Visiting the Eden Project in Cornwall, watching otters in the Avalon Marshes and spending the day at Portmeirion Village in North Wales have been named the top UK bucket list experiences for spring.
Compiled by UK travel expert and author, Richard Madden, in partnership with Sykes Holiday Cottages, the list of spring staycation experiences was ranked following a study of 2,000 UK adults, revealing a travel tick list for the new season.
Top 10 UK spring experiences that Brits would most like to try:
- Visiting the Eden Project in Cornwall
- Watch otters play in the Avalon Marches in Somerset
- Spend the day at Portmeirion Village in North Wales
- Visiting Lindisfarne & the Farne Islands in Northumbria
- Walking the Seven Sisters coast path in East Sussex
- Visiting Housesteads Fort on Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland
- Visiting the family home of Sir Winston Churchill, Chartwell House, in Kent
- Hiking up the Glastonbury Tor, a hill rising 518 feet, in Somerset
- Attending the Isle of Man TT (IoM) motorcycle event
- Punting on the River Cam in Cambridge
Sykes has rounded up properties located near these spots – from charming cottages to modern retreats.
Visiting the Eden Project in Cornwall
Hunters Moon – Charlestown, Cornwall
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £1,695
From rainforest walks to interactive exhibits on climate and conservation, the world-renowned Eden Project in Bodelva, Cornwall is a unique way for travellers to connect with nature and see spring in full bloom.
Located nearby is Hunters Moon, a luxury two-bedroom Georgian-style manor in Charlestown. After a day of exploring, the property’s two bedrooms, private hot tub, and balcony, offer guests plenty of spots to unwind in style.
Spend your days on the nearby beaches or walking along Charlestown’s Grade II listed harbour, which looks onto the town’s period properties.
Watch otters play in the Avalon Marches in Somerset
Curfew Cottage – North Curry, Somerset
Sleeps: Five
Price: Seven nights from £822
Set within a stunning landscape of wetlands, reed beds, and lakes, Avalon Marshes in Somerset is the perfect place to watch otters in the wild as they glide through the water or play along the banks.
A short 30-minute drive from the marshes is Curfew Cottage, a charming three-bedroom property in North Curry. After a day of adventure, holidaymakers can relax on the lounge’s plush furnishings and enjoy a move night in front of the woodburning stove.
The nearby market town of Taunton is home to the historic Taunton Castle and Somerset County Museum, as well as an array of shops for finding a souvenir.
Spend the day at Portmeirion Village in North Wales
Anchor Watch – Porthmadog, Gwynedd
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £497
Set on the coast of North Wales surrounded by woodland and estuaries, Portmeirion Village offers visitors a truly unique experience. With its colourful Italian-style architecture, winding streets, and hidden gardens, spring is a great season for travellers to wander through its fairy-tale setting.
Just a 10-minute drive from the village, Anchor Watch is a first-floor apartment located on the water's edge of Portmadog Harbour. Inside, guests will be greeted by a bright and airy open-plan living space with ocean views and double doors leading out to a private balcony.
Nearby attractions include Harlech Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland steam train, which offers a ride through the Welsh countryside.
Visiting Lindisfarne & the Farne Islands in Northumbria
Braeside – Wooler, Northumberland
Sleeps: Four
Price: Seven nights from £582
Lindisfarne is a hidden treasure located just off the Northumberland coast, which can only be explored by a causeway at low tide. With its castle perched high on a rocky crag and sweeping coastal views, the island offers a peaceful escape, where history and wildlife meet.
A short drive from Lindisfarne, Braeside is a charming three-bedroom cottage in the market town of Wooler. After a day exploring the island, guests can return to unwind in the cosy lounge which comes complete with a woodburning stove.
Inland, travellers can explore Alnwick Castle, partake in peaceful countryside walks, or visit Wooler’s Whiskey Distillery. The Anglo-Saxon History centre is also just a few minutes from the cottage’s front door.
Walking the Seven Sisters coast path in East Sussex
8 The Cuckmere – Seaford, Sussex
Sleeps: Two
Price: Seven nights from £530
Stretching along the dramatic Sussex coastline, the Seven Sisters coast path is one of the UK’s most breathtaking walking routes. Visitors can take in sweeping views of the English Channel, wander along the famous white chalk cliffs, and enjoy the rolling green hills of the South Downs.
At one end of the path, in the coastal town of Seaford, you'll find 8 The Cuckmere, a stylish third-floor apartment. Perfect for solo travellers or couples with its open-plan layout, modern interiors, and king-sized bed, it’s also just under a mile from the golden sands of Seaford Beach and bustling high street, giving guests everything they need within easy reach.
