Posted on February 13, 2025
Signs of spring are in the air, crocus flowers and snow drops are popping up across parks, the temperature is ever so slightly warmer and we can finish the work day in day light. Spring is a special time in The Cotswolds, as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this is when flowers really like to show off, new leaves soften the sharp outlines of winter trees and colour abounds throughout the woodlands, gardens and rolling hills.
Whether you’re local to the area or have your fingers crossed for an April trip, here are a few of our favourite spots to admire the blossoming season across The Cotswolds…
Cerney House
Known as a romantic, secret escape in The Cotswolds, Cerney House Gardens situated near Cheltenham is the garden born straight from your dreams, set around a Victorian wall. Spring comes alive here, starting with a few snow drops leading into beautiful daffodils, tulips and an abundance of colour. The late Lady Angus and her daughter Barbara developed the garden with a lot of help from nature itself and the spring bulbs that erupted during their first spring in the house are what made them fall in love with nurturing this amazing garden.
Find out more about the gardens where time stands still here.
Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt may be famed for its autumn colours, but the blossoming season here is one of its best kept secrets. Spectacular spring blooms are displayed by the exotic magnolias, camellias and rhododendrons from late February onwards. The ornamental rhododendron add a vibrant splash of purple along the Circular Drive while the flowering Magnolia provides a dramatic display of pink.
Other spring highlights include the cherry plum blossom with their soft pink or white flowers and the beautiful carpets of bluebells throughout the woodland walks.
Find out more about organising a spring time visit to Westonbirt here.
Batsford Arboretum
Batsford is home to one of the country’s largest private tree collections with 56 acres of wild gardens, paths, streams and stunning views. Enjoy impressive displays of colour from their spring flowering bulbs including thousands of snowdrops and beautiful pink Japanese magnolias and cherry blossom. If you love the wildflowers of spring, you can also find swathes of wild garlic and shady glades of bluebells throughout the woodland.
More information about visiting Batsford Arboretum in spring can be found here.
Sudeley Castle and Gardens
Spring is announced at Sudeley Castle through the arrival of beautiful daffodils blooming in the Queens' Garden. Set against the stunning backdrop of the majestic castle and surrounded by striking views of the Cotswolds' hills, there are 10 award-winning gardens which sweep around the castle grounds. From a curated white flower garden representing purity, to the secret garden adorned with vibrant, exotic colours, this is a spring lover’s paradise. The secret garden is one of the top spots to visit in spring for its sea of over 2500 tulips!
Discover more about the beautiful Sudeley Castle and Gardens here.
Gwen & Vera’s Fields
Bright yellow daffodils are always a happy sight to welcome in spring, and nature reserve Gwen & Vera’s Fields is the best place to see them! One of the few wild daffodil meadows left in the area known as the "golden triangle", these fields are a sea of native wild daffodils every spring. If you’d like to extend your walk to see even more, Gwen & Vera’s Fields are part of a longer walk called the Wild Daffodil Trail which includes a number of nature reserves and walks from 2 to 8 miles can be found.
More information on how to find this nature reserve and the Wild Daffodil Trail can be found here.
Sezincote House and Gardens
Located near Moreton-in-Marsh,Sezincote is an extraordinary Indian-style house surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. The house’s unique design draws inspiration from the grand palaces of India, with its sweeping domes and distinctive features. During the spring months, the gardens truly come to life, with magnolias, cherry blossoms, and rhododendrons in full bloom, their vibrant colours creating a stunning contrast against the house’s striking architecture. The carefully curated gardens also boast exotic plants, tranquil ponds, and winding paths, making it a perfect destination for a peaceful spring stroll.
Dovers Hill
Perched above the picturesque town of Chipping Campden, Dovers Hill is one of the highest natural vantage points in The Cotswolds and is a fantastic place from which to appreciate the unfolding of spring in the heart of the Cotswolds. In spring, Bluebells begin to carpet the ground, creating a sea of purple that stretches across the slopes, while the air is filled with the fragrance of freshly bloomed primroses. Cherry and apple trees dot the hilltop too. Whether you're meandering along the hill’s paths or simply sitting and taking in the scenery, this is one of the Cotswolds' most enchanting locations to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Not a big fan of spring blooms? Here are a few more sure signs that spring in The Cotswolds is almost here!
Cotswold Farm Park
Is there a cuter way to welcome in spring than by seeing adorable lambs? Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park is in the midst of its lambing season right now and these adorable leaping lambs are sure to bring a smile to your face!
The farm park is still closed by you can watch all the lambing action over on their Instagram so you don’t feel left out.
Cotswold Water Park
If you love water sports then the Cotswold Water Park is the place to go. An area of over 40 square miles and 180 lakes, this stunning wetlands landscape is a haven for watering birds and wild water enthusiasts. Open from Easter through to October, the cool clear waters are a favourite amongst locals for crazy fun activities like water skiing or wake-boarding to peaceful activities like sailing or kayaking.
Find out more here and if you're a big fan of wild swimming, check out our blog post on the best spots in The Cotswolds to go wild swimming here.
Cotswold Falconry Centre
The Cotswold Falconry Centre, located within the picturesque Batsford Arboretum, offers an excellent opportunity to observe birds of prey in action. The centre hosts daily flying displays, where hawks, falcons, and owls demonstrate their agility and hunting skills, set against the backdrop of the blooming arboretum. In spring, many of the birds are more active, and it’s a great time to witness nesting behaviours and, if you’re lucky, spay some very young birds. Visitors can also get a closer look at the birds through meet-and-greet sessions, learning about their conservation and care, making it a unique and educational experience for all.