With Mother’s Day, Easter, school holidays and sunnier weather on the horizon, we’ve selected the best days out and activities to embrace the great outdoors this spring.
During spring the region’s stately homes come to life. The doors are reopened to beautiful interiors and the grounds begin to bloom. Bank holidays usually welcome activities and enactments for the whole family to enjoy too. Be sure to pay a visit to these stately homes this spring.
Hatfield House
Hatfield Park, Hertfordshire
Explore the Jacobean craftsmanship throughout the house with its grand interiors, collections and art loans. There are multiple gardens to explore, each with their own beautiful design. On 18 April and 12 May, head gardener, Andrew Turvey, will host an evening tour of the Historic Gardens, providing visitors with insightful knowledge about the landscape and plants. Find out more.
Wrest Park
Silsoe, Bedfordshire
Wrest Park is a spectacular country house which was designed to look like a grand French chateau. Visitors can explore the evolution of the English garden with a stroll through three centuries of landscape design. From dazzling parterres and fragrant borders, to sweeping views and woodland walks, the 92-acre gardens are a treat for the senses. From 2-21 April, children can become explorers with an Easter Adventure Quest, while a St George’s Festival takes place from 23-24 April.
Kentwell Hall
Long Melford, Sudbury
Explore this beautiful home which has been lived in for over 500 years. Most of the house can be viewed, while the extensive gardens offer many ancient features including a moat, 17th century walled garden and yews of a great age.
Knebworth House
Knebworth Park, Hertfordshire
With its grand house, beautiful gardens, parkland, children’s playground and dinosaur trail, Knebworth House is a perfect spring day out for the whole family. There’s plenty to see and do. The grounds host regular events so check the events calendar before your visit.
Anglesey Abbey
Quy Road, Cambridge
A trip to this National Trust property is a great spring day out. From Lord Fairhaven’s collection in the house, which took 40 years and a vast fortune to acquire, to the amazing collection of plants in the garden, there’s plenty to see and do. There are a number of walks to enjoy. Explore the Cambridgeshire countryside, passing waterways and the Quy Fen or opt for the Anglesey Abbey Dog Walking Trail, a short walk which takes in the countryside near the Abbey and the village of Lode.
Sandringham Estate
Sandringham PE35 6EN
Feel like royalty and walk the grounds of the Sandringham Estate. It is the ideal place for a day out with lots to see and do. Follow the footpaths through the woodlands and parklands or opt for a tour of the house and gardens.
Audley End House and Gardens
Saffron Walden, Essex
Created by the famous 18th century designer Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, the gardens at this historic home are beautiful at any time of year, but during spring and summer they come alive with vibrant colours. Stroll through the immaculate grounds, before stopping for tea at the café. From 2-24 April, the grounds will host its popular, Easter Adventure Quest. Plan your visit.
Framlingham Castle
Framlingham, Suffolk
Everyone knows about the castle on the hill, thanks to local lad and superstar Ed Sheeran, and quite right too, this is a Suffolk gem. Once upon a time it was a fearsome fortress, head behind the castle’s towering walls and discover its fascinating history with its exhibition, take in stunning views and finish with Tudor treats at the café. Keep an eye out for upcoming Easter and spring events.
Blickling Estate
Blickling, Norwich
The breath-taking red-brick mansion and ancient yew hedges sit at the heart of a magnificent garden and historic park in the beautiful Bure meadows. Explore the walled garden, admire historic buildings and stroll around the lake. During spring the space comes alive with daffodils and seasonal flora. Don’t miss bluebell season at the end of April and throughout May.
