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Some of the most effective locations in England to go to in April, from historic cities to the idyllic English countryside.
England at all times feels prefer it’s beginning to get up in spring. Many companies shut over winter and reopen in the beginning of the month, and with the climate enhancing and spring blooms including color to the panorama, April at all times appears like a magical time.
Excepting the Easter Holidays, April is a shoulder season for journey in the UK. This often means decrease costs and fewer crowds – in addition to nice circumstances for climbing, biking, and having fun with the nation’s ample pure magnificence.
April Highlights in England
Bluebells: Bluebells sometimes bloom from late March to early May. See the tip of the web page for an inventory of prime spots.
Puffins: Puffins begin returning to their breeding colonies on the cliffs. The RSPB Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire, the Farne Islands in Northumberland, and the Scilly Isles are good locations to see them.
Lambing Season: Popular spots embody the Cotswolds, Lake District, and Yorkshire Dales.
Spring Events: Mid-spring sees a flurry of festivals and occasions throughout the nation. I’ve included an inventory of the most important ones on the finish of this publish.
Easter: Easter usually falls in April, which suggests a 4-day weekend, plenty of themed occasions, and busy vacationer hotspots. Book issues in advance when you’re travelling through the Easter Holidays.
KEY DATES
Easter vacation: 5 April 2025 to 21 April 2025Good Friday (financial institution vacation): 18 AprilEaster Monday (financial institution vacation): 21 April
Places to Visit in England in April
1. The Scilly Isles
Spring arrives barely earlier to the Scilly Isles than the remainder of the nation. This scattered archipelago of tiny islands is barely 28 miles from the Cornish coast, however that brief distance makes all of the distinction.
Flowers bloom weeks sooner than they do on the mainland, the local weather is extra temperate, and the solar units as a lot as half an hour later than in different components of the UK. Visit for spring blooms (head to Abbey Gardens on Tresco), pristine white-sand seashores, coastal walks, and wildlife.
Wildlife: Puffins start to arrive in mid-April, together with many different seabirds. You can see seals on the coast many of the 12 months.
2. London
Let’s face it, there’s by no means actually a foul time to go to the UK’s capital, however April is especially beautiful. Between the world-famous London Marathon (27 April 2025), the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race (13 April 2025), and the Easter lengthy weekend, there’s rather a lot to hold you busy.
Head to Kew Gardens or the royal park in Greenwich to see cherry blossoms, or stroll by means of Hyde Park for tulips and different spring blooms.
Be warned: London’s prime museums and vacationer points of interest are very busy through the Easter Holidays. If you’ll be able to go to outdoors of the vacations, you’ll discover that is nonetheless a comparatively quiet time to discover town.
3. Cornwall
April is considered one of my favorite occasions to go to Cornwall, when the woodlands are scattered with wildflowers and the sleepy coastal cities are nonetheless pretty quiet (earlier than the summer season hoards arrive!).
Visit scenic St Ives for the artwork scene, fairly Padstow for its foodie scene, or historic Charlestown with its harbour filled with tall ships. Spring can also be top-of-the-line occasions to hit Cornwall’s coastal climbing trails – particularly round St Agnes and alongside the Lizard Peninsula. Check out the South West Coast Path for some unimaginable routes.
For bluebells: head to the Enys Gardens or the historic nation estates at Godolphin House and Lanhydrock.
4. York
Home to each the Rowntree’s and Terry’s factories, York has a wealthy chocolate-making historical past. In April, town hosts the annual York Chocolate Festival in celebration – with a market, tasting path, and many themed occasions.
The metropolis is a pleasure right now of 12 months, with the parks and gardens bursting with vibrant blooms. Explore iconic points of interest like York Minster with out the summer season crowds, and wander by means of the Shambles, one of many best-preserved medieval purchasing streets in Europe (stated to have impressed Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies).
For Nature Lovers: Escape to the close by Flamborough Cliffs to spot puffins, or attempt the well-known Farndale Daffodil Walk on the North York Moors.
5. The Lake District
Outside the height summer season season, the Lake District appears like a complete different world. Late April brings bluebells and different spring blossoms to the woods and meadows. Look out for new child lambs in the fields as you discover.
The milder climate is ideal for having fun with the area’s wonderful climbing and biking trails. If you fancy a problem, there’s the Lakeland Loop (6 April 2025), a biking occasion tackling a 69-mile route.
Top Tip: April’s climate could be pretty unpredictable, and rain isn’t unusual, so pack wise gear. Read my spring packing listing for England for extra ideas.
6. The Cotswolds
With its postcard-perfect villages and rolling farmland, the Cotswolds usually feels just like the epitome of quintessential England. Again, the countryside is dotted with vibrant spring blooms: head to Foxholes Nature Reserve for bluebells or the spectacular gardens at Highgrove House close to Tetbury.
April is lambing season, with frolicking lambs a typical sight throughout the area’s many farms. Head to the Cotswolds Farm Park for the possibility to see newborns taking their first steps and be taught extra about native sheep farming.
READ MORE: The Cotswolds 2-Day Driving Itinerary
What’s On in England in April
Best Places to See Bluebells in England
Bluebells sometimes bloom in historic woodlands. They often have a tendency to begin a bit of early in the south, and a bit of later in the north of England. Below are a number of the finest locations to see them – discover a full listing on the Wildlife Trust web site.
Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trail, Polegate, East Sussex – This path provides six totally different walks by means of lovely bluebell woods.
Pamphill Bluebell Woods, Kingston Lacy, Dorset – Also generally known as Abbot Street Copse, this is likely one of the hottest spots to see bluebells in Dorset.
Hole Park Gardens, Rolvenden, Kent – This backyard is understood for its gorgeous bluebell show from mid-April to mid-May.
Stourhead Estate, Wiltshire – The Bonham Wood space transforms right into a bluebell haven in spring.
Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire – This National Trust website is known for its carpets of bluebells in Dockey Wood.
Hinton Ampner, Hampshire – Another National Trust property with lovely bluebell woods and gardens.
Emmetts Garden, Kent – This backyard is understood for its bluebell woods and gorgeous views.
Nymans, West Sussex – This National Trust backyard options lovely bluebell shows in its woodland areas.
From blossoming nature to cultural occasions and world-famous sporting highlights, there’s a lot happening in England this month. April at all times feels just like the time that the nation begins to get up; the climate appears to enhance by the day, many companies reopen after closing for the winter, and the calendar begins to fill with enjoyable occasions.
Hopefully, this publish has given you some inspiration for the place to go to in your April journey to England. As at all times, be happy to attain out with any questions or feedback – I’m at all times joyful to assist individuals discover my residence nation!
Read More
Spring Packing List for England
Most Romantic Places to Visit in the UK
15 Epic England Road Trips
Are there some other locations in England which might be at their finest in spring? Scroll down to depart a remark!
