Winning tip: Yorkshire’s magical ‘Little Switzerland’
The area around Hardcastle in West Yorkshire comes alive in mid-March. The forest floor magically transforms into a soft carpet of wildflowers, with bluebells appearing later in the season. The area was once called Little Switzerland because of its steep, lush valleys, criss-crossed by rushing rivers, silvery streams and footpaths. We found it the perfect antidote to winter, with rays of golden sunlight casting their magical rays on all the beautiful foliage. After a morning walk, have a nice pub lunch at the Old Gate in Hebden.
Nigel
Pints and pizza in St Agnes, Cornwall
We have walked the South West Coast Path for the past few years, taking long weekends when we could. The best trips have been in spring, where you get isolated beaches, sunshine, coconut-scented gorse, delicious food and great walks without the summer crowds. St Agnes was a particular favourite, with nice restaurants and pubs, a good range of Airbnbs and its own brewery, Driftwood Spars. There’s also a really good takeaway pizzeria, the Cornish Pizza Company, which has a great range of vegetarian and vegan options – perfect after a windy walk along the coast.
Lucia
Wander around the Art Nouveau greenhouses of Brussels
A few years ago we were in Brussels around Easter and discovered the beautiful Royal greenhouses in Laeken. They are a series of impressive, interconnected greenhouses, built in the Art Nouveau style in the grounds of the Royal Palace, and are packed with beautiful plants and flowers. The greenhouses are only open three weeks a year (this year from April 26 to May 20) and receive many visitors, so make sure you get there early. We only paid €2.50 to enter. We liked it so much that we went back the next day.
Lois
Tips from Guardian Travel readers
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A paradise for nature lovers in the French Alps
Sunny Champagny-en-Vanoise on the southern slopes of La Plagne, in the French Alps, blooms in spring. It is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Follow hiking trails (classified as ski slopes) through the majestic pine forests, picnic on freshly made Emmentaler and hambaguettes from the local bakery, and enjoy epic views of the snow-capped mountains. The village gondola takes you higher into the mountains, where you can enjoy Savoie specialties (such as tartiflette and raclette) in the cozy restaurant La Rossa. Light and airy apartments at Les Balcons Etoilés, all with spacious balconies, perfect for enjoying an aperitif.
Jenny
See Dracula’s castle and brown bears in Romania
Brasov’s cobbled old town, with its colorful Baroque buildings and views of the Carpathians, was home base for a few days exploring Transylvania in late April. Driving through the green countryside dotted with spring flowers, we stopped at the infamous 14th century Dracula’s Castle in Bran, followed by Peles Castle, the former residence of King Carol I. Then you will visit Zarnesti Libearty Bear Sanctuary – 69 hectares of forest with rescued brown bears from captivity. The evenings were spent sampling local food – a favorite was that sarmale, cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and served with polenta and sour cream. Glasses from Palinca (fruit brandy) helped prevent the spring evening chill.
Nicholas
Mountain biking and fish’n’chips in North Wales
Want to come out of hibernation and experience the best of North Wales? Dolgellau is a perfectly sized market town and makes a wonderful base for a rejuvenating spring break, allowing you to make the most of the longer days. It is just 16 km from the mountain bike trails at Coed y Brenin. You can climb the beautiful Cader Idris from the town or walk to Barmouth for fish’n’chips on the seafront. There are plenty of tasty restaurants, cozy pubs and interesting shops to explore. Stay at Bryn Mair, from £89 B&B per night.
Mary
Walk among the flowers and pine trees of the New Forest
The first trip in our new camper took us to the New Forest in early April. We went for a walk in the woods near Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. It drizzled as we walked past some of the tallest and oldest Douglas firs in Britain, with their red trunks and dark green needles. Nestled at the bottom of the trees were delicate white anemones. A little further on, in a clearing, we were pleased to see yellow celandine covering the forest floor. Back at our picturesque campsite the sun broke through the clouds and we sat outside drinking tea and watching the New Forest ponies grazing in the next field.
Caroline
Stroll along the glorious coast of Menorca
If you enjoy a peaceful walk combined with a beautiful island coastline, the spring sun of the Balearic Islands, flowers in abundance and a plate of golden paella with good wine, you cannot do better than following the Camí de Cavalls, a centuries-old coastal path from 185 km long that runs around the island. the island of Menorca, which hugs the coastline and offers unparalleled access to secluded sandy beaches, secluded coves, rocky outcrops and steep cliff-top balconies. In April and May the island is a floral explosion of color. You can walk around it in a week, or just do it in a few days. If you feel like it, you can even run it! I’ve done both, supported by the fantastic team at camidecavalls@360.com.
David
Enjoy the golden dunes and beautiful spas of the Netherlands
It is one of our closest European neighbors, but spring in the Netherlands is beautiful and can also be done without a car. Taking the ferry from Harwich or Newcastle can keep costs down, while on the other hand trains and cycling are a cheap way to get around. If you dock on the North Sea coast, you can expect undulating national parks with sand dunes, forests and lakes, and beyond, fields of spring bulbs. All beaches have great bars and restaurants that are built in March and stay until October. There is also excellent mountain biking and kite surfing.
Christian
Open water swimming and roasted marshmallows in York
After the darkness of winter fades, dust off your camping gear and head to Pool Bridge Farm, 10 minutes south of York – a peaceful lakeside site with open-water swimming in breathtaking scenery. Pitch your tent next to the lake so that when you unzip the door in the morning, you are greeted by sparkling water and the scent of yellow daffodils. Spend the evenings roasting marshmallows over the campfire or take a trip to the historic city of York and combine a city break and a country break in one.
Gaynor