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Some of the best places in England to visit in April, from historic cities to the idyllic English countryside.
England always feels like it’s starting to wake up in spring. Many businesses close over winter and reopen at the start of the month, and with the weather improving and spring blooms adding colour to the landscape, April always feels like a magical time.
Excepting the Easter Holidays, April is a shoulder season for travel in the UK. This usually means lower prices and fewer crowds – as well as great conditions for hiking, biking, and enjoying the country’s abundant natural beauty.
April Highlights in England
- Bluebells: Bluebells typically bloom from late March to early May. See the end of the page for a list of top spots.
- Puffins: Puffins start returning to their breeding colonies on the cliffs. The RSPB Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire, the Farne Islands in Northumberland, and the Scilly Isles are good places to see them.
- Lambing Season: Popular spots include the Cotswolds, Lake District, and Yorkshire Dales.
- Spring Events: Mid-spring sees a flurry of festivals and events across the country. I’ve included a list of the biggest ones at the end of this post.
- Easter: Easter often falls in April, which means a 4-day weekend, lots of themed events, and busy tourist hotspots. Book things in advance if you’re travelling during the Easter Holidays.
KEY DATES
Easter holiday: 5 April 2025 to 21 April 2025
Good Friday (bank holiday): 18 April
Easter Monday (bank holiday): 21 April
Places to Visit in England in April
1. The Scilly Isles
Spring arrives slightly earlier to the Scilly Isles than the rest of the nation. This scattered archipelago of tiny islands is only 28 miles from the Cornish coast, but that short distance makes all the difference.
Flowers bloom weeks earlier than they do on the mainland, the climate is more temperate, and the sun sets as much as half an hour later than in other parts of the UK. Visit for spring blooms (head to Abbey Gardens on Tresco), pristine white-sand beaches, coastal walks, and wildlife.
Wildlife: Puffins begin to arrive in mid-April, along with many other seabirds. You can see seals on the coast most of the year.
2. London
Let’s face it, there’s never really a bad time to visit the UK’s capital, but April is particularly lovely. Between the world-famous London Marathon (27 April 2025), the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race (13 April 2025), and the Easter long weekend, there’s a lot to keep you busy.
Head to Kew Gardens or the royal park in Greenwich to see cherry blossoms, or stroll through Hyde Park for tulips and other spring blooms.
Be warned: London’s top museums and tourist attractions are very busy during the Easter Holidays. If you can visit outside of the holidays, you’ll find this is still a relatively quiet time to explore the city.
3. Cornwall
April is one of my favourite times to visit Cornwall, when the woodlands are scattered with wildflowers and the sleepy coastal towns are still fairly quiet (before the summer hoards arrive!).
Visit scenic St Ives for the art scene, pretty Padstow for its foodie scene, or historic Charlestown with its harbour full of tall ships. Spring is also one of the best times to hit Cornwall’s coastal hiking trails – especially around St Agnes and along the Lizard Peninsula. Check out the South West Coast Path for some incredible routes.
For bluebells: head to the Enys Gardens or the historic country estates at Godolphin House and Lanhydrock.
4. York
Home to both the Rowntree’s and Terry’s factories, York has a rich chocolate-making history. In April, the city hosts the annual York Chocolate Festival in celebration – with a market, tasting trail, and lots of themed events.
The city is a joy at this time of year, with the parks and gardens bursting with colourful blooms. Explore iconic attractions like York Minster without the summer crowds, and wander through the Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe (said to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films).
For Nature Lovers: Escape to the nearby Flamborough Cliffs to spot puffins, or try the famous Farndale Daffodil Walk on the North York Moors.
5. The Lake District
Outside the peak summer season, the Lake District feels like a whole other world. Late April brings bluebells and other spring blossoms to the woods and meadows. Look out for newborn lambs in the fields as you explore.
The milder weather is perfect for enjoying the region’s excellent hiking and biking trails. If you fancy a challenge, there’s the Lakeland Loop (6 April 2025), a cycling event tackling a 69-mile route.
Top Tip: April’s weather can be fairly unpredictable, and rain isn’t uncommon, so pack sensible gear. Read my spring packing list for England for more tips.
6. The Cotswolds
With its postcard-perfect villages and rolling farmland, the Cotswolds often feels like the epitome of quintessential England. Again, the countryside is dotted with colourful spring blooms: head to Foxholes Nature Reserve for bluebells or the impressive gardens at Highgrove House near Tetbury.
April is lambing season, with frolicking lambs a common sight across the region’s many farms. Head to the Cotswolds Farm Park for the chance to see newborns taking their first steps and learn more about local sheep farming.
READ MORE: The Cotswolds 2-Day Driving Itinerary
What’s On in England in April
St George’s Day (all over) – 23 April 2025. England’s patron saint’s day – there are usually events across England.
London Marathon – 27 April 2025.
York Chocolate Festival – 16-20 April 2025. A taste trail, market, and various chocolate-themed events.
Oxford Literary Festival – 29 March – 6 April 2025.
Bath Comedy Festival – 31 March – 21 April 2025.
Grand National, Liverpool – 3 – 5 April 2025. This world-famous horse racing event is known as much for its Ladies’ Day fashion as its races.
The Oxford & Cambridge Boat Race, London – 13 April 2025. One of the oldest sporting events in the world.
Best Places to See Bluebells in England
Bluebells typically bloom in ancient woodlands. They usually tend to start a little early in the south, and a little later in the north of England. Below are some of the best places to see them – find a complete list on the Wildlife Trust website.
- Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trail, Polegate, East Sussex – This trail offers six different walks through beautiful bluebell woods.
- Pamphill Bluebell Woods, Kingston Lacy, Dorset – Also known as Abbot Street Copse, this is one of the most popular spots to see bluebells in Dorset.
- Hole Park Gardens, Rolvenden, Kent – This garden is known for its stunning bluebell display from mid-April to mid-May.
- Stourhead Estate, Wiltshire – The Bonham Wood area transforms into a bluebell haven in spring.
- Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire – This National Trust site is famous for its carpets of bluebells in Dockey Wood.
- Hinton Ampner, Hampshire – Another National Trust property with beautiful bluebell woods and gardens.
- Emmetts Garden, Kent – This garden is known for its bluebell woods and stunning views.
- Nymans, West Sussex – This National Trust garden features beautiful bluebell displays in its woodland areas.
From blossoming nature to cultural events and world-famous sporting highlights, there’s so much going on in England this month. April always feels like the time that the country starts to wake up; the weather seems to improve by the day, many businesses reopen after closing for the winter, and the calendar starts to fill with fun events.
Hopefully, this post has given you some inspiration for where to visit on your April trip to England. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or comments – I’m always happy to help people explore my home country!
Read More
Spring Packing List for England
Most Romantic Places to Visit in the UK
Are there any other destinations in England that are at their best in spring? Scroll down to leave a comment!
