Spring Bucket List

Spring has sprung! Here in the wonderful West Country everything is bursting back into life; the hedgerows are filled with primroses, bluebells are stirring in the woods and lambs are buckarooing in the fields – it’s such a beautiful time of the year!

In celebration of the change of seasons – and also, any old excuse to share with you even more beautiful images of our beloved south west – here is Toad Hall Cottages’ springtime bucket list full of lovely things for the whole family to enjoy…

Things to Do in the South West this Spring

Woodland Walks

There is so much happening in our West Country woods at the moment; hibernating creatures are waking up from their winter slumbers, seeds and bulbs are germinating and starting to sprout, bees and butterflies are emerging, migrating birds are returning from their distant climes, and the trees are turning green. Soon the woodland floors will be covered in a sea of bluebells. Here’s a selection of breathtakingly beautiful bluebell walks in the South West.

bluebell-walks-devon

Picnics by the River

Take advantage of the spring sunshine and indulge yourselves with a lazy riverside picnic. Where better than a pretty riverbank to lay back with a flask of hot tea and a slab of cake, listening to the gentle babble of the water and birdsong. The South West is blessed with some of the loveliest rivers in the UK. Here are ten scenic river walks for you to explore…

picnic-spring

 

Pub Gardens

Whether it’s a table in a quiet corner of a pretty pub garden or a waterside bench overlooking the estuary, watching the sailing boats bobbing on the turning tide, when it comes to beautiful beer gardens, the West Country cannot be beaten. Order yourself a West Country ale, Cornish cider or Devon distilled gin and sit in the spring sunshine savouring the views.

the-plough-inn-new-forest

Take a Wild Swim

The south west coast is a haven for those who seek out the invigorating and salubrious benefits of wild swimming. Whether you fancy a dip in the sparkling open water or a secluded plunge in the tranquil eddies of a river, with the sunnier months now here to stay there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying a wild swim. Here are a handful of the region’s best wild swimming spots for you to savour in the spring sunshine.

wild-swim-spring

Coastal Rambles

Spectacular ocean views and mile upon mile of undulating coastal trails await all those who pick up the South West Coast Path. Starting in the seaside town of Minehead in Somerset, the path weaves its way round the region’s incredible beaches and dramatic headlands, before finishing in the maritime town of Poole in Dorset. Rise and shine for an invigorating early morning walk along the clifftops or enjoy a romantic beachy sunset stroll to the gentle hush of the waves. Our blog is filled with walking routes, so take a look if you need some inspiration.

tolcarne-beach-newquay

Garden Visits

Spring is one of the most vibrant seasons in the West Country’s garden calendar. From the giant magnolias of Lanhyrock to the bluebell woods of Kingston Lacy, these exquisite stately gardens make for a lovely family day out. These open acres stretch for miles along wild flower meadows, sweeping valleys and ancient woodlands. Here are ten of the best National Trust country houses in the stunning south west.

spring-gardens

Outdoor Adventures

Burst into life this spring with a wild adventure in the glorious South West where you’ll find a myriad of outdoor activities to enjoy, anything from stand-up paddle boarding and surfing, to coasteering and mountain biking – and that’s to name but a few! What better way to get active, build your confidence and spent time with your loved ones while rediscovering your passion for the great outdoorsm from the leafy tracks and trails of the New Forest to the gleaming bays of North Cornwall. Check out the rest of our blog for some of our favourite places for outdoor adventure, including woodland walks in the New Forest, surf schools in North Cornwall and stunning spots to learn a new water sport in Devon.