and beauty of Italian architecture, this enchanting coastal village is a gem amongst the already beautiful setting of North Wales and undoubtedly one of the best seaside towns in the UK. Created by Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1976, today you can enjoy strolls around the Central Piazza, home to a fountain pool, Gothic pavilion and the iconic giant chessboard.
You can also roam around Salutation Square, which is renowned for offering some of the best views of the village. If you’re looking for a woodland walk then you’re in luck, as Portmeirion has over 70 acres of woodland with over 20 miles of walking paths. Keep your eyes peeled for hidden gems like the dog cemetery, an ode to all of the dogs that have lived here, the ghost garden and the Chinese lake.
If you’re looking for something unique to do this spring, then you’ve certainly found it!
If you’re looking to combine history, nature and the coast this spring, then perhaps a visit to Holy Island and the Farne Islands appeals to you!
Found just off the coast of the vast region of Northumberland, there is so much to see and do here. First stop off at Holy Island, home to some of the best beaches in Northumberland, which you can appreciate during the North Shore Walk. Be sure to check the tide times, as this tidal island welcomes visitors to its shores during two windows of time each day.
Other must-visit attractions include Emmanuel Head (The White Pyramid); one of the best castles in Northumberland, Lindisfarne Castle, which opens its doors to the public between March and October; and Lindisfarne Priory, which dates back to 635 AD. These spectacular ruins are all that’s left of the Benedictine monastery, destroyed during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries.
To explore the Farne Islands, featured in Sir David Attenborough’s Wild Isles series, you’ll need to catch the boat from Seahouses Harbour. Be sure to book in advance, as landing trips are hugely popular! You can explore the island from the beginning of April until the start of October. Whilst here, expect to see a colony of Atlantic grey seals, over 200,000 seabirds and quirky Puffins! If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins that have been known to frequent the waters.
Why not take advantage of spring’s warmer weather by getting outside and enjoying a walk along the Seven Sisters Coast path, the next entry on our list of the best things to do in spring?
Hugging the coast from Seaford to Eastbourne in East Sussex, this spectacular walk stretches for over 13 miles and takes in some of the most beautiful views, including those of the chalky white Seven Sisters Cliffs and the English Channel. t’s no surprise that it’s often voted one of the best walks in the UK.
Although this spectacular walk is available all year round, the better weather in spring allows you to truly appreciate it in all its glory, with clear water, sparkling beaches and flowers in full bloom.
We believe beginning your walk in Seaford at the easternmost end of the beach and walking east offers better views. From here, you’ll pass Seaford Head Nature Reserve and Seaford Head Golf Course, before reaching Hope Gap, where, during low tide, you can enjoy a walk along this Sussex beach. If you love film, keep your eyes peeled as you’ll spot the coastguard cottages, an iconic UK filming location that featured in Atonement.
You’ll then continue on past the Birling Gap and Beachy Head until you reach Eastbourne, which is often considered one of the best beach holiday destinations in the UK. Once here, you can relax on the shingle shores of Eastbourne Beach or enjoy a stroll along its classic Victorian Pier, where you can grab fish and chips by the sea!I
Coming in sixth on our list of the best things to do during springtime is visiting Housesteads Fort on Hadrian’s Wall. Dating back almost 2,000 years, Housesteads is one of the best-preserved bases, offering a unique insight into the life of Roman soldiers.
Surrounded by breathtaking countryside of Northumberland National Park, this glimpse of history is perfect for keen ramblers and historians. Housesteads Fort is one of 16 permanent bases lining the 80 mile wall that stretches from the Soloway Coast to Wallsend.
If you’re looking to tick off this spring bucket list activity, you can park up at the Housesteads Visitor Centre and enjoy a jaunt up to the ruins, where you can envision what the ruins once looked like. Alternatively, you can reach the fort on foot as part of a walk along Hadrian’s Wall.
What better way to soak in the beautiful weather than by strolling through the countryside? Dating back to around 122AD, highlight of the walk includes Sycamore Gap, which was once home to the now felled 150-year-old Sycamore tree and spectacular views of Crag Lough.
You don’t have to do this mammoth walk in one go either! Savour the weather and tackle this walk in sections to really appreciate the history, landscapes and nature!
Keen historians will also be in their element with the next entry on our list: Chartwell House, the family home of Sir Winston Churchill. Nestled in Kent’s countryside, this fantastic bucket list attraction offers fun for the whole family.
Purchased by the Churchills in 1922, the family lived here for 40 years, spanning both of Sir Winston’s stints as UK Prime Minister! Today, the house not only gives a unique glimpse into one of the UK’s most famous figures’ lives as a politician, father and husband, but also as a keen writer, painter, and gardener.
Spring is most definitely one of the best times to visit, with the warmer weather offering the best opportunity to explore the vast gardens and woodlands, as well as the house. Lose yourself in the beauty of the Rose Garden, which Lady Churchill designed, or enjoy a longer walk around through the woods, taking in views of the lake.
Highlights of the house include the studio, where you’ll find an array of Churchill’s paintings. From views across Chartwell’s grounds to glimpses of his travels across Europe and Africa, they offer a hidden depth of the famous man.
Keep your eyes peeled for Jock VIII, a mischievous orange cat that calls Chartwell home. The Churchills requested that a ‘marmalade cat named Jock, with a white bib and four white socks’ always live at Chartwell, a nod to Churchill’s beloved cat Jock.
Taking the eighth spot on our guide to the best things to do in spring is the delightful hike up Glastonbury Tor. If you’re looking for mesmerising countryside views, this is a must-add to your spring bucket list!
Towering an epic 518 feet over the town of Glastonbury, perhaps best known for being home to one of the best festivals in the UK, this amazing walk is great for those looking to get outside and enjoy the spring weather! Taking anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes to reach the top, this fantastic walk also offers a slice of history.
The Tor is shrouded in mystery, history and intrigue, as it’s rumoured to be the home of Gwyn ab Nudd, the Lord of the Celtic underworld, the location of the Holy Grail and a destination of an Arthurian quest. Today, all that remains is the ‘lonely tower’, otherwise known as the ruins of the church of St Michael.
After a jaunt to the top of the hill, be sure to stop in Glastonbury to explore the ‘Isle of Avalon,’ which today houses attractions such as Glastonbury Abbey and the Somerset Rural Life Museum.
Are you looking for a completely unique experience this spring? Then why not pay a visit to the Isle of Man to experience the epic TT event!
Running every May and June on the Isle of Man, this must-see motorsport event promises fun for everyone! Admire some of the world’s greatest racers tackle the 37.73-mile-long Mountain Course at speeds over 180mph!
Whether you choose to visit during qualifying or during the race, you’re sure to see some spectacular sights. In addition to getting to experience the Isle of Man TT Races, ticking off this spring bucket list attraction gives you the chance to explore all the Isle of Man has to offer.
Begin your exploration of Manx history by visiting the Manx Museum in Douglas. This insightful attraction showcases hoards of Viking silver and Gold, a film that introduces the island’s 10,000-year history and a gallery exploring the Manx people’s experience of conflict, as well as countless other exhibits.
If you’re more interested in the island’s Maritime history, be sure to visit the House of Manannan in Peel. Here, you can learn about the Celtic and Viking maritime past, with the replica of the ship Odin’s Raven and the island’s history as a fishing port.
Are you looking to try out a new hobby this spring? Then, our next spring bucket list activity could be perfect for you! What better way to appreciate the weather than with a spot of punting along the River Cam?
The river, which stretches around 43 miles, passes some of Cambridge’s most iconic attractions and colleges, including the Cambridge Backs, Mathematical Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, Wren Library and Midsummer Common.
With countless punt-hiring companies in the city, you can either tackle a new hobby and hire a punt yourself or you can book one of the countless punting tours available. This option comes with knowledgeable guides providing snippets of history and insider facts and an experienced punter, minimising your risk of taking a dip!
After your leisurely punt along the river, be sure to explore the city of Cambridge, which was voted one of the best UK short break destinations. Explore the charming streets, relax, and bask in the sun on Parker’s Piece and Jesus Green, or tour Cambridge’s 31 colleges!
When I think of spring, flowers blooming, colourful arrangements and green spaces all spring to mind. What better way to celebrate the season of growth, life, and renewal than at Exbury Gardens, which is teeming with life?
Designed by the de Rothschild family, Exbury Gardens is a fantastic attraction made up of landscaped woodland and an array of gardens showcasing award-winning blooms. Visit during late April and May for the best chance to see the renowned rhododendrons and azaleas that Exbury is best known for!
Spanning over 200 acres, there’s so much to explore! Enjoy the Daffodil Meadow, which blossoms throughout spring, the Iris Garden, the Sundial Garden and the magnificent cascading waterfalls that flow from the Top Pond through the Azaelea Bowl into the Beaulieu River.
One of the best ways to see some of Exbury’s most iconic sights is to hop on the Exbury Steam Railway, which weaves through the Summer Lane Garden and past the Dragonfly Pond. Be sure to pack a picnic while visiting this spring bucket list attraction, as there are two designated picnic sites, one overlooking Juille Pond and the other at the Sakura Cherry Orchard!
Nestled on the border of Wales and England, each year the charming book town of Hay-on-Wye welcomes an array of exciting speakers and performers to its Hay Festival. From world-renowned authors to comedians and musicians, this has to be one of the best things to do in spring!
Held for ten days towards the end of May, The Hay Festival is one of the world’s biggest and best literary festivals. In 2025 the festival has an amazing lineup, which includes Billy Ocean, JoJo Moyes, Matt Haig, Michael Morpurgo and Chris McCausland, so be sure to grab your tickets in advance from their website.
The Hay Festival is committed to bringing together diverse voices to listen, talk, debate and create, and is the perfect place for friends, families or couples looking for an immersive experience.
Visiting the festival gives you the opportunity to explore one of the UK’s most idyllic towns. Recognised as the first book town in the world, there are currently 14 bookshops here! From Murder and Mayhem, a store specialising in crime fiction, true crime and horror, to Richard Booth’s Bookshop, there something that everyone will love here!
Recognised as England’s longest waymarked footpath, it’s no surprise that this mammoth walk was chosen as one of the best spring activities!
Meandering past some of the best beaches in Cornwall and the best beaches in Devon, walking this route is a must for lovers of sand, sea and sun! Stretching from Minehead on the edge of Exmoor National Park to Poole Harbour, this route is a true wonder offering views across the countryside, sand and sea.
Don’t fret, you don’t have to tackle this epic walk in one go! It can be broken down into 52 manageable chunks, each offering something different. Enjoy iconic coastal towns and villages like the beautiful Combe Martin and Clovelly, the mystical Tintagel and charming Port Isaac. Other idyllic places dotted along the route include Newquay, St Ives, Falmouth, Dartmouth, Exmouth and Lulworth.
If you’ve been inspired to tackle this fantastic walk, then you’ll be in good company, as our most recent Staycation Index found that going on coastal walks was the activity that Brits most wanted to do on staycations!
If you’re looking for something unusual to do, then the penultimate entry on our guide to bucket list activities in spring could be perfect! Surely there’s no better way to embrace spring than by chasing a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese down Cooper’s Hill?
This eccentric event, which takes place every year on the last Monday of May, dates back to 1826, when the first evidence of the race was recorded. However, it is believed that this spring bucket list activity is actually over 600 years old!
The actual origins of Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake are unknown. However, historians have speculated that the event may have pagan origins linked with a fertility rite to encourage the fruits of the harvest.
Today, the event is more for thriller seekers, as Cooper’s Hill has a slope of 50% gradient and is 180 metres long. This, combined with the cheese that can reach speeds of up to 80mph, means that you partake in the event at your own risk! The risk hasn’t deterred people; Chris Anderson of Brockworth has won the race a record 23 times!
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience this spring, head to Cooper’s Hill in time to watch or partake in the first race at 12pm, if you dare!
Concluding our list of the best spring experiences in the UK is witnessing the Furry Dance in Helston, Cornwall! Marking the end of winter and the arrival of spring, this event is a must-visit!
Traditionally occurring on the 8th of May every year, the Furry Dance is thought to be one of the oldest British customs still practised today, with the most popular dances taking place in Helston.
Known locally as Flora Day, the town’s houses, shops and street fronts are lined with greenery and flowers to welcome in spring. Then, once the bass drum sounds at 7 am, the celebrations truly begin!
Look forward to experiencing the Early Morning Dance, the Hal-an-Tow, which tells the stories of Helston, the Children’s Dance and the Evening Dance. The dancers weave their way throughout the town, so no matter where you’re stood, you’re sure to catch a glimpse of this magnificent spectacle.
A visit to Helston puts you within reach of some of the best Cornish beaches, including Porthlevan and Praa Sands, as well as some must-visit attractions like the Cornish Seal Sanctuary and Trebah Garden!
If this list of the best things to do in spring has inspired your next break, choose from these wonderful spring holiday cottages. There are plenty of other things to keep you busy throughout the year! Check out our ultimate UK bucket list, summer bucket list, autumn bucket list, and winter bucket list!
Image Credits: Exbury Gardens; Hay Festival; Isle of Man TT Races; Helston Flora Association; gilborn_134 – CC BY-ND 2.0; michael warren – CC BY 2.0
by Steph Boal / Day Out Guides News
Hi, I'm Steph and I joined the Sykes team in 2022. I grew up in the North East of England so unsurprisingly I love exploring the w...
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