We asked television presenter and co-founder of The Outdoor Guide Julia Bradbury to share her top tips for things to do in spring. As someone who’s explored the length and breadth of the English countryside in all weathers, we can’t think of anyone better placed to advise us!
Number one on Julia’s list of top things to do in spring is to head to the Peak District to see lambs gambolling in the Peak District. She has fond childhood memories of being there with her dad. And who doesn’t love to see all the new life bounding around at this time of year? Interesting aside: it was here that Julia’s dad first told her about Alfred Wainwright, capturing her imagination and setting her on her way to a later passion project...
Something that goes hand in hand with the warmer days is a pleasant countryside walk – preferably followed by a drink in a country pub. And if there’s a view involved, even better! The view that prompted Julia to give this springtime tip can be seen from The Rising Sun on Cleeve Hill, on the edge of the Cotswolds.
A new season means a raft of fresh seasonal foods to gorge on, and in springtime England, that means delicious produce such as asparagus, crab and watercress – and a diary full of corresponding food festivals. Julia was lucky enough to try some plump scallops in Webbe's at The Fish Café, Rye, which this year came into their prime in early spring.
In 2007, years after her dad first introduced her to the iconic fellwalker Alfred Wainwright, Julia filmed the first of two popular series for the BBC: Wainwright Walks. So when she says the views and sunsets from the trails are spectacular, we trust her completely!
The ever-changing views and abundant wildlife between Shell Bay and Studland Beach propelled Dorset’s epic coastline into Julia’s top 5 things to do in spring. Forget the blustery wintry walks of the last few months – springtime by the sea has an entirely different charm: gentle breezes, buzzing bees and, in Dorset, hours whiled away unearthing the fossils of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
See the offers and events happening for English Tourism Week, snap up a bargain and get out and about in England this spring.
VisitEngland would like to invite you to take part in a short survey about our website.
It should take no more than a couple of minutes.