Spring is in full swing, with the next few months set to bring a whole host of colourful blooms across the UK.
But if you fancy getting out of London and exploring neighbouring Kent, otherwise known as the Garden of England, the National Trust offers some prime locations to spot the natural spectacles that spring has to offer.
Beginning with daffodils, before blossom season and finally with tulips and daffodils taking you into May.
Chartwell House and Gardens: Best for Daffodils
Where? Mapleton Road, Westerham, Kent, TN16 1PS
How much? From £15.40 for adults and £7.70 for children
Daffodils, otherwise known as Narcissus, are currently in full bloom and usually flower between March and April.
Chartwell House is a popular spot to see the daffodils, which are planted throughout the grounds.
Chartwell House is a popular spot to see the daffodils, which are planted throughout the grounds. (Image: National Trust Images / Chris Jonas)
Formerly the home of Winston Churchill, this Kent estate features plenty of woodland walks as well as a kitchen garden and lake as well as the house to explore.
On TripAdvisor one reviewer wrote: “The gardens had lovely views and in another couple of weeks all the magnolia trees and daffodils will be out and it will be gorgeous. It felt like a very peaceful happy place.”
However, the National Trust also recommended other locations like Sissinghurst Castle Garden, which has over 10,000 daffodils planted, creating a dreamy golden haze.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden: Best for Blossom
Where? Biddenden Road, near Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2AB
How much? £19 for adults and £9.50 for children
Moving onto blossom, there are many kinds of blossom which are or will be in season between March and May, from cherry blossom which will begin in a few weeks, to hawthorn and magnolia which are in season right now.
One top choice to see blossom is Sissinghurst Castle Garden, where you’ll find an abundance of blossom like apple blossom, cherry blossom and pear blossom as well as magnolias.
The castle dates back to the 16th century, but the gardens were revamped during the 1930s by poet and writer Vita Sackville-West, and is a prime place to see a huge variety of spring blooms.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “Set in the Kent countryside, Sissinghurst Castle Garden is a gem.
“Lots of flowers, and the trees breaking into blossom meant that there was a wonderful perfume in the air.
“We were very lucky with the weather and Sissinghurst is even prettier with a blue sky behind it.”
Ightham Mote: Best for Bluebells
Where? Mote Road, Ivy Hatch, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0NT
How much? £18 for adults and £9 for children
One of the UK’s most stunning spring flowers is the mystical bluebell, with some bluebell woods dating back hundreds of years, and bluebell season taking place between April and May.
One of the best National Trust spots to scope out this iconic blue flower is Ightham Mote, a 14th century manor house and grounds, where you’ll find swathes of bluebells in nearby Scathes Wood which runs along the driveway.
The ancient woodland is home to around 15 acres, which become carpeted in the distinctive blue colour of spring.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “The gardens are lovely, especially at this time of year.
“As well as the ones around the actual house, there are several marked walks through the woods which wore carpets of bluebells.”
Scotney Castle: Rhododendrons and Azaleas
Where? Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 8JN
How much? £19 for adults and £9.50 for children
Taking place nearer to the end of spring are rhododendrons and azaleas – these colourful shrub-like plants are a magnet for wildlife like bees and butterflies.
One of the best National Trust spots to see them is Scotney Castle – a stunning 12th century castle ruin with a Victorian manor house and lake.
From the end of April to early May the grounds will be full of colourful rhododendrons, including varieties like ‘Mrs G W Leak’, ‘Lord Roberts’ and ‘Sappho’.
You’ll also find a collection of strongly scented Ghent Azaleas and Rhododendron ‘Amoenum’ in the Quays just opposed the house.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “The view over towards the castle was an amazing mass of colour as all the camelias and rhododendrons were in full bloom.
“It really was a sight to behold. We then went down through the gardens to the castle, which is surrounded by water. It is a pleasant stroll around the outside, then over the bridge to view the old castle itself.”
Emmetts Garden: Best for Tulips
Where? Ide Hill, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6BA
How much? £14 for adults and £7 for children
Finally tulip season will take place from April to May with a whole host of colourful blooms on display.
One of the best places to see them is Emmetts Garden, a 6-acre landscaped garden in Sevenoaks with incredible views of the Kentish Weald.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “What a profusion of beautiful bluebells on display and the Tulip meadow was stunning.
“I think every visitor was stopped in their tracks at this display to take in its beauty and to take photographs.
“There are plenty of footpaths to follow dependent on how fit and adventurous you are.”
