I love springtime in the United Kingdom - the beautiful flowers, the charming villages, the coastlines and the baby sheep everywhere! It's also the perfect time for a staycation or a mini-break, when it's warm enough to explore, but before the school holidays and the crowds. These are my absolute favorite spots to go across the UK - you can't go wrong with any of these choices!
The Cotswolds
A favorite staycation spot for a reason, The Cotswolds are absolutely beautiful, especially in the springtime. The area is known for its charming villages with stone houses, beautiful countryside walks and adorable village pubs. If you want more details on the best spots to go, check out my blog post on the 6 Cutest Cotswold Villages!
North York Moors
I love Yorkshire, and the North York Moors have everything you could want - seaside, abundant wildlife, history, and beautiful rolling hills. Head to Robin Hood's Bay on the seaside for amazing views, and fish and chips by the seaside, or Goathland train station for old school steam trains and a popular Harry Potter filming location. And don't forget the beautiful Whitby Abbey, an impressive ruined abbey and inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula!
The Peak District
If you're looking for a bit of adventure, The Peak District is a perfect spot for you. Picture gentle mountains and valleys, with adorable stone villages nestled in between them, and sheep everywhere. It's also home to some of my favorite grand houses - Chatsworth is a must visit! I also recommend doing a hike or two when there, and some of my favorite all-abilities walks include Mam Tor, Lud's Church, and Stanage Edge.
Stratford-upon-Avon
You probably know all about Stratford as the birthplace of William Shakespeare, but it's also a really beautiful part of the country, and well worth a visit! If you're interested in history and theatre, there's plenty to do - from seeing amazing shows at the Royal Shakespeare Company, or visiting the Bard's birthplace and Anne Hathaway's cottage.
Cambridge
One of my favorite cities of all time, Cambridge has the perfect mix of beautiful architecture, bucketloads of history, and so many things to do! You'd be hard pressed to find a better way to spend a sunny afternoon than punting on the river, admiring the university's impressive buildings. For a full list of how to spend a day in Cambridge, make sure to check out my detailed blog on the subject!
Oxford
As a foil to Cambridge, and equally as beautiful, Oxford is an amazing option for a staycation, and easy to get to from London. I love Oxford for its history, architecture, and collegiate atmosphere. If you're a literary fan, you'll find inspiration for classic stories all over the city, as well as a lovely tea room paying homage to Alice in Wonderland, The Alice. Make sure to check out my blog post on the 15 best things to do in Oxford for more information.
Anglesey
Perhaps a bit further afield than many others on this list, but stunningly beautiful, the Isle of Anglesey in Wales is a perfect spot to reconnect with nature and get away from it all. There are so many beautiful, secluded beaches and coastal walks on this little island - I can't recommend it enough for a long weekend away.
Isle of Skye
One of my favorite spots in the UK, this Scottish isle is the epitome of natural beauty. Hike up to the Old Man of Storr for spectacular views, or go for a wildlife boat trip from Portree to see some dolphins! If you fancy turning this staycation into a longer trip, make sure you check out my NC500 and Skye Scottish Road Trip itinerary!
Cornwall
I love a beach holiday as much as the next person, but Cornwall hits different! In addition to beautiful, pristine beaches, it's got rocky coastal paths, some truly spectacular and historical ruins, hidden coves, and - of course - Cornish pasties. Highlights for me include Tintagel Castle and St Michael's Mount, but you can't go wrong in this beautiful county!
Bath
I'm guilty of never shutting up about how much I love Bath, and I'm afraid I'm going to have to do it again. Bath is beautiful at all times of year, but key spots like Prior Park and the Royal Crescent are particularly beautiful in the Springtime. Combine your beautiful outdoor pursuits with a bit of the Roman Baths and Jane Austen museum (the tea with Mr. Darcy is particularly great!) and you've got a perfect mini-holiday, in my opinion. Make sure to check out my full blog on all of the things you must do in Bath before you go!
Which of these most tickles your fancy? It's hard to pick! If you'd like more travel recommendations, and to follow along with my life abroad in the UK, make sure to check out my Instagram over at @elise.abroad!
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