As spring dawns and days lengthen, we celebrate our great outdoors; wide open spaces, blooming gardens and magnificent views; and invite you out into our splendid landscape.

Grizedale Forest is at the heart of the Lake District World Heritage Site, offering an unrivalled spring day out for everyone - on two legs, four legs or wheels! So, embrace the views, but keep your eyes peeled along the way for the unique sculptures which are dotted throughout the forest, wander the endless forest trails and enjoy the peace of the forest at your leisure or at a quicker pace.

Those gardeners amongst you will know that spring is a special time and keenly appreciated. Spring bulbs, a succession of daffodils, tulips, alliums and martagon lilies, will be found throughout Holehird Gardens. The upper meadow is a wonderful sight in early spring, carpeted with Narcissus pseudonarcissus, a native wild daffodil. The gardens are open, and now is a good time to look closely at the alpines in the Rock Garden, as well as the choice specimens highlighted in the Alpine Display House. Loose yourself in thoughtful planning for your own gardening ahead.

Brantwood is well known as the home of John Ruskin and visitors always enjoy the views over Coniston from Ruskin’s turret window – but can we introduce you to the paths and trails that take you through the estate, through blooming spring colour, to ancient woodland and Ruskin’s own unique garden. Explore further and visit Crag Head, the highest point of Brantwood’s estate, or bring a book and enjoy a chapter or two from Ruskin’s seat. The gardens are open daily.

Hutton-in-the-Forest is surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds. They have evolved since the 17th century but the basic elements can still be seen. The Walled Garden is a spectacular flower garden with beds and borders of spring bulbs set against the dramatic backdrop of the house. The Low Garden, laid out in the 1870s, had become very overgrown, but an exciting new project is well underway to open up the 18th Century view to the cascade and lake, including a wild-flower meadow. Loose yourself for a few hours. The gardens open for the 2020 season on 1 April.

Mirehouse, near Keswick, is a beautiful family run historic house with gardens, (once described as a "civil wilderness" by a visiting poet), accessible lakeshore and woodland playgrounds – creating a circular walk of about a mile goes through the parkland from the house, through woods, along the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake and back again - perfect for dog walks, family time and a chance to experience the stunning landscape of the North Lake District at its very best. The gardens open for the 2020 season on 1 April.

Stretch your legs, 2 or 4, and explore the Dalemain Loop! Following the fantastic success of the ‘Ullswater Way’ footpath around the shores of Lake Ullswater, the Lake District National Park and Dalemain Estates have announced the official new ‘Dalemain Loop’ extension. At approximately 5 miles, the new route offers walkers the chance to enjoy different features of the Ullswater Valley. The ‘ oop' can be started from Dalemain Mansion and allows you to walk along the banks of the River Eamont. The route leads you through historic pasture lands and the charming village of Dacre, which boasts a castle, an ancient church with mysterious stone ‘bears’! 

And finally, we are delighted to announce that Levens Hall, Levens Kitchen is the winner of the "Newcomer of the Year" category in the Cumbria Life Food a& Drink 2020 Awards.

These are just a few ideas for spring days out in our open spaces and quieter locations. Download the brochure here or pick up when you are visiting. Join us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

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