Winning tip: Yorkshire’s magical ‘Little Switzerland’
The area around Hardcastle in West Yorkshire comes alive in mid-March. As if by magic, the woodland floor transforms into a soft carpet of wildflowers, with bluebells appearing later in the season. The region was once called Little Switzerland for its lush steep valleys bisected by rushing rivers, silvery streams and paths. We found this to be the perfect antidote to winter, with the golden sunbeams shining their magic rays on all the beautiful foliage. After a morning walk, head for a nice pub lunch at the Old Gate in Hebden.
Nigel
Beer and pizza in St Agnes, Cornwall
We have been walking the South West Coast Path for the last few years, spending long weekends whenever we can. The best trips have been in the spring, when there are secluded beaches, sunshine, coconut-scented gorse bushes, delicious food and wonderful walks without the summer crowds. St Agnes was a particular favourite, with its fine restaurants and bars, a wide range of Airbnbs and its own brewery, Driftwood Spars. There is also a very good takeaway pizza restaurant, Cornish Pizza Company, which has a wide range of vegetarian and vegan options; It’s the perfect choice after a windy beach walk.
Lucia
Wander through the art nouveau greenhouses of Brussels
We were in Brussels around Easter a few years ago and discovered the wonderful Royal greenhouses in Laeken. Built in the art nouveau style on the grounds of the royal palace, it is an impressive series of interconnected greenhouses and overflowing with beautiful plants and flowers. The greenhouses are only open for three weeks each year (from April 26 to May 20 this year) and receive a lot of visitors, so make sure you get there early. We only paid €2.50 to get in. We loved it so much we went back the next day.
lois
Tips from Guardian Travel readers
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A nature lover’s paradise 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 (graded like ski slopes) through majestic pine forests, picnic on freshly made Emmental and ham baguettes from the local boulangerie, and soak up epic views of the snow-capped mountains. The village cable car takes you higher into the mountains; Here you can enjoy Savoyard specialties (such as tartiflette and raclette) in the friendly La Rossa restaurant. The bright and airy apartments at Les Balcons Etoilés all have large balconies, perfect for enjoying an aperitif.
Jenny
See Dracula’s castle and brown bears in Romania
Braşov’s cobblestone old town, with its colorful baroque buildings and Carpathian mountain views, serves as home for a few days exploring Transylvania in late April. We drove through green countryside dotted with spring flowers, stopping at the famous 14th-century Dracula castle in Bran, followed by Peles Castle, the former residence of King Carol I. Next up is the Zarnesti Libertarian Bear Sanctuary – 69 hectares of forest where brown bears were rescued from captivity. Evenings were spent tasting local cuisine; one of the favorites too spiral, cabbage leaves are stuffed with minced meat and served with polenta and sour cream. Glass palinca (fruit brandy) helped relieve the spring evening chill.
Nicola
Mountain biking and fish and chips in North Wales
Want to emerge from hibernation and experience the best of North Wales? Dolgellau is a perfectly sized market town that’s a great base for a refreshing spring break, allowing you to make the most of long days. It’s just 10 miles from the mountain bike trails at Coed y Brenin. From the town you can climb the beautiful Cader Idris or walk to Barmouth for fish and chips by the sea. There are plenty of delicious restaurants, cozy bars and interesting shops to explore. Stay at Bryn Mair from £89 bed and breakfast per night.
Mary
Walk among New Forest flowers and fir trees
The first trip in our new camper took us to the New Forest in early April. We went for a walk in the woods on the Rhinefield Ornamental Trail. It was drizzling as we passed some of Britain’s tallest and oldest Douglas firs, with their red trunks and dark green needles. Delicate white anemones were nesting at the base of the trees. A little further on, in an open field, we were delighted to see pudding-yellow celandine trees covering the forest floor. The sun broke through the clouds as we returned to our picturesque campsite and we sat outside sipping tea and watching the New Forest ponies grazing in the field next door.
Caroline
Walk along Menorca’s magnificent coast
If you enjoy a peaceful stroll along the stunning island coastline, Balearic spring sunshine, lots of flowers and a plate of golden paella accompanied by fine wine, you can’t do better than heading to the Camí de Cavalls, a 185km ancient coastal route that circumnavigates the island. The island of Menorca hugs the coastline and provides unparalleled access to secluded beaches, remote coves, rocky outcrops and cliff-top balconies. In April and May, the island experiences an explosion of flower color. You can get around in a week or just a few days. If the fancy takes you, you can even make it work! I did both with the support of the amazing team at camidecavalls@360.com.
David
Soak up the golden sand dunes and magnificent hot springs of the Netherlands
It’s one of our closest neighbors in Europe, but spring in the Netherlands is wonderful and can be done without a car. Taking the ferry from Harwich or Newcastle can reduce costs, while trains and cycling are cheap ways to get around. As you dock at the North Sea coast, you’ll find rolling dune national parks, forests and lakes, and beyond them spring bulb fields. All beaches have great bars and restaurants that build in March and stay until October. There is also excellent mountain biking and kitesurfing.
Christian
Open water swimming and toasted marshmallows in York
Once the winter darkness has passed, dust off your camping gear and head to Pool Bridge Farm, 10 minutes south of York; A tranquil lakeside campsite offering wild open water swimming with spectacular views. Pitch your tent on the shore of the lake so that when you open your door in the morning, you will be greeted with the scent of sparkling water and yellow daffodils. Spend evenings roasting marshmallows over the campfire, or take a trip to the historic city of York and combine a city and country break.
Gaynor