6 Great Locations For Spring Touring
The typical UK Spring weather was delayed by the Beast From The East and its assorted offspring, but things can only get better, right? That being so, it’s time to start planning your Springtime trips.
There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season in your caravan or motorhome, whether you’re thinking of a long weekend away or even you first trip of the year to mainland Europe.
Here are a few of our favourite ideas for touring this Spring…
1. Sample Spring Country Life In Beautiful Wales
Royal Welsh Horticultural Society Spring Festival
Builth Wells, Powys , 19th & 20th May 2018
Nestled in the Welsh section of the Wye Valley, where the River Wye and the River Irfon meet, this bustling town grew up around the natural springs that gave the place its name and was a favourite with the Victorians.
It hasn’t rested on its laurels either and hosts several major Welsh cultural and agricultural events every year, including the Royal Welsh Horticultural Society Spring Festival: a magnificent celebration of all things ‘country’ for the whole family. The town’s an excellent base for active pursuits such as walking, cycling and kayaking, as well as sightseeing. This Visit Wales Guide will give you a flavour.
2. Spring Folk Music Festivals UK-wide
Folk music celebrates nature, culture and changing seasons like no other, so why not get into the spirit at a Folk festival.
There are loads to choose from up and down the country, with many held in beautiful locations with camping opportunities to match. Dance and audience participation are often big parts of it and many events are family friendly, although do check before booking.
We especially like the look of the Holmfirth Festival in Pennine. It runs from May 11th to 13th in 2018 and is a real community celebration of Spring, with plenty to see and do in the village’s streets, pubs and public spaces.
3. Visit a Bluebell Wood Near You
UK-wide, typically May
Head over to last year’s Bluebell article for some wonderful places to see Bluebells and to read a bit more about these intriguing little plants.
Many National Trust properties have Bluebell woods and certainly the National Trust website is a good place to start if you’d like to combine some Bluebell spotting with a day out at a spectacular historic property or landmark.
As ever, check opening times before you leave and it’s not a bad idea to ask if the bluebells are flowering. This is, of course, weather dependent.
4. Go to the Morris In Hastings
May 4th - 7th 2018
Massive amounts of Morris dancing, epic quantities of good food and drink, buckets of Spring tradition, and street performers and musicians galore.
The Jack In The Green festival is an unbridled celebration of Spring and the long summer days to come – and it’s right by the sea. What’s not to like if you’re looking for a party, maybe combined with a relaxing break in the beautiful South East?
5. Dolphin Spotting In Scotland or Wales
Springtime is when dolphins have their young and it’s a natural wonder you can see for yourself without having to leave the UK.
In the Moray Firth Eco Ventures runs responsible boat excursions to see the dolphins and other wildlife that thrive in this beautiful part of Scotland.
Then in Wales, The Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centreorganises boat trips to see dolphins, porpoises and seals. The centre’s run by a conservation group that’s part of The Wildlife Trust of West and South Wales.
Needless to say, both locations offer some spectacular camping and touring opportunities. Visit the websites for details.
6. Visit the Netherlands: The Home Of The Bulb
The Keukenhof, Netherlands
Mid March until May
This has to be one of the greatest floral shows on Earth, as the Netherlands’ most famous export bursts into colour across acres and across of Dutch bulb fields.
People come from across the world to see the display, which progresses from Snow Whites and Croci through to Tulips. The season typically runs from February to about mid-May, although clearly it depends on the weather, so do check ahead.
The Keukenhof is midway between the Hague and Amsterdam and is handy for the Hook of Holland ferry. To extend you tour, drive across the 32km Afsluitdijk dike, which connects Noord-Holland with beautiful rural Friesland.
There are a thousand other ways to enjoy Spring in your caravan or motorhome, but we hope these ideas are a good place to start. Happy Spring!