The best UK spots to see this Spring
Get out and about for flowers, farms and full-on fun for the changing season
Get inspired for green greatness with a day at England’s largest gardening show.
The Harrogate Flower Show promises more than 100 displays from the UK’s top nurseries. There’s also a marquee of floral artworks, cookery displays, and activities for children including crafting and planting sessions.
April 20-23. Advance tickets £16.50, under-16s free. Call 01423 546158 or visit www.flowershow.org.uk
See Kew Gardens as you’ve never seen them before – through the eyes of the Moomins!
This Easter, the vibrant illustrated world of the Moomin trolls will collide with the stunning flowers of Kew, with seriously colourful results. Grandchildren (and big children) will enjoy following the interactive trail to a festival camp. They can also tuck into pancakes and other snacks, as well as joining in with Easter activities. On Easter Sunday, children will receive a Lindt egg as they enter the gardens too – if that’s not a way to cement a lifelong passion for gardening, we don’t know what is!
April 1-17. Tickets £15 adults, £3.50 children. Call 0208 332 5655 or visit www.kew.org
April and May are the perfect time to hunt for British bluebells. Wander our ancient woodlands and breathe in their heady scent.
The National Trust has a list of properties with native bluebells, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/bluebellwoods-near-you
GET MOVING If you fancy a weekend of hill walking, but feel nervous about plotting routes, the Talgarth Walking Festival could be just the ticket.
This four-day event features guided walks for all levels of fitness, led by experts across the Brecon Beacons National Park.
From £3-£10. Call 07943 616453 or visit www.talgarthwalkingfestival.org
Explore the historic city of Norwich on a free walking tour in conjunction with VisitNorwich.
There are two brand new 90-minute tours, intriguingly titled ‘Words and Wanderings’ and ‘Passages through the Past’.
Dates between March 25-April 1. Book your free ticket on 01603 213999 or visit www.thenorwichshop.co.uk
OLD-FASHIONED FUN Take part in a 17th Century tradition by watching the Annual Tetbury Woolsack Race.
The race involves running up the (incredibly steep) Gumstool Hill, carrying a heavy bag of wool – much more fun to watch than to participate in! The pretty Cotswolds town was once a hub for wool production, and it’s thought that the race was a way for young drovers to impress local women. There’s also a funfair, stalls and musical entertainment to enjoy, and it all raises money for fantastic local causes. May 29. Call 01666 503552 or email tourism@ tetbury.org for more information and timings.
Fancy flinging an eel?
You need to visit Ely’s Eel Festival. (Don’t worry – it’s just a stuffed sock, not a real one!) Along with seeing who can throw the furthest, there will be special dishes on offer in local restaurants, live music, arts and crafts, a parade, historical re-enactments and lots more. Plus of course, the chance to sample the eels that the city has long been famed for. April 28-May 1. Call 01353 662062 or visit www.elyeelfestival.co.uk
Calling all Mary Poppins fans
– get swept up in the action at the Rochester Sweeps’ Festival. This three-day event is held annually in celebration of the beginning of spring, because May 1 was a traditional holiday for chimney sweeps. Dick Van Dyke would be proud – there’s lots of music, Morris dancing and processions. April 29-May 1. Find out more at www.medway. gov.uk or follow the festival on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RochesterSweepsFestival
Travel back to a time of suits of armour, falconry and fierce battles.
Blenheim Palace, in Woodstock, will be hosting a spring jousting tournament featuring the Knights of Royal England. Try your hand at archery, watch falconry displays and puppet shows, be entertained by jesters and enjoy a barbeque and a glass of fizz. You can also take a horse and carriage ride around the park too. April 29-May 1. Tickets cost £24.90 adults, £13.90 children. Call 01993 810530 or visit www.blenheimpalace.com