The BEST Nature & Outdoor Activities In England (Updated 2025)

As Britain shrugs off winter’s embrace, spring bursts forth, painting the landscape with vibrant hues and offering a breath of fresh air. With milder days beckoning, it’s the perfect time to venture outdoors and immerse ourselves in nature’s awakening. From the rolling hills and verdant meadows to the wild expanse of the moorlands, let’s uncover the most delightful outdoor activities in England to embrace the season and reconnect with the natural world.

1. Walking and Hiking

Spring is a truly delightful time for walking and hiking. As the countryside awakens with new life and the temperature becomes milder, the trails offer stunning scenery and a refreshing escape.

Take advantage of the longer days for strolls in parks, the countryside, forests, nature reserves, or along coastal paths.

Some of Britain’s most popular spring walks and hikes

Woodlands for Bluebells. Explore ancient woodlands in areas like the Chilterns, North Downs, Epping Forest, Brede High Woods (East Sussex), and Clumber Park (Nottinghamshire) for spectacular displays of bluebells.

Brede High Woods. Source: French Moments

The Cotswolds. Wander through charming villages and across rolling hills, enjoying the spring colours in gardens and the countryside.

The Ridgeway. This ancient trail offers varied landscapes and historical interest, with pleasant walking conditions in spring.

Coastal Paths. Enjoy bracing sea air and stunning coastal scenery along the South West Coast Path (Cornwall, Devon, Dorset), the Norfolk Coast Path, or the Seven Sisters cliffs in East Sussex, often with fewer crowds than in summer.

Woolacombe, North Devon, UK

Helpful tips for spring walking and hiking

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious explorer, having the right gear and preparation ensure a more enjoyable spring adventure.

Check the weather. Spring weather can be unpredictable, so always check the forecast before you go and be prepared for showers and changes in temperature.

Wear layers. Layering your clothing will allow you to adjust to changing conditions.

Good footwear. Ensure you have comfortable and waterproof walking shoes or boots.

Navigation. Carry a map and compass or a reliable GPS device, especially on longer or more remote routes.

Protect nature. Stick to marked paths, avoid trampling wildflowers, and take your litter home with you. Be mindful of nesting birds and young animals.

2. Birdwatching

With many migratory birds arriving and establishing breeding grounds, spring in the UK is an exciting time for feathered friend enthusiasts. Different species can be spotted almost anywhere, especially in woodlands, wetlands, and coastal areas.

Where to go birdwatching in spring

National Trust Properties. Many National Trust properties offer excellent birdwatching opportunities, with guided walks and wildlife experts available. During spring, you’ll be able to spot resident birds such as groups of rooks, robins and blackbirds busy making nests. You’ll also likely to see winter visitors like redwings, fieldfares, as well as early arrivals like woodlarks, willow warblers, and chiffchaffs.

RSPB Reserves. RSPB reserves, such as Bempton Cliffs, are known for their diverse birdlife and excellent viewing opportunities. From March to August, the majestic cliffs of Bempton welcome approximately half a million seabirds here to rear their young, including puffins, northern gannets, kittiwakes, and guillemots.

Coastal Areas. Coastal regions are popular spots for spotting migrating birds, including gulls, terns, and wading birds.

Wetlands. Wetlands, such as those at the WWT (Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust), are home to a variety of waterfowl and other waterbirds.

Top tips for bird spotting

Get to know your bird. If you often mix up similar species, reading up on how they look, what makes them different, and how they usually act will help you spot them more easily. Also, watching them in their natural habitats will give you a great, direct understanding of them.

Avoid feeding wild waterfowl like ducks and swans to prevent various harmful effects on their health, behaviour, and the surrounding environment. The most commonly found issues with feeding include malnutrition, dependency, disease, water pollution and environmental degradation.

How to safely feed garden birds

To safely feed garden birds, it’s best to choose accredited bird food from trusted sellers.
Offer food in small amounts that will be eaten within a few days to prevent spoilage.
Position multiple feeders apart from each other to give birds space and reduce close contact.
Regularly clean and disinfect your feeders to prevent the spread of disease.
Always remember to wash your hands thoroughly after touching feeders or any bird faeces.

3. Visiting Gardens

Exploring the vibrant colours of blooming flowers in botanical gardens and public parks has to be among the most pleasurable outdoor activities in England. Many National Trust and English Heritage properties have magnificent gardens that are particularly stunning in spring with their curated displays of flowers and blossom.

Bodnant Garden, Conwy. Bodnant Garden is a 80-acres National Trust property near Tal-y-Cafn, Conwy, Wales. Created and developed over 150 years by five generations of one family, the garden features a rich horticultural history and vision. It is also the home of National Collections such as magnolia, eucryphia, embothrium, Champion Trees and other plants from around the world.

Bodnant Garden, Tal-y-Cafn, Conwy, LL28 5RE. Source: National Trust

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Kent. The Sissinghurst gardens are not only rich in history, but also ideal for a springtime wander. In early spring, the iconic orchard comes alive with a golden wave of over 10,000 daffodils. Enjoy the warm and vibrant colours of fritillaria, muscari (grape hyacinths), magnolias, blossoms, hellebores, crocus, wood anemones and even the magnificent display of tulips towards the end of the season.

The Nuttery at Sissinghurst Castle Garden In April. Source: National Trust

Eltham Palace, London. Located in south-east London, these English Heritage gardens boast a fascinating history and striking Art Deco architecture. Across 19 acres of gardens, witness the beauty of cheerful daffodils, tulips, camellias, magnolias, fresh green leaves on shrubs and trees. Get ready to be enchanted by the awakening of wildflower meadow climaxing in late spring.

Flowers at Eltham Palace Greenwich London. Source: Faded Spring

4. Visiting Farms

For memorable outdoor activities in England during springtime, consider visiting farms where you and your loved ones, including little ones, can experience the joy of seeing newborn lambs and other young animals.

Flowers at Eltham Palace Greenwich London. Source: Faded Spring

For lambing experiences

Imagine the heartwarming sight of tiny lambs taking their first wobbly steps! Farms like Cotswold Farm Park and Kent Life often offer dedicated lambing barns and even opportunities to bottle-feed these adorable newborns.

Cannon Hall Farm and Hogshaw Farm & Wildlife Park host special springtime events centered around their new arrivals, while Broadlees and Frampton Farm in Kent provide more intimate experiences, sometimes with chances for cuddles and photos.

Check individual farm websites for their lambing schedules and booking information to immerse yourself in this truly special time of year.

For general farm visits and animal encounters

Beyond the lambs, spring brings a flurry of fluffy and feathered arrivals to farms across England. Bocketts Farm Park and Odds Farm Park are fantastic choices for families, offering a wide array of animals, from playful piglets to curious chicks, alongside engaging activities.

Pennywell Farm in Devon and Easton Farm Park in Suffolk provide lovely settings to connect with farm animals in the fresh spring air. Even Wroxham Barns in Norfolk combines farm fun with other attractions.

These visits offer hands-on experiences and a chance to learn about farm life amidst the vibrant backdrop of the season. Remember to check opening times and any special spring events before planning your visit!

Source: Bocketts Farm Park

As the days lengthen and the air hums with the activity of the natural world, these diverse outdoor activities in England offer something for everyone. Whether you find solace in a quiet woodland walk carpeted with bluebells, the thrill of spotting a rare migratory bird, the visual feast of a meticulously cultivated garden, or the heartwarming charm of new life on a farm, spring in England is an invitation to step outside and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of the season. So lace up your boots, pack your binoculars, and prepare to be enchanted by the vibrant tapestry of springtime in the countryside.

Source: Bocketts Farm Park

Ready to ditch the baggage and embrace the open road?

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Contact or call us on 0800 027 2668 today and travel with complete peace of mind, knowing your space is waiting for you when you return.