Six Captivating Destinations to Explore in England During April
Exploring England in April: A Springtime Adventure
April in England brings a rejuvenation, with milder weather, blooming flowers, and a variety of attractions that make it an ideal time to visit. From the bustling cities to the picturesque countryside, England offers a well-rounded experience for every traveller.
London (including the City of London and Westminster)
London, a city steeped in history, comes alive in April. The City of London offers fascinating Roman history with tours of Billingsgate Roman House and Baths, while art enthusiasts can marvel at the Evelyn De Morgan exhibition at Guildhall Art Gallery. Westminster provides iconic sites like Westminster Abbey and the Churchill War Rooms, and the South Bank area along the Thames is perfect for walking tours, food exploration, and a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Spring weather makes it ideal for riverside beer gardens, and Kew Gardens is spectacular with spring blossoms and bluebells.
Kent
Known as "The Garden of England," Kent boasts stunning gardens such as Sissinghurst Castle Garden and picturesque historic sites like Ightham Mote. April is a great time for walks or cycling through the scenic countryside and gardens in full bloom. Hole Park Gardens and Emmetts Garden are known for their stunning bluebell displays, while Stourhead Estate in Wiltshire transforms into a bluebell haven in spring.
Lake District
The Lake District offers breathtaking natural scenery with opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, paddleboarding, and wild swimming amid spring greenery. Literary history enthusiasts can visit Beatrix Potter’s former home at Lingholm Estate. The spring landscape is especially inspiring, providing a mix of adventure and cultural history.
Oxford and Stratford-upon-Avon
Oxford is renowned for its ancient university and beautiful historic architecture, easily accessible by train from London. Stratford-upon-Avon offers Tudor buildings and Shakespeare heritage, with pleasant spring weather making it ideal for walking the town and enjoying cultural tours.
Cornwall
St Ives, Padstow, and Charlestown are popular destinations in Cornwall for art, foodie scenes, and historic harbors. Cornwall's coastal hiking trails are best explored in spring, and woodlands scattered with wildflowers provide a peaceful backdrop. The Enys Gardens, Godolphin House, and Lanhydrock are good places to see bluebells, while puffins start returning to their breeding colonies on the cliffs in April.
The Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is dotted with colorful spring blooms, and Head to Foxholes Nature Reserve or the gardens at Highgrove House near Tetbury to see spring blooms. April is lambing season, with frolicking lambs a common sight across the region’s many farms. The Cotswolds Farm Park offers the chance to see newborn lambs and learn about local sheep farming.
Yorkshire and the Scilly Isles
York has a rich chocolate-making history and hosts the annual York Chocolate Festival in April. Nature lovers can visit the RSPB Bempton Cliffs, the Farne Islands, and the Scilly Isles to see puffins and other seabirds. Seals can be seen on the coast of the Scilly Isles most of the year, and the Scilly Isles offer spring blooms, pristine white-sand beaches, coastal walks, and wildlife.
Special Events
April is a month filled with special events. The Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race takes place in London on April 13, 2025. Easter often falls in April, leading to themed events, busy tourist hotspots, and a 4-day weekend. York Minster and the Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe, are iconic attractions in York. St George’s Day events are held across England on April 23, 2025.
Travel Considerations
April is considered a shoulder season for travel in the UK, offering lower prices and fewer crowds. Booking things in advance is recommended if travelling during the Easter Holidays. It's essential to pack sensible gear for the unpredictable weather in the Lake District, and remember to enjoy the beauty that England has to offer in the springtime.
- For those interested in art and history, a road trip through England's destinations like London, Oxford, and Stratford-upon-Avon, offers a well-rounded travel experience, showcasing the beauty of spring blossoms and the rich cultural heritage.
- The Lake District, with its breathtaking natural scenery, ought to be on every traveler's itinerary for springtime adventures, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and a touch of literary history.
- For a picturesque, blooming countryside experience, consider taking a travel route to Kent, known as "The Garden of England," famous for its stunning gardens, historic sites, and idyllic spring walks.
- As travel lifestyle enthusiasts continue to explore home-and-garden inspirations, the blooming flowers and spring landscapes of England's destinations present the perfect opportunity for capturing stunning photos and gathering design ideas.
