Spectacular Spring Breaks
Posted 15 February 2023 in Days Out
Written by Britannia Web Team 
The days are getting longer, the nights are getting brighter, and the flowers are beginning to bloom, so that can only mean one thing: spring is coming! This much needed season will be welcomed with open arms this year, as it is the first time in a long time that we can fully experience all that spring has to offer, without being locked indoors. So, if you wish to take full advantage of the warmth and beauty that spring brings, here are a few UK spots worth visiting.
Brighton
Brighton is a stunning place to visit all year round, however, when the sun comes out and people get a pep in their step, this coastline town really begins to thrive. Brighton beach is the main attraction here, inviting families, couples and individuals to frolic on the golden sand and enjoy a splash in the sea.
The Palace Pier is also a great place to visit during the spring, with arcade attractions, play areas, free public side shows and an array of restaurants and takeaways to stop at for a delicious meal.
Away from the classic tourist attraction, Brighton has many parks and gardens all available to the public, where you can revel in the spring botany. One of Brighton’s best, Queens Park, sits in a sheltered valley with ample wildlife kept by local herbalists, which thrive in the spring months.
Another brilliant park is East Brighton Park which covers some 60 acres of lands, so there is room for everyone. From children’s apparatus to sporting fields and a quint café for snacks and light lunches, you will never be stuck for something to do. This park is bursting with greenery after 420,000 bulbs were planted in 2008, in addition to one hundred new sapling trees being planted by schools and local volunteers. So, come and revel in how this feat looks 15 years later.
Dartmoor National Park
If you have never been to Dartmoor National Park in the heart of Devon, this spring is your time. Dartmoor is the ideal location for a long weekend away, taking it all that the wonderous British countryside has to offer.
This vast area of greenery is the perfect place to go on a peaceful countryside walk and admire all the flourishing flowers that will be newly sprouting come spring. There are even select paths that allow dogs to join in, so you can even bring along your fluffy friends to enjoy the fun.
Dartmoor has an array of exciting attractions from a museum detailing life in Dartmoor, the house of marbles and even a sculpture school. There are also several stunning gardens dotted around the park including an RHS garden in Great Torrington.
Manchester
Manchester is best known for being a bustling city with fast transport and a loud nightlife. But, if you look a bit deeper, you will find that Manchester has a beautiful green side as well.
You can find many parks and quaint gardens throughout the city, but the most notable is the RHS Bridgewater Garden. This iconic garden, opened in May 2021 is currently the largest gardening project in the whole of Europe! It spans some 154 acres, so there is plenty of room for everyone to get a look around. Some of this gardens features include the UK’s largest Walled Garden, a Chinese Streamside Garden, a Kitchen garden, to name but a few.
RHS Bridgewater Garden is only a 20-minute drive from our very own Britannia Hotel Manchester, which makes for a great spot to rest during a sprightly spring break.
New Forest Park
New Forest Park in Hampshire is the ideal place for you to get back in touch with nature this spring. This historic park is rich with greenery and has several stunning towns just a short drive away, allowing you to leave the hustle and bustle of regular life behind for a weekend.
During the 11th century, New Forest Park was named as a royal park under William I. Whilst the area was mainly used for royal proceedings such as host hunts, ‘commoners’ were allowed to let their animals graze freely on the land. This is a notion that has stuck to this day, so you will most likely cross paths with horses and ponies during your exploration of the park. It should be noted that you are the guest in these animals’ home, so it would be wise to keep a distance and leave them to their day.
If you are looking for something more than just strolling around the park, there are a range of designated walks that you can embark on. Whether you need short, flat walks or are wanting to tackle harder, steeper walks, there is something for everyone here. There are also wheelchair accessible routes as well as dog-friendly paths. Check out their website to find out more information.
