by Winning tip: Yorkshire’s magical ‘Little Switzerland’
The area around Hardcastle in West Yorkshire flourishes in mid-March. The woodland floor changes as if by magic to a soft carpet of wildflowers with bluebells appearing later in the season. The area was once known as Little Switzerland because of its steep, lush valleys intersected by rivers, streams and paths. We found it to be the perfect antidote to winter, with shafts of golden sunlight casting their magical rays on all the beautiful foliage. After lunch a nice pub at the Old Gate in Hebden after a morning walk.
Nigel
Pint and pizza in St Agnes, Cornwall
We have been walking the South West Coast Path for the last few years, taking long weekends when we can. The best trips are made during the spring, where you get secluded beaches, sunshine, coconut palms, delicious food and great walks without the summer crowds. St Agnes was very popular, with nice restaurants and pubs, a good range of Airbnbs and its own brewery, Driftwood Spars. There’s also a really good takeaway pizza place, Cornish Pizza Company, which has a great range of vegan and vegetarian options – perfect after a breezy walk along the coast.
Lucia
Walk around the art nouveau greenhouses of Brussels
A few years ago we happened to be in Brussels around Easter and discovered the wonderful Royal greenhouses in Laeken. They are a series of impressive interconnected greenhouses built in the art nouveau style on the grounds of the royal palace, and are filled to overflowing with beautiful plants and flowers. The greenhouses are only open for three weeks each year (this year from 26th April to 20th May) and they get a lot of visitors, so make sure you get there early. We only paid €2.50 to enter. We loved it so much we went back again the next day.
Lois
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A paradise for nature lovers in the French Alps
Sunny Champagny-en-Vanoise grows on the southern slopes of La Plagne, in the French Alps, in spring. It is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers. Follow hiking trails (graded like a ski piste) through the majestic pine forests, picnic on Emmental baguettes and fresh hams from the local boulangerie and take in epic views of the snow-capped mountains. The village gondola takes you higher into the mountains where you can feast on Savoyard specialties (such as tartiflette and raclette) in the friendly La Rossa restaurant. Light and airy apartments at Les Balcons Etoilés all with large balconies perfect for enjoying a picnic.
Jenny
See Dracula’s castle and brown bears in Romania
The cobbled old town of Brasov, with its colorful baroque buildings and Carpathian mountain views, was home for a few days exploring Transylvania in late April. Driving through the green countryside full of spring flowers we stopped at the infamous 14th century Dracula’s castle at Bran, followed by Peles Castle, the former residence of King Carol I. Next, the Zarnesti Liberty Bear Sanctuary – a 69 hectare rescue of brown bear woodland land. from captivity. Nights were spent sampling local food – a favorite of his sarmal, cabbage leaves stuffed with mince and served with polenta and sour cream. Glasses of palanquin (fruit brandy) to stop the chill of a spring evening.
Nicola
Mountain biking and fish chips in north Wales
Looking to escape the winter cold and experience the best of north Wales? Dolgellau is an excellent market town which is the perfect base for a refreshing spring break, enabling you to make the most of the longer days. It is only 10 miles from the mountain bike trails at Coed y Brenin. You can climb the beautiful Cader Idris from the town or walk to Barmouth to eat fish chips by the sea. There are many delicious restaurants, cozy pubs, and interesting shops to explore. Stay at Bryn Mair, from £89 B&B per night.
Mary
Walk among New Forest flowers and pine trees
The first trip in our new camper van took us to the New Forest in early April. We went for a walk in the woods off Rhinefield Ornamental Drive. He was drunk as we walked past some of Britain’s tallest and oldest Douglas firs, with their red bellies and dark green needles. Nestled at the base of the trees were delicate white anemones. A little further on in a clearing we were delighted to see custard-yellow celandines carpeting the forest floor. Back at our picturesque campsite the sun broke through the clouds and we sat outside sipping tea and watching the New Forest ponies graze in the next field.
Caroline
A walk along the glorious coast of Menorca
If you enjoy a peaceful walk accompanied by a stunning island coast, Balearic spring sun, lots of flowers and a plate of golden paella with fine wine, you can’t do better than to strike the Camí de Cavalls, an ancient coastal path 185km that goes around. the island of Menorca, hugging the coast and providing unrivaled access to secluded sandy beaches, secluded coves, rocky outcrops and cliff-top balconies. During April and May, the island is an explosion of flowers. You can walk around it in a week, or just do it in a few days. If the fancy takes you, you can even run it! I’ve done both, with the support of the wonderful team at camidecavalls@360.com.
David
Sum up the golden dunes and spas of the Netherlands
It is one of our closest European neighbours, but spring in the Netherlands is amazing and can be done without a car. Taking the ferry from Harwich or Newcastle can cut costs, while trains and cycling on the other hand are a cheap way to get around. Heading out to sea on the North Sea coast, expect undulating national parks of dunes, forests and lakes, and beyond those parks spring bulbs. All the beaches have great bars and restaurants which are taken in March and stay until October. Excellent mountain biking and kite surfing are also available.
Christian
Open water swimming and toasting marshmallows in York
After the winter darkness has fallen, dust off your camping gear and head to Pool Bridge Farm, 10 minutes south of York – a lakeside campsite offering wild open water swimming with stunning views. Pitch your tent near the lake so you’ll be greeted by loud water and the smell of daffodils when you open the door in the morning. Spend the evenings toasting marshmallows over the campfire or take a trip out to the historic city of York and combine a city and country break in one.
Gaynor
