Travel Diaries: 6 Things To Do In The UK In Spring
Spring is that weird time of year in the UK where the weather doesn’t really know what it’s doing. Sometimes you wake up in the morning to gleaming sunshine and other days there is a torrential down pour. If there is one thing I have learnt from my almost 30 years of living in the UK it’s that you can never trust what the weatherman says. However in true Brit fashion, I never let a spot of bad weather get in my way of having a great day. So here 10 things to do in the UK in spring whether it’s a rainy, cloudy, sunny or stormy day.
Go on a picnic
You may think a picnic in anything but sunshine is awful. But actually, picnics in less favourable weather are far more fun and adventurous. Forget about soggy sandwiches and sad cold fruit and bring your own camp stove (venue permitting!). Some of my favourite things to cook on a camp stove are soups, stews and chillis. Pair these with a cozy blanket and a flask of tea and you have yourself a very cute and wholesome day of cooking outside.
Explore your closest city
The UK has so many different and exciting cities to explore that are well connected by trainlines and motorways. No matter where you are in the UK you’re probably no more than one day away from all of it’s cities, whether you decide to drive, fly or take public transport. I may be a bit bias since it’s on my doorstep but London is such a wonderful city to explore. It has something for everyone - from amazing restaurants and luxury shopping centres to historical sites and museums. London really has it all. However, if London isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other beautiful cities to visit. Some of my favourites are York, Oxford, Edinburgh and Exeter.
Have a beach day
It wouldn’t be a travel blog post if it didn’t include something to do with the beach. I adore the beach in all seasons so it’s no surprise that a beach day is on the cards for spring. Although you may not feel brave enough to dip into the chilly sea just yet, there are plenty of other things to do at the beach when it isn’t hot. Personally, I like to bring a packed lunch or a portable BBQ and enjoy some of my favourite snacks whilst listening to the ocean. If you want to be a bit more active - sea kayaking is also great in springtime providing the waves aren’t too choppy. But if none of those take your fancy you can also go rock pooling, fishing or sea shell collecting!
Go on a hike
You all know, I do enjoy a hike. Be it rain or shine, I am always up for a hike and the UK has so many beautiful hiking trails to choose from. If you’re looking for something challenging try hiking up Snowden or Ben Nevis - the tallest mountains in the country. Or if you prefer something a little less gruelling try visiting one of the 15 national parks in the UK where there are countless trails for all hiking levels.
Take a trip to a historical site
We’re very lucky in the UK that alot of our historical sites and landmarks have been preserved over centuries along with the tales that happened there. From castles and forts to pre-historic settlements and unworldly wonders like Stonehenge, there is always something interesting to see and learn about. Some of my favourite historical sites are run and owned by English Heritage that not only maintain the physical sites themselves but also help keep England’s heritage alive by providing the history behind their estates. If you’re based closer to Wales however, you can check out English Heritage’s equivalent: the CADW. Or in Scotland you can see Historic Scotland’s sites. In Ireland you’ll want to refer to the OPW.
Hunt for fossils
A hobby I have recently taken interest in is hunting for fossils and crystals, particularly along the coastline. It’s super fun and rewarding to find naturally occurring crystals and fossils, clean them up, take them home and keep them on top of your fire place to marvel at. I am still very much a beginner at this and most of the time when I go out looking for fossils and crystals I do come back empty handed. But that’s what makes it even more exciting when I do find something! Although I don’t really post alot on here about my fossil and crystal hunting escapades, I do document a few things over on my TikTok about what I find and how I clean them up to display at home. Some of my most successful fossil and crystal hunts have been at Lyme Regis beach in Devon.
So what are you planning on doing this Spring in the UK? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to hear about your hidden gems and favourite spots to visit in Spring.