Where to see spring blooms in the UK
From blossom to bluebells
Posted on 20-01-26, updated on 23-01-26By: Lauren M. | 6 minute read
Apple blossom in full bloom against a bright spring sky is a sure sign that the season has arrived!
Where to see spring blooms in the UK
Spring is the perfect excuse to step outside, stretch little legs and see the UK burst into colour. From blossom-filled walkways to woodland carpets of bluebells, there’s something magical about exploring nature as it wakes up. We’ve rounded up five standout gardens from RHS favourites to hidden valleys that offer fresh air, space to roam and something for every age. Plus, we’ll guide you through the top spring blooms to look out for on your next family day out.
Whether you’re chasing cherry blossom, hunting for bluebells or simply enjoying the colours of spring, there’s a garden for you. So pack a picnic, bring your camera and get ready to meet spring face to flower.
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RHS Wisley bursts into bloom with bold borders, cherry blossom avenues and unforgettable garden scenes.
Best classic showstopper: RHS Wisley, Surrey
A real showstopper come spring, RHS Wisley has it all. From bold tulips and daffodils to sweeping cherry blossom avenues. With formal gardens, woodland walks and a Glasshouse packed with tropical plants, it's ideal for families, plant lovers and casual day-trippers alike. There’s even a dedicated children’s play area, plus cafés and picnic spots to make a day of it.
What you’ll see: Cherry blossom (April), daffodils (March), tulips (April), magnolias and forget‑me‑nots (March to May)
Don’t miss: The Jellicoe Canal lined with spring bulbs
Why RHS Wisley is the best classic showstopper:
RHS Wisley is a horticultural heavyweight. Every path, border and blossom is planted with precision and it shows! From crisp spring bulb displays to bold tulip drifts and blossom-lined walkways, this garden sets the standard. It’s timeless, family-friendly and educational too, offering interactive zones for kids alongside tranquil glasshouse escapes. Ideal for anyone seeking a quintessential English garden in full spring swing.
More garden gems in the south of England | |
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Stourhead Gardens, Wiltshire | Famous for sweeping views and classical temples, spring sees the landscape burst into daffodils and cherry blossom. |
Exbury Gardens, Hampshire | A dream for rhododendron lovers. You’ll also find camellias, magnolias and a steam railway for little explorers. |
The Savill Garden, Windsor Great Park | Elegant and spacious with cherry trees, bulbs and woodland paths. Great for picnics and peaceful wanders. |
The National Memorial Arboretum blends spring colour with space for reflection, where daffodils and cherry trees bloom beside peaceful memorials.
Best thoughtful bloomer: National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire
A peaceful and poignant place, the National Memorial Arboretum offers over 150 acres of woodland and wildflower meadows, making it a spring favourite. While it’s known for its thoughtful memorials, it’s also a beautiful space to enjoy early colour, especially daffodils and crocuses in March.
What you’ll see: Daffodils, crocuses, cherry blossoms
Don’t miss: The Remembrance Glade in full bloom
Why the National Memorial Arboretum is a thoughtful bloomer:
This is where nature and meaning meet. With over 25,000 trees and vibrant spring bulbs tucked between memorials, it’s more than just a pretty walk. It offers quiet space for reflection alongside seasonal beauty making it feel restorative, grounding and deeply moving. The landscape gently shifts from daffodil-dotted glades to cherry tree avenues, reminding visitors that spring can be both uplifting and contemplative.
More garden gems in the Midlands | |
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Birmingham Botanical Gardens | A green oasis in the city, with spring tulips, magnolias and a tropical glasshouse for rainy days. |
Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa | A beautifully maintained park with formal flowerbeds and a glasshouse full of exotic plants. |
Easton Walled Gardens, Lincolnshire | Nicknamed the ‘lost gardens of Lincolnshire’, this romantic site offers heritage daffodils and fruit blossom in spring. |
RHS Bridgewater’s pagoda sits among bright and lush naturalistic planting, where wild meets curated in the heart of spring.
Best rewilded beauty: RHS Bridgewater, Greater Manchester
One of the most exciting new gardens in the North, RHS Bridgewater brings 154 acres of historic estate to life just outside Manchester. Spring unfolds across bold borders, blossom-filled meadows and peaceful woodland paths. Highlights include the vast walled garden, a tranquil Chinese Streamside Garden and family-friendly play areas. With seasonal events and wide-open spaces, it’s a fresh take on a classic garden day out.
What you’ll see: Cherry blossom, daffodils, primroses, forget‑me‑nots, spring bulbs
Don’t miss: The Chinese Streamside Garden for blossom and reflections, and the Weston Walled Garden for bold spring planting
Why RHS Bridgewater is a rewilded beauty:
RHS Bridgewater transforms a historic estate into a modern, forward-thinking garden. Designed with sustainability and accessibility in mind, it blends elegant walled gardens with naturalistic planting, woodland walks and a tranquil Chinese Streamside Garden. In spring, cherry blossom, forget‑me‑nots and early bulbs breathe new life into this evolving landscape. It's perfect for nature lovers who like their gardens with a touch of wild charm and regional character.
More garden gems in Northern England | |
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Alnwick Garden, Northumberland | A brilliant mix of blossom trees, fountains and fun features. Don’t miss the cherry orchard in full bloom. |
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, North Yorkshire | A UNESCO site with historic ruins, sweeping landscapes and seasonal colour galore. |
Sizergh Estate, Cumbria | Near the Lake District, this National Trust estate has wildflowers, a limestone rock garden and blossom trees around the grounds. |
Spring at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh showcases rare and remarkable blooms from around the world, set against stunning city views.
Best global collection: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Scotland
Step into a 70-acre paradise in the heart of Scotland's capital. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh bursts into life in spring, with early-blooming magnolias and carpets of daffodils in March, followed by cherry blossom in April. You’ll also spot rhododendrons, wildflowers and alpine plants from around the world.
What you’ll see: Daffodils, magnolias, cherry blossom, rhododendrons
Don’t miss: The John Muir Grove for photogenic blossom views
Why the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh is the best global collection
With over 13,000 plant species across the plot, this is a spring journey around the world. From Himalayan magnolias to wild Scottish daffodils and Japanese cherry trees, every area tells a story. It’s a haven for curious minds with beautiful vistas and educational trails for families, gardens and photographers alike. Expect a garden that feels cultured, diverse and alive with seasonal change.
More garden gems in Scotland | |
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Crarae Garden, Argyll | A hidden gem with a Himalayan feel. Expect rhododendrons, magnolias and tumbling streams in spring. |
Dawyck Botanic Garden, Scottish Borders | Known for its hillside setting and early flowering trees, Dawyck Garden is a quiet, dramatic spot. |
Cambo Gardens, Fife | Home to snowdrops in early spring and colourful borders later on. Plus a café and walled garden to explore. |
Bodnant Garden reveals its magic in spring, from grand terraces to bluebell-filled valleys, perfect for family adventures off the beaten path.
Best hidden gem: Bodnant Garden, Conwy, Wales
Nestled in the foothills of Snowdonia, Bodnant Garden is a spring dream. The formal terraces are full of colour by April, while the woodland and riverbanks are home to daffodils, bluebells and wild primroses. It’s perfect for peaceful walks or mini adventures with the kids.
What you’ll see: Daffodils, bluebells, magnolias, wild primroses
Don’t miss: The Dell – a hidden valley of spring colour
Why Bodnant Garden is the best hidden gem
Bodnant is the stuff of spring fairytales. Start on manicured terraces overlooking Snowdonia, then descend into The Dell, a hidden valley of waterfalls, wild bluebells and blooming magnolias. The contrast between open grandeur and secret woodland trails gives this garden a magical, almost cinematic quality. It’s a sensory springtime adventure, especially for those who love to explore.
More garden gems in Wales | |
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Tredegar House Gardens, Newport | A formal walled garden, peaceful parkland and blooming borders full of spring colour. |
Erddig, Wrexham | National Trust gardens with daffodils, topiary and heritage fruit trees that blossom in April. |
Aberglasney Gardens, Carmarthenshire | One of Wales’ most historic gardens, featuring magnolias, camellias and bluebell woods. |
Common spring flowers to look out for:
Daffodil
Best garden to see them: Bodnant Garden, Wales. Commonly found in meadows and woodlands. While beautiful to look at, all parts of the plant are toxic if eaten, so keep curious pets or little ones at a distance.
Blossom
Best garden to see them: RHS Bridgewater. The Chinese Streamside Garden has picturesque cherry trees and you’ll also spot apple blossom in the Orchard Garden.
Tulips
Best garden to see them: RHS Wisley. Wisley’s tulip displays are bold and bright. In the 1600s, these blooms were more valuable than gold!
Primroses
Best garden to see them: National Memorial Arboretum. Primroses often appear naturally around the pathways and glades of this arboretum.
Magnolia
Best garden to see them: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Magnolias are among the oldest flowering plants on Earth, and one of the earliest to flower in spring.
Bluebells
Best garden to see them: Bodnant Garden. The Dell, a hidden wooded valley in Bodnant, becomes a sea of bluebells in April and May.
Forget-me-not
Best garden to see them: RHS Bridgewater. Tucked between spring bulbs and border plants, forget‑me‑nots pop up naturally throughout Bridgewater’s wilder areas.
Snowdrops
Best garden to see them: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. These tiny white blooms are one of the earliest signs of spring!
Anemones
Best garden to see them: RHS Garden Bridgewater. Find them in naturalistic borders and woodland glades in shades of blue, white and pink.
General tips for spring blossom spotting
Get membership: RHS or National Trust passes can pay off fast during blossom season.
Check in advance: Contact gardens or arboretums to check what’s blooming and avoid disappointment.
Go April to June: You’ll catch most of the action from early April onwards.
Dress for April showers: A waterproof and wellies go a long way!
Be blossom kind: Admire from a distance, blossoms are delicate and short-lived.
Don’t skip city blooms: Urban areas often have beautiful displays, don’t overlook towns like Harrogate, or even the streets of major cities!
Cherry blossom days with your four-legged friend! Spotting spring flowers is a paw‑fect way to enjoy the season with dogs and the whole family.
It's time to put a Spring in your step
Spring is one of the most rewarding times to get outside, with gardens across the UK bursting into colour and life. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossom, exploring bluebell woods or introducing little ones to their first daffodils, these seasonal displays offer something for every age. From showstopper gardens to hidden gems, and from peaceful strolls to full family days out, spring flowers are the perfect excuse to slow down, look closer and make fresh memories.
Paired with a stay at a holiday park that allows you to embrace the first days of sun with active adventures outdoors, or a lodge that keeps you toasty with a warming hot tub, you can make the most of your time together this spring.
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