At last! Spring is in the air and Britain is bursting into bloom, so it's is the perfect time of year to explore the British countryside. We asked the National Trust to name its top ten signs of spring - and to tell us the best places around the country to bask in its glory. Here's where to celebrate the season.
Where To Admire The Signs Of Spring In The UK
March Hares(01 of10)
One of the great signs of the arrival of spring is the so-called ‘mad March hare’. Normally shy and reclusive, at this time of year they can be spotted ‘boxing’ in open fields throughout the mating season. Top spot for hare viewing: Lyme Park, Cheshire. The open spaces here are perfect hare-spotting territory during early spring. Head up to The Cage, an atmospheric hilltop hunting lodge, for great views across the park’s vast acres. Other good spots for hare spotting : Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire; Dark Peak Moors, Derbyshire for mountain hare; Divis Mountain, Belfast, for Irish hare. (credit:Getty)
Dandy Dandelions(02 of10)
“Fields of bright yellow dandelions are a sure sign that spring is on its way – and a big help to bees and insects as they come out of hibernation,” says Matthew Oates from the National Trust. Best dandelion spot: Attingham Park, Shropshire. The open fields of many National Trust parks and estates are perfect places for dandelions to flourish. Other dandy dandelion fields: Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire; Felbrigg, Norfolk; Stonehenge Landscape, Wiltshire. (credit:Getty)
Magnificent Magnolia(03 of10)
These astonishing goblet or star-shaped flowers are much admired seasonal icons. Top magnolia viewing spot: Nymans, West Sussex, a spectacular garden famed for its amazing collection of rare plants. In spring, the stars of the show are magnificent magnolias, underplanted with drifts of daffodils and grape hyacinths. Also see amazing magnolias at: Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey; Glendurgan Garden, Cornwall; Bodnant Garden, Conwy. (credit:Getty)
Carpets Of Bluebells(04 of10)
Did you know that the UK is home to half of the world's population of bluebells? "Throughout late April and May, the carpets of blue that cover our woodlands are one of our greatest spring treasures," says Matthew Oates from the National Trust. Britain's best bluebell viewing spot: Blickling Estate, Norfolk. Follow the winding paths through the great wood and pass through swathes of dainty English bluebells. Other bluebell hotspots: Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire; Lanhydrock, Cornwall; The Vyne, Hampshire. (credit:National Trust/Matthew Antrobus)
Spring Lambs(05 of10)
All around the country, newborn lambs are wobbling around on unsteady legs: a sure sign that winter is over. Greatest spot for lamb gazing: Wimpole Estate, Cambridgeshire. This working estate is still guided by the seasons and brims with new life in spring as lambing season arrives. With a substantial collection of rare breeds, Home Farm sees the arrival of approximately 300 new lambs each year.See more spring newborns at: Brockhampton Estate, Herefordshire; Scotney Castle, Kent; Llanerchaeron, Ceredigion. (credit:National Trust/David Levenson)
Birdlife Galore(06 of10)
“After the long winter, migrating birds return from milder climates to spend the summer. Look out for chiffchaffs from March, with swallows and house martins usually arriving in April and swifts following in late April or early May,” says Matthew Oates. Best bird watching spot: Crom, Co. Fermanagh, Ireland, 2,000 acres of one of Ireland’s most important nature conservation islands, full of ancient woodlands and picturesque islands. Watch the winter birdlife depart and migrants arrive from the south from the new bird hide on the shores of Derrymacrow Lough. Other super spots for spring birdwatchers: Stackpole, Pembrokeshire; The Lizard, Cornwall; Blakeney Point, Norfolk. (credit:National Trust/John Millar)
Nesting Rooks(07 of10)
“One of the earliest and finest signs of spring is a rook with nest-building material held in its beak. You can spot a rookery in the tree tops or in old houses across Britain, with eggs appearing around early March,” says Matthew Oates. Top rook-spotting territory: Tattershall Castle, Lincolnshire. Rookery building in the trees at Tattershall means visitors who make the climb to the top of the castle keep can enjoy spectacular local views and down into the nests below too. Other recommended places to see a rookery: Tyntesfield, Bristol; Fyne Court, Bridgwater; Crook Peak, Somerset. (credit:National Trust/Peter Brash)
Red Squirrels(08 of10)
Although they can be seen throughout the year, these bushy-tailed creatures come to life as winter recedes and can be spotted foraging on the ground or roaming through the treetops. Special spot for red squirrel viewing: BrownseaIsland, Dorset. This island sanctuary, located within Poole Harbour and only accessible by boat, is a haven for wildlife. Thriving natural habitats provide great wildlife spotting potential, particularly for the often elusive rare red squirrel. Other places to seek out red squirrels: Formby, Lancashire; Mount Stewart, Co. Down; Wallington, Northumberland. (credit:National Trust)
A Host Of Golden Daffodils(09 of10)
These bright yellow bulbs are one of the most common heralds of spring, spreading outwards from the south west to the rest of the country. Top spot for daffs: Sizergh Castle, Cumbria. Wordsworth’s famous poem was inspired by a beautiful belt of wild daffodils in Cumbria. The wild variety found here has a particular beauty. In April, Dora’s Meadow at Grasmere, created by Wordsworth in memory of his daughter, will also be open for daffodil-viewing under the National Gardens Scheme. Other top spots for daffs: Kingston Lacy, Dorset; Chirk Castle, Wrexham; Gibside, Tyne & Wear. (credit:National Trust/David Levenson)
Tulip Trumpets(10 of10)
Tulips are bringing some much longed-for splashes colour to the landscape right now. Top tulip spot: Hidcote, Near Chipping Campden. Every year 15,000 tulips burst into bloom providing a beautiful splash colour against the mellow Cotswold stone of this magnificent formal house and gardens. Other terrific tulip spots: Sizergh Castle, Cumbria; Dyrham Park, South Gloucestershire; Upton House and Gardens, Warwickshire. (credit:National Trust/Val Corbett)