Change of Scene: five places to visit this spring
There is much we love about springtime: blossom, baby animals, chocolate eggs. But, with its long weekends and warmer temperatures, one of our favourite things about the season is that it’s the perfect time for a British getaway. The burning question is: where to go? We’ve revisited to our ‘Residents’ Guides’ series and cherry-picked five of the best places to spend spring. Read on to discover our wunderlust-inducing shortlist, which features Hampstead, Clifton, Dungeness and more – and what to do while you’re there.
Bath, Somerset: Georgian architecture, the Francis Gallery and an open-air thermal bath
What better way to warm up on one of spring’s cooler (if clearer) days of spring than in warm open waters? While it’s almost worth a trip to this city simply for a dip in the beautiful Thermae Bath Spa, there’s much more to the city than bathing. Throughout springtime, Bath Farmers’ Market is full of the brightest and most beautiful fresh produce, the Botanical Gardens are in bloom and the city’s grand Georgian architecture sings in the sunshine. But, when those April showers begin to fall, head to either Topping & Co or Mr B’s Emporium, two brilliant bookshops recommended by Rosa Parks of the must-visit Francis Gallery, where you can settle in an armchair with a novel and tea in hand.
Dungeness, Kent: an otherworldly landscape, family-run fish shacks and Derek Jarman’s house and garden
For a spring break with a difference, there’s Dungeness, the shingle-strewn headland on the coast of Kent. There’s little sign of cherry blossom and conventionally picturesque walks here. Instead you’ll find extraordinary architecture, such as Derek Jarman’s house and garden, and a landscape that’s quite literally unlike any other across the country (Dungeness even has its own microclimate and species of plants and creatures indigenous to the land). A trip here is not complete without tasting food from its family-run fish shack, where dishes come fresh from the sea. But Dungeness is also close to the dunes of Camber Sands, while the quintessentially British pubs and shops of Rye nearby, just in case you want a touch of something more traditional.
Clifton, Bristol: independent shops, charming cafes and poolside cocktails
The Bristolian neighbourhood of Clifton has the best of both: bordered by the River Avon, it’s at once close to the energy of the harbourside and the greenery of Ashton Court and Leigh Woods, which sit just across the suspension bridge. Clifton Village is comprised of pleasing Georgian and Victorian buildings, and charming independent cafes, restaurants and shops. Our hot tips include Bosco for light sourdough pizza, Tradewind for coffee in a beautiful courtyard and Two Belly, a shop dedicated to the brilliant pairing of beer and cheese (wine connoisseurs, don’t knock it until you try). The cherry on top is Bristol Lido, a renovated Victorian swimming pool with a waterside bar and restaurant, specialising in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisines. Cocktail and tapas after a dip? Yes, please.
Cambridge: punting, postcard-pretty landscapes and Kettle’s Yard
Cambridge is far more than its university – in fact, the city is brimming with culture and greenery and even a sustainably minded seasonal restaurant or two. Make the most of spring’s produce at Fancett’s or Vanderlyle, best enjoyed after a stroll around one of the area’s lovely parks spaces – from the Backs, where you can view the remarkable King’s College, to Granchester Meadows. Art lovers should head straight to the wonderful Kettle’s Yard to pore over Jim Ede’s collection of furniture, objects and modern art, or to the Fitzwilliam Museum, which is currently hosting a David Hockney retrospective until 29 August. Be sure to visit now, for there might not be a better time of year to punt down the River Cam as the leaves begin to flourish overhead.
Hampstead, London: the heath and ponds, Camden Arts Centre and Ernö Goldfinger architecture
Hampstead, where it’s hard to believe you’re still in London, is particularly ripe in spring. This is largely down to the glorious heath: although it’s delightful in the heat of summer, glows amber in the autumn and is crisp and cool in the winter, we think its the green expanses and wild woodland are at their most arresting in spring. And when those surprisingly high temperatures hit, there’s nowhere we’d rather be than the ponds. And while you might come to Hampstead for the heath, stay for La Crêperie de Hampstead, the pint-sized pancake stand, and Ernö Goldfinger’s 2 Willow Road, the National Trust home that the architect built and lived in.
