After what has seemed like a never-ending January and very little improvement in the weather this month so far, we’re more than ready for spring to arrive.
We love spring time in Yorkshire, with its stunning scenery and varied attractions making it the best place to spot signs of new life everywhere. From snowdrops in bloom and the first daffodils poking their heads through the soil, to new buds on the trees and constant birdsong around Abbots Green, it’s a wonderful time to be enjoying your holiday home in Yorkshire.
As winter fades away, the daylight hours grow longer and the days grow steadily warmer, we’ve gathered a few suggestions of perfect ways to enjoy the best of springtime in Yorkshire.
Spring in Yorkshire: Places to visit
Snowdrop Sundays at Goldsborough Hall
(approx. 30 minutes’ drive from Abbots Green)
Every February, Goldsborough Hall near Knaresborough opens its doors for Snowdrop Days. Take time to wander through the beautiful grounds and see the carpet of snowdrops between the trees (pictured left by Mark Oglesby). As well as more than 40 varieties of the little white flowers, you’ll find hellebores and winter aconites dotted around the lawns.
You can enjoy the snowdrops throughout February but the venue’s special Snowdrop Sundays will be purely focused on these gorgeous blooms. There’ll be plant sales, talks form the head gardener and refreshments in the orangery.
There is just one date remaining for this year’s Snowdrop Days – Sunday 23rd February. If you can’t make it, pop a note in your diary to go along on Sunday 23rd March when the National Garden Scheme (NGS) open day will take place. By then, hundreds of spring bulbs will be in bloom, and many other shrubs and plants will be showing themselves off to their full potential.
Admission for the Snowdrop Day is £7.50 for adults and free for children. Dogs are welcome on a lead. Click here to find out more.
Roseberry Topping
(approx. 30 minutes’ drive)
Once the bluebells are in bloom, there’s no better place to view them than at Roseberry Topping.
This famous landmark is a favourite with walkers, offering stunning views across many miles of beautiful landscape. At this time of year, though, the route up to the top is often just as picturesque.
Newton Wood is often carpeted with bluebells for a few weeks in late spring. The bluey-purple haze extends for miles, and is often accompanied by other local wildlife including rabbits, deer and woodpeckers.
The National Trust has this suggested trail through the woods and up to Roseberry Topping.
Roseberry Topping lies within the North York Moors which burst into life in the spring. Other lovely locations to visit at this time of year are:
• Rievaulx Abbey (approx. 20 minutes) – Breathtaking ruins surrounded by lush spring greenery.
• Rosedale Abbey (approx. 40 minutes) – Peaceful valley with charming villages.
• Hutton-le-Hole (approx. 35 minutes) – A picture-perfect village with grazing sheep.
Harrogate Spring Flower Show and RHS Garden Harlow Carr
(approx. 35 minutes’ drive)
If you prefer your flowers cultivated and your gardens carefully designed, Harrogate Spring Flower Show is for you. This year’s event takes place from 24th to 27th April, with hundreds of spring blooms and other garden attractions to keep green-fingered fans happy.
From show gardens by experienced designers and local charities, to live talks and demonstrations, and stands filled with all sorts of unusual varieties and clever equipment, there’s plenty to fill a whole day – or even two.
Early bird tickets are £23 until 8th April – Click here to book.
And also in Harrogate for spring time garden lovers is RHS Garden Harlow Carr. Their Spring Garden Weekend from 12th to 14th April will be a celebration of spring blooms, with expert talks, demos, garden tours and family workshops. Free with garden admission, all talks, tours and cookery demos will be available on a first come, first served basis. Go along and get inspired!
Closer to home…
Monk Park Farm
This wonderful petting farm next door to Abbots Green is a perfect day out for all the family, and spring is one of the best times to visit.
From 15th to 23rd February, the farm will be hosting Lambing Live, featuring a variety of activities bringing you closer to the cute new spring arrivals. Discover fascinating facts about sheep at special farmer talks, meet adorable baby lambs, cuddle the bunnies and guinea pigs, hand-feed the animals and burn off energy at the outdoor play park, there’s plenty to do. And if you’re lucky, you may even catch the spring time miracle of a live birth!
Look out, too, for little Roo, a baby wallaby who lost his mum and his now being cared for by Mark and Lauren, who run Monk Park Farm. You can read more about the story on BBC News here.
Special discounts are available for holiday home owners and guests at Abbots Green.
‘Bluebell Woods’
Just over a mile from Abbots Green luxury holiday lodges in North Yorkshire is a wonderful wood with beautiful woodland walks. It’s a favourite with our residents all year round as it’s so close to their holiday lodges, but from mid-April to mid-May, it’s filled with gorgeous bluebells.
If you’re on site and fancy going to visit Bluebell Woods, as they’re known locally, just ask one of our team and they’ll be happy to give you directions. Pack up a picnic and don’t forget your camera!
Spring in Yorkshire: More perfect days out
Yorkshire Dales National Park
Spring transforms the Dales with vibrant wildflowers, lush green meadows, and lambs frolicking in the fields. Great spots include:
• Malham Cove & Gordale Scar (1 hour 25 minutes’ drive) – Stunning limestone cliffs and waterfalls.
• Aysgarth Falls (55 minutes) – Beautiful waterfalls surrounded by woodland trails.
• Bolton Abbey (55 minutes) – Picturesque riverside walks with spring flowers and stepping stones, woodlands and the historic ruins of a medieval priory.
Hackfall Woods, Masham
(approx. 35 minutes)
A magical woodland filled with bluebells, waterfalls and hidden follies.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
(30 minutes’ drive)
Imposing abbey ruins, landscaped gardens and deer roaming freely in the park make this a lovely place to visit in spring.
Castle Howard Gardens
(approx. 35 minutes)
The grand gardens of this stately home come alive with daffodils, bluebells and primroses.
Helmsley Walled Garden
(approx. 20 minutes)
A beautifully restored five-acre garden filled with colourful spring blooms.
Beningbrough Hall
(approx. 30 minutes)
A National Trust property with impressive gardens, orchards and riverside walks.
The Yorkshire Coast
Just over an hour’s drive from Abbots Green Luxury Lodges are some of the most spectacular spots along the Yorkshire coastline. These include:
Flamborough Head & Bempton Cliffs
(approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)
A must-visit for birdwatchers in spring to see puffins and other seabirds nesting on the cliffs.
Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay
(approx. 1 hour 10 minutes)
Fresh air, coastal walks and springtime strolls along the beach and cobbled streets.
This blog was updated in February 2025.
Images of Malham Cove and Flamborough Head by Tim Hill.
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