The Best Spring Gardens
Spring into action and banish those winter blues with a walk through the best spring gardens this springtime. Lift your spirits with some fresh air and head out on a wildflower walk. The blossoming spring bulbs create impressive displays of colour made up of bursts of red tulips, pink magnolias, lilac hyacinths and everyone’s favourite yellow trumpet: the daffodil.
This article will help you to uncover the most delicate of blossoms, the loveliest flowerbeds and the most promising of buds that are easy to spot on a spring garden walk. Let CrossCountry take you on a trip when you purchase an Advance ticket via our website, so you can explore the incredible spring gardens found across the UK and put a spring back in your step with a wildflower walk.
Explore a Sprawling Estate
What: Greenway Gardens
Where: Devon
Getting There: Catch a train to Paignton, where you can take a 10-15-minute taxi ride to the gardens.
The Greenway National Trust garden in Devon is renowned for its spring gardens. The River Dart courses through the grounds, where rhododendrons, camellias and Magnolias are busy blossoming into action. The peaceful habitat becomes a riot of colour and there are even free springtime walks, which take place until the end of April daily at 14:00. When it comes to exploring UK gardens in spring, it doesn’t get any better than Greenway Gardens.
Top Tip: While the flowers steal the show on a spring garden walk, they share some of the limelight with the resident herons. A large heronry is nestled on the fringes of the garden and you find out how all the wildlife is cared for during one of the estate tours.
Discover Gardens in a Town Centre
What: Jephson Gardens
Where: Leamington Spa
Getting There: Jephson Gardens are less than 15 minutes’ walk from the station.
For years, Jephson Gardens have welcomed locals and visitors who want to enjoy some fresh air and the beauty of a spring garden in Leamington Spa. Visit the Spa town on your next day-trip to roam the magical gardens. Explore floral displays, ornate gardens and surprising architecture, which pops up out of the greenery. The café in the gardens serves a delicious afternoon tea, and there’s around 20 acres of land to explore if you include the nearby grassy Mill Gardens and its boating lake.
Top Tip: If the weather isn’t quite as great as you were expecting, you can visit the subtropical glasshouse, where there are plenty of exciting plants to discover! 
Go Wild on the Waterways
What: Dapdune Warf
Where: Guidlford
Getting There: Get a train to Guildford and then it’s a quick 11 minute walk.
If you’re keen to get your little ones out and about this springtime, jump on a train to Guildford and head to Dapdune Warf. This National Trust property might be small, but it sure is mighty! Explore the wild space and admire the greenery that is putting on a display at this time of year. With lots of paths to discover and plenty of children’s activities going on; you’ll be able to keep the kids entertained all day long!
Top Tip: You can also explore along the length of the River Wey, with lots of different trails available for little or long legs. There’s even a Boat Trip so you can see what’s springing up around the banks of the river.
Explore the Great Outdoors
What: Brockenhurst
Where: New Forest
Getting There: Get a train to Brockenhurst Railway Station, then get a bus from the station to Foxhills and walk the final 10 minutes to the park.
Brockenhurst New Forest radiates a charm that is made all the more irresistible in the months of spring. You can hike or cycle the terrain, which is strewn with budding wildflowers. Why not take a break in a cosy pub such as The Huntsman of Brockenhurst or the Foresters Arms, where 360-degree views can be enjoyed along with a side serving of local hospitality? Look out for ponies, birds, donkeys and deer while on your exploration of this area of natural beauty. For more information on getting a train to Brockenhurst and to see maps featuring some of the area's best walking trails, check out our article here.
Top Tip: Beauty spot Whitefield Moor is located close to Rhinefield Road. Pack a blanket, make some fresh sandwiches, and head to this idyllic place for a postcard-perfect picnic in the spring sun!
You can plan your spring wildflower walk and take advantage of great savings with CrossCountry Advance train tickets.