After being cooped up during the winter months, there’s nothing better than seeing the sun shine and getting back outdoors. Spring is the perfect time to plan a UK getaway, whether you’re dreaming of a coastal escape, countryside retreat, or relaxing holiday cottage break.
Plan your spring break around what you truly love doing. From long beach walks and wildlife spotting to scenic hikes and peaceful rural stays, we have the perfect holiday property waiting in your ideal destination.
Embrace the warmer weather, lighter evenings, and fresh countryside air. Discover new places, explore hidden gems, and make the most of the season with a memorable UK spring holiday tailored to you.
What’s your ideal spring getaway?
Beach Holidays in the UK – Discover Stunning Coastal Breaks
It may still be a little early for a swim in the sea, but spring is the perfect time to enjoy the very best of the UK’s coastline. With longer days, warmer sunshine and fresh sea air, a beach holiday offers golden sands, dramatic scenery and glittering ocean views without the peak-season crowds.
Whether you’re planning a family seaside break, a romantic coastal escape or a dog-friendly beach holiday, the UK is home to some truly spectacular destinations.
Cornwall Beach Holidays
The county of Cornwall is famous for its breathtaking coastline and wide sandy beaches. As the UK’s most south-westerly county, Cornwall offers everything from world-class surfing spots to quiet coves and traditional fishing towns.
Popular beach destinations include:
-
Newquay – renowned for surfing beaches and watersports
-
Kynance Cove – a picturesque cove with turquoise waters
-
Looe – a charming fishing town perfect for a traditional seaside break
-
Roseland Peninsula – a protected and peaceful coastal haven
From coastal cottages with sea views to family-friendly holiday homes near the beach, Cornwall is ideal for a classic UK seaside holiday.
Discover your perfect Rural Retreat in Cornwall here.
Kynance Cove, Cornwall
Devon Seaside Breaks
Staying along the south coast, Devon is another top destination for beach lovers. Often referred to as the English Riviera, parts of Devon’s coastline enjoy a mild climate, sandy beaches and traditional seaside resorts.
Devon offers:
It’s a fantastic choice for a relaxing coastal getaway with plenty to explore.
Discover your perfect Rural Retreat in Devon here.
Norfolk Beach Escapes
For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, Norfolk delivers unspoilt beaches and protected coastal landscapes. Many beaches along the Norfolk coast are part of conservation areas, making them perfect for peaceful walks and birdwatching, especially in spring.
One of the most popular spots is Holkham Beach near Wells-next-the-Sea, known for its vast sandy shoreline, dunes and incredible wildlife.
If you’re searching for a quieter UK beach holiday surrounded by natural beauty, Norfolk is an excellent choice.
Discover your perfect Rural Retreat in Norfolk here.
From Cornwall’s surfing beaches to Devon’s seaside resorts and Norfolk’s wild beachside landscapes, the UK offers a beach break for everyone. Choose your ideal destination and find the perfect holiday property by the sea.
Coastal Holidays in the UK – Dramatic Scenery Without the Sand
If you love fresh sea air, panoramic ocean views and spectacular scenery but prefer cliffs and coastal paths to sandy beaches, the UK offers some of the most breathtaking protected coastline in Europe. A coastal holiday is perfect for walking, photography, wildlife watching and exploring iconic natural landmarks.
Dorset and the Jurassic Coast
The county of Dorset is world-famous for its dramatic shoreline along the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its geological significance and fossil discoveries.
This remarkable stretch of coastline features:
Dorset is ideal for coastal walking holidays, scenic short breaks and fossil-hunting adventures. The South West Coast Path provides unforgettable cliff-top routes with sweeping sea views.
Discover your perfect Rural Retreat in Dorset here.
Durdle Door, Dorset
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
Heading further north, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park was the first National Park in Britain designated primarily for the beauty of its coastline. Its rugged cliffs, hidden coves and wildlife-rich waters make it one of the best coastal walking destinations in the UK.
Visitors can enjoy:
-
Dramatic cliff-top hiking trails
-
Secluded bays and natural harbours
-
Atlantic wildlife, including seabirds and seals
-
Unspoilt, wild coastal landscapes
For those seeking a peaceful coastal escape with outstanding natural beauty, Pembrokeshire offers a perfect balance of adventure and tranquillity.
Discover your perfect Rural Retreat in Pembrokeshire here.
Whether you choose Dorset’s iconic rock formations or the wild beauty of Pembrokeshire, a UK coastal holiday promises fresh air, spectacular views and unforgettable scenery.
Walking Holidays in the UK – Explore Britain on Foot
Prefer to keep inland and swap the coastline for countryside? A UK walking holiday is the perfect way to explore rolling hills, scenic valleys and peaceful rural landscapes. With hundreds of holiday cottages located in tranquil corners of Britain, you can step straight from your door onto some of the country’s best walking routes.
Whether you’re looking for challenging hikes, gentle countryside strolls or nature-rich trails, there’s a destination to suit every level of walker.
Yorkshire Dales Walking Breaks
Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the UK’s most popular walking destinations. Known for its undulating hills, limestone scenery and impressive cave systems, it offers miles of well-marked footpaths and bridleways.
Highlights of walking in the Yorkshire Dales include:
-
Scenic river walks and waterfalls
-
Expansive moorland views
-
Charming stone-built villages
-
Historic landmarks such as Bolton Priory on the River Wharfe
From leisurely rambles to more challenging fell walks, the Yorkshire Dales is ideal for a countryside holiday packed with fresh air and spectacular views.
Discover your perfect Rural Retreat in the Yorkshire Dales here.
Bolton Priory on the River Wharfe, Yorkshire
Shropshire Hills Walking Holidays
If you prefer gentler terrain while still enjoying breathtaking scenery, the Shropshire Hills National Landscape offers rolling hills, peaceful woodland and picturesque farmland.
Perfect for relaxed walking breaks, the area features:
-
Well-maintained trails and quiet country lanes
-
Open hilltops with panoramic views
-
Wildlife-rich river valleys
-
Unspoilt rural landscapes
The Shropshire Hills provide a slower pace of exploration, making them ideal for couples, families and anyone seeking a peaceful countryside escape.
Discover your perfect Rural Retreat in the Shropshire Hills here.
From the dramatic scenery of the Yorkshire Dales to the gentle beauty of the Shropshire Hills, a UK walking holiday offers fresh air, stunning landscapes and the freedom to explore at your own pace.
UK National Parks and Countryside Holidays
The UK is home to 15 spectacular National Parks, each offering its own unique landscapes, wildlife habitats and outdoor experiences. From rugged mountains and wild moorland to rolling hills and picture-perfect villages, a countryside holiday in a UK National Park is perfect for walkers, wildlife lovers and outdoor adventurers alike.
Spring is one of the best times to explore Britain’s protected landscapes. With longer evenings, blooming wildflowers and active wildlife, it’s the ideal season to discover somewhere new and enjoy the great outdoors.
Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park in north Devon and west Somerset is known for its dramatic moorland, deep wooded valleys and rugged coastline. It’s a haven for birdwatching, stargazing and peaceful countryside walks. In spring, Exmoor’s open landscapes and coastal views are especially breathtaking.
Discover your perfect Rural Retreat in north Devon here, or Somerset here.
Bamford Edge, Peak District
Peak District National Park
The iconic Peak District National Park offers everything from gentle dales to challenging gritstone edges. Popular with hikers and climbers, it features dramatic viewpoints such as Bamford Edge, where sweeping views stretch across the Hope Valley.
It’s an excellent choice for walking holidays, cycling breaks and outdoor adventure weekends.
Discover your perfect Rural Retreat in the Peak District here.
Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park
In North Wales, Snowdonia National Park (Eryri) is famous for its rugged mountains, glacial lakes and scenic hiking routes. Whether you’re climbing Mount Snowdon or exploring tranquil valleys, Snowdonia offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK.
Discover your perfect Rural Retreat in Snowdonia (Eryri) here.
The Cotswolds
For a gentler countryside escape, Cotswolds is renowned for its rolling hills and honey-coloured stone villages. Often described as “chocolate-box” England, it’s ideal for leisurely walks, cosy pub lunches and relaxing rural breaks.
Discover your perfect Rural Retreat in the Cotswolds here.
With over 400 holiday properties across the UK, you can choose your perfect base and explore one of our fantastic destinations at your own pace. From mountain adventures to peaceful countryside retreats, your ideal UK getaway starts with Rural Retreats.
Browse our full collection here and discover inspiration for your next UK holiday.