40 Brilliant Activities to Try this Spring

Spring Activities for Families

Plant flowers

As the saying goes “April showers bring May flowers”, making spring the perfect time to plant some flowers. Nothing marks the end of winter quite like a trip to the garden centre to pick up some plants to brighten up your garden. Or, if you’re feeling daring, buy wildflower seeds and watch in anticipation as everything blooms back to life.  

Go to the zoo

If you’re a family of animal lovers, spring days out don’t get much better than the zoo. With a focus on giving the resident animals as much space as possible, spend a family day out at Port Lympne Reserve, admiring hundreds of rare animals. There’s even a 60 minute truck safari and a chance to adopt an animal of your choice. 

Glamping

What better way to get reacquainted with nature and its new lease of life than glamping in spring? Camping without all the discomfort of staying in a tent, re-define family getaways and spend one night in an eco pod. Take advantage of all the on-site facilities and head out on lakeside walks with stunning views of the Lake District.

Kew Gardens

Home to the world’s largest collection of living plants, Kew Gardens is a no-brainer for a good outing in spring. Spend as much or as little time as you like here, but with over 326 acres of diverse plant life to explore, there’s plenty to entertain kids and adults alike. 

Treetop Nets Experience at Zipworld

Zipworld has adventures galore to keep the whole family busy, including Europe’s longest net walkway. Prepare to reach new heights as a family heading into the forest canopy for a 60 minute expedition. Bounce, jump and slide through the nets, all set against a backdrop of the Conwy Valley. 

Play in the April showers

Instead of getting dispirited about the April showers, turn them into a fun family-friendly activity. Get everyone kitted out in raincoats and boots, then let the fun ensue. Splash in the puddles. Catch raindrops on your tongue. Close your eyes and listen to the raindrops hitting the ground. 

Visit an aquarium

Spring can be a temperamental season - sometimes it’s all about reconnecting with the great outdoors and other times, it’s about finding things to do on a rainy day. Enter aquariums: where it’s all about immersing yourselves in the wonders of the underwater world. Discover thousands of magnificent aquatic creatures, from stingrays to sharks and beyond, all in one place. 

Go to a theme park

Fun-packed experiences are the order of the day at a theme park. Unlock some serious adventure at one of the UK’s best theme parks, where you’ll find everything from world-famous rollercoasters, thrilling attractions and beyond. 

Chocolate Masterclass

With spring comes Easter and parents will particularly understand the allure of the holiday, with many places hosting a diverse programme of chocolate tasting activities. With plenty to satisfy a chocolate lover, families can be well on their way to being bonafide chocolate connoisseurs in no time.

One Day York Sightseeing Pass

York’s got everything you need for a family day out in spring - history, views and plenty to keep every member of the family entertained. This sightseeing pass means you’ve got free reign to enjoy all the city’s best bits. Plus, hop on hop off bus travel means you’re likely to get less moaning from little ones with tired feet. 

Top Places to Visit in the UK in Spring

The Cotswolds

Boasting some of the most beautiful countryside in England, it’s hardly surprising that people flock to The Cotswolds every year for the fresh air. And spring is when the outstanding area really shines - the flowers begin to bloom and everything comes back to life. Stroll through award-winning gardens, lined with magnolias, tulips, daffodils and more. 

Bath

There’s something special about Bath that can only really be ascertained by experiencing it first-hand. Make sure to pop into the Roman Baths themselves and learn about the city’s namesake attraction, before indulging in a tasty treat (or two) at the 5* Royal Crescent Hotel. And don’t forget to check out our guide for the best things to do in Bath, from cultural highlights to date ideas and beyond.

Brighton

A cultural scene unlike any other in the UK, there’s more things to do in Brighton than you can shake a stick at, making it an ideal spring destination. Naturally, it wouldn’t be right to be in the seaside city without stopping by the iconic Brighton i360, boasting breath-taking 360° views up to 26 miles, and Borde Hill Gardens, home to 200 acres of stunning woodland. 

York

Appealing to everyone with its beauty and charm, the sheer amount of things to do in York makes the city a thoroughly rewarding spring getaway. A real highlight here is the River Ouse, which you can weave through on a sightseeing cruise to soak up York’s picturesque scenery. 

Newquay, Cornwall

With its crystal clear waters and sandy golden beaches, Cornwall will take your stress away in an instant. Avoiding the summer crowds, spring is the perfect time to make the most of all the things to do in Newquay. A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, coasteering in Newquay is an adrenaline-inducing way to experience the area’s world-famous coastline - hop across rocks, investigate caves and jump off cliffs. 

Belfast

For a different kind of spring break, set your sights on Belfast. Providing something for everyone, from music lovers to history buffs, Belfast is home to an array of crowd-pleasing attractions, all set against a beautiful backdrop. 

The Lake District

The Lake District is an incredibly popular destination for both day trips and staycations alike. Take your pick from romantic rambles, high-energy hikes and old-fashioned family fun - all in the most spectacular surroundings. 

Brecon Beacons

With its deep valleys and vast mountains, the Brecon Beacons is one of the most enviable destinations in Wales. Host to a number of activities, spring marks the start of gorge walking season for many thrill seekers. Heading into the National Park, gorge walking sees those brave enough climbing, crawling, swimming and jumping into rock pools. 

Edinburgh

While most focus primarily on countryside getaways, there’s cities like Edinburgh which really come into their own in the springtime. Home to city parks with cherry blossom trees and well-maintained flower beds, it’s not hard to see why Edinburgh is a popular city break destination. To enhance the charm of the city, you can even stay in a stylish cottage. 

Norfolk

Rounding off the list of top places to visit in the UK in spring is Norfolk’s Cromer. A quintessential seaside town, there’s a wide array of things to do in Cromer that warrant stopping by. Since you’re in town, treat yourself to afternoon tea at The Grove, where the star of the show is a unique blend with a ‘jasmine pod’ in it which unfurls to become a beautiful, scented flower. 

Places to Visit in London in Spring

• St James’s Park. Is there any better sign that spring is in the air than flowers popping up on every corner? Make a beeline for St James’s Park to see the largest portion of the one million daffodil bulbs planted across the Royal Parks. 
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. Offering a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Harry Potter, guests can see actual props, costumes and effects from the world-famous film saga. 

• London Eye. Get up close to spring’s bright blue skies on the London Eye, which remains to be one of the world’s tallest observation wheels. Stepping into a high-tech glass pod, spin slowly and spot icons from above like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. 
• Tower of London. It’s an absolute London essential for a reason: tour the world-famous Tower of London and see where Anne Boleyn was executed as well as the home of the glittering crown jewels. Make the most of the warmer weather by following up your tour with a boat ride on the Thames. 
• Kew Gardens. The epitome of botanical garden royalty, Kew Gardens is the place to be to spot those first signs of spring. Featuring 326 acres of diverse plant life from across the globe, uncover over 250 years of history.

• Sky Gardens. London’s botanical gardens may be beautiful all year round, but during spring they really shine. Often overlooked in comparison to its Kew counterpart, Sky Garden is equally enchanting with a rooftop glass dome. Designed to flourish all year round, the 360 degree views are accompanied by a diverse plant collection. 
• Royal Observatory. Stand at the centre of the world on the historic Prime Meridian and leave no stone unturned at the Royal Observatory, home of Greenwich Mean Time. 
• Hampton Court. With over 500 years of history, there’s a discovery to be made at every turn of the Tudor mansion Hampton Court. If the weather’s playing ball, stroll through the beautiful gardens and brave the mind-bending maze. 

• ArcelorMittal Orbit. The world’s longest tunnel slide and the UK’s tallest public artwork, if it’s adrenaline you’re after this spring, the ArcelorMittal Orbit is the answer. Admire the view, stop off for tea and descend in style at speeds of up to 15 mph. 
• St Paul’s Cathedral. An integral part of London’s skyline, St Paul is a 300-year old architectural masterpiece, designed by acclaimed architect Sir Christopher Wren. Visit the crypt, Whispering Gallery and more.

Free things to do in spring

• Take a hike. Chances are that over the long winter period, your step count got seriously waylaid. Good news! It’s time to put the spring back in your step, stretch your legs and get a proper eyeful of nature - whether it’s at a national park or woodland. 
• Get lost in a museum. The UK is incredibly lucky to have a wide array of free-to-enter museums, meaning you don’t have to break the bank to get your all-important cultural fix. With hours and hours of fun to be had, London’s Kensington is home to the very best. 
• Bike ride. With the free element depending on you already having a bike, switch up your regular spring stroll for a spring bike ride. Get some exercise, pack a picnic for a mid-way stop and enjoy all the polite greetings from fellow cyclists. 

• Marvel at the street performers in Covent Garden. For those London-based, Covent Garden is a treasure trove of free entertainment. A mecca for street performers, there’s all kinds of spectacles, from music to comedy and beyond. 
• Head to the beach. With beaches getting incredibly busy come the summer months, make the most of lesser crowds by hitting the beach in spring. You can still engage in all the fun beach activities like indulging in fish and chips, building sandcastles and maybe even dipping your toes in the water. 
• Find free samples at a food market. Now, of course, buying something at a food market is not free but you’re more than welcome to have a meander around the various food stalls. And you might even get to nab yourself a sample or two! 
• Stargazing. When was the last time you really remembered to look up at the night sky and appreciate the stars? While you may need to remember to wrap up warm, there are many free astronomy apps that’ll turn your phone into a stargazing expert. 

• Host a movie marathon. It’s a classic for a reason. Spend some time with loved ones while working through a trilogy of movie magic, with plenty of homemade snacks of course. 
• Have a board game night. The feeling of winning a board game is truly priceless anyway so why not dust off the board games from the back of the cupboard. Host a mini board game competition and crown the ultimate gaming champion. 
• Find street art. London’s position as a vibrant street art hub is pretty undisputed but the rest of the country is also home to some pretty spectacular art. Head out in your local area on a hunt to find your favourite piece of street art and see if you can spot any rare Banksy's.