After the grey and chilly months of winter, the fresh air and mild temperatures of the coming spring make outdoor adventures far more inviting.
With wildlife emerging, parks and gardens in full bloom, and local events springing up across the country, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy a day out.
From the bluebell woods of Surrey to snowdrop-lined paths in Northamptonshire, the season’s natural beauty creates the perfect backdrop for exploration. Plus, with fewer crowds compared to the summer months, you can take in the sights at a more relaxed pace…
Set within 26 acres (105,200 sq m) of stunning countryside and created by renowned contemporary sculptor Simon Gudgeon and his team of artisans, Sculptures by the Lakes invites visitors to switch off from their busy lives and immerse themselves in art, nature and tranquillity. With more than 120 pieces positioned across the Sculpture Park, take a wander before stopping for lunch at the on-site restaurant. To 31 Mar, £7.50, sculpturebythelakes.co.uk
Launching today for International Pig Day, Trotters & Tales at Odds Farm Park near High Wycombe celebrates all things porcine, with stories, crafts, animal experiences and feeding sessions. Home to five rare pig breeds, the farm plays a key role in conservation and their Tamworth sow, Winnie, recently welcomed piglets. Every weekend to 23 March. £13.95, oddsfarm.co.uk
Featuring nine installations, this trail around Weymouth celebrates fossils of all shapes and sizes, offering a glimpse into the creatures that roamed the county millions of years ago. It is a fantastic way for families, history enthusiasts, and day trippers to uncover fun dinosaur facts while enjoying the vibrant town centre. Free, weareweymouth.co.uk
Reopening its medieval gates after winter maintenance, the site will now welcome visitors seven days a week for the first time in its history. The deer park is home to two species of deer – red deer, Britain’s largest wild land mammal, and the smaller fallow deer. Enjoy a safari around the park to learn more about these animals, and help take part in feeding times. Castle, deer park and gardens £22 adults, children £13, under-fours free, raby.co.uk/raby-castle
Three newly marked sculpture trails (with a free map) now connect the neighbouring towns of Fishguard and Goodwick, featuring 19 specially commissioned artworks. These new pieces are complemented by existing artworks and heritage monuments that together tell the shared history of the twin towns (including the site of the last French invasion) while celebrating the unique biodiversity and wildlife of this northern tip of West Wales. Free, artafoot.co.uk
This Edwardian botanical garden spans 55 acres (222,600 sq m) and includes formal lawns, a working kitchen garden, woodlands and natural play areas. Pick up the Blossom Watch Walk map at the welcome centre and enjoy a self-guided tour to celebrate the blossoming flowers. Adults £13, children £6.50, under-fives free, nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/dyffryn-gardens
Expert gardeners have designed a self-guided trail that showcases the key features of the Lost Gardens of Heligan’s heritage collection, including the National Collection of Camellias and Rhododendrons introduced before 1920. Explore the stories behind these unique shrubs and discover how the team continues to care for them today. Adults from £20, children from £9, under-fives free, heligan.com
Step inside the Temperate House for an exhibition showcasing Kew’s rare and threatened plant collection. These exceptional specimens, typically housed out of public view, are now on display to highlight Kew’s efforts to conserve the world’s most precious species and combat biodiversity loss. From £22, under-fours free, kew.org
At Acorn Bank, near Temple Sowerby, Penrith, snowdrops transform the woodland, forming a carpet of white – a sure sign that spring is on its way. While the National Trust area is usually closed to visitors at this time of year, it will be opening at weekends so everyone can take a walk through swathes of snowdrops beside Crowdundle Beck. Snowdrop weekends, 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 Mar, adults £9, children £4.50, under-fives free, nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/acorn-bank
Wander through the special Snowdrop Stories trail at these gardens near Daventry and discover what people have believed about these delicate blooms through the years. To 21 Mar, adults £14, children £7, under-fives free, nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/leicestershire-northamptonshire/canons-ashby
Celebrate the joy of reading with World Book Day at Dunstable Downs. Craft a bookmark, be inspired by the views of rolling chalk grasslands and enter the young writer’s competition. Fancy dress encouraged. 1-6 Mar, free, nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/dunstable-downs-and-whipsnade-estate
Each spring, this Tudor house with medieval roots near Saltash showcases more than 300 varieties of daffodils in its gardens, some dating to the 17th century. Visit from 15-18 March to see these stunning blooms at their peak and follow the trail of slates highlighting Cotehele’s rare heritage varieties. Little visitors can also enjoy fun play opportunities scattered throughout the gardens. Adults £7, children £3.50, under-fives free, nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cornwall/cotehele
Grab a free activity leaflet and explore spring highlights in Cliveden’s gardens. From drawing your bug self to brushing up on your Latin, there are plenty of activities. To 31 Mar, adults £19, children £9.50, under-fives free, nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/oxfordshire-buckinghamshire-berkshire/cliveden/events
Pick up a free trail map and go in search of all 12 of the beautifully decorated Shaun the Sheep sculptures exhibited around Anglesey Abbey gardens in Lode. Each sculpture has been uniquely painted with bright colours and funky, bold patterns. To 27 Apr, adults £18, children £9, under-fives free, nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cambridgeshire/anglesey-abbey-gardens-and-lode-mill
Embark on a fun, family-friendly trail through the house, garden, and parkland to explore the world of the Georgians, inspired by the Horrible Histories books. This 10-stop trail features games and activities, including the Horrible Highwaymen and the Wheel of Woe, which reveals whether you’d have been a rat catcher, chimney sweep, or miner. To 31 Aug, adults £17, children £8.50, under-fives free, nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/osterley-park-and-house/events
Mead Open Farm in Billington has tickets for just £10 per person as part of its “March Madness” promotion. Enjoy outdoor play areas, a large indoor play zone with drop slides and climbing frames, and daily animal activities, including egg collecting. On weekends, attractions such as the SkyTrail, SkyTykes and a climbing wall are also available. To 23 Mar, £10, under 18 months free, tickets must be booked online, meadopenfarm.co.uk
Northern Ireland’s royal residence will burst into colour with more bulbs than ever before, creating breathtaking floral displays across beds, pots, barrels – and even a boat. Explore spring blooms from fragrant hyacinths to vibrant tulips and a selection of Northern Irish daffodils. To 5 May, adults £11, children £5.50, under-fives free, hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle
This new exhibition explores the codes and conventions of royal clothing and how fashion evolves when boundaries are pushed. Highlights include pieces worn by Queen Elizabeth II, Diana, Princess of Wales, Princess Margaret and Queen Victoria. From 12 Mar, adults £20, children £10, under-fives free, hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace
Driven by wind, waves and surface currents, floating plastics follow paths similar to those taken by birds, fish and insects. By comparing these journeys, this exhibition highlights the epic travels of both wildlife and buoyant plastic, offering a deeper understanding of marine litter as a global issue. To 15 Apr, free, rbge.org.uk
Take a 90-minute trek through the peaceful Romney Marsh countryside as it bursts to life this spring – all with your very own alpaca. Learn about these fascinating creatures along the way, before stopping to feed them. £25pp, alpacaannie.com/experience
The new exhibition “A Spring Table” showcases 48 colourful new paintings by Derbyshire artist Russell Wilson. Celebrating the abundance of nature on display in spring, each painting captures a feeling of optimism with bright light and warmth. 8 Mar-29 Jun, £9.50, under-18s free, ysp.org.uk
This festival showcases Scottish talent and emerging comedians from around the world. Shows include stand-up, improv, sketch and cabaret, with top names including Fern Brady, Jimeoin and Susie McCabe. 12-30 Mar, prices vary, glasgowcomedyfestival.com
Kids of all ages will love this interactive trail, where they’ll search for hidden wellies around Borde Hill gardens. Visitors can also take in the beauty of early-blooming flowers, including hellebores, snowdrops, viburnum, daffodils, and magnolias. To 23 Mar, £4 per trail, garden admission £12.50 adults, £8.50 children, under-threes free, bordehill.co.uk
Pick up a Stick Man trail pack (featuring a lanyard and adventure passport cards) and follow the Julia Donaldson character on his journey to reunite with his family tree in this interactive adventure. Uncover fascinating facts and discover forest wildlife along the way. £4, locations around the country, forestryengland.uk/stickman-activity-trails
Search the deep dark woods for characters from Julia Donaldson’s classic story, The Gruffalo. Look out for Mouse, Owl, Fox, Snake, Squirrel and of course, the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s child, as you go. £1.50, locations around the country, forestryengland.uk/gruffalo
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