Last updated: October 2026
8 Best Places to Visit in Spring
Spring can be a brilliant time to travel, with gardens reopening, trees coming into blossom and milder weather returning across many destinations.
But nature doesn’t run to a fixed timetable. Cherry blossom, tulip displays and wildflowers all depend on weather and location, and some of the most famous spring destinations can be particularly busy while their blooms are at their best.
From Kyoto’s sakura season to the tulips of the Netherlands and green landscapes closer to home, here are eight destinations worth considering for a spring trip.
Spring Travel at a Glance
Kyoto and Washington D.C. are famous for cherry blossom, but timing varies each year.
Amsterdam makes a good base for seasonal tulip gardens and flower-growing areas.
The Lake District and Vancouver offer plenty of scenery, although higher trails can remain wintry.
Seville, Paris and Tuscany can be attractive before the hottest summer weather arrives.
1. Kyoto, Japan 🇯🇵
Kyoto is one of the world’s best-known spring destinations thanks to its cherry trees, temples and traditional gardens.
Maruyama Park, the Philosopher’s Path and areas around temples such as Kiyomizu-dera are popular blossom-viewing locations.
Cherry blossom timing changes from year to year and even varies across the city. Spring blossom season is also one of Kyoto’s busiest periods, so check the official bloom calendar and consider quieter times of day.
2. Amsterdam & Keukenhof, Netherlands 🇳🇱
Spring in the Netherlands is closely associated with tulips, and Amsterdam makes an easy base for combining city sightseeing with seasonal flower displays.
Keukenhof near Lisse opens for a limited spring season each year, with different flowers appearing as the season progresses.
Flowering depends on the weather, so there’s no single date that guarantees every tulip will be at its peak. Check current opening dates and flowering reports before booking specifically for the gardens.
3. Paris, France 🇫🇷
Paris begins to feel very different as parks, squares and gardens return to colour in spring.
The Tuileries Garden, Luxembourg Gardens and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont are good places to spend time outdoors, while the Seine and neighbourhoods such as Montmartre work well for longer walks in milder weather.
Spring weather can still be cool or wet, so build some museums and indoor attractions into your plans too.
4. Washington, D.C., USA 🇺🇸
Washington D.C.’s cherry trees around the Tidal Basin are one of the city’s best-known seasonal sights.
The National Cherry Blossom Festival takes place each spring, with the Jefferson Memorial and surrounding waterfront among the most recognisable viewing areas.
Peak bloom depends heavily on the weather and usually can’t be forecast accurately until close to the time, so avoid planning around one exact date too far in advance.
5. Lake District, England 🇬🇧
Spring brings longer days, fresh greenery and seasonal flowers to the Lake District, making it a lovely time for waterside walks and lower-level exploring.
Ullswater is famously associated with Wordsworth’s daffodils, while places such as Buttermere, Grasmere and Derwentwater offer plenty of walking options.
Higher fells can still experience cold, wind, poor visibility and occasional wintry conditions, so check the mountain forecast before setting out.
6. Seville, Spain 🇪🇸
Seville can be especially appealing in spring, when orange blossom scents the streets and conditions are often more comfortable for sightseeing than during the height of summer.
Visit the Real Alcázar and its gardens, explore Santa Cruz and check whether your dates coincide with one of the city’s major spring celebrations.
Feria de Abril does not fall on identical calendar dates each year, so always check the official event schedule rather than assuming it will take place during a particular week in April.
7. Vancouver, Canada 🇨🇦
Vancouver mixes city parks, coastal scenery and mountain views, with blossom appearing across neighbourhoods during spring.
Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and the seawall offer plenty of lower-level options if you want to spend time outside.
Be careful about assuming nearby mountain hiking routes are fully open. The Grouse Grind typically has a winter closure and can also close during spring maintenance, while conditions near the top can remain considerably colder or snowier than in the city.
8. Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹
Tuscany’s countryside turns green in spring, while Florence, Siena and smaller hill towns can be easier to explore before the hottest part of summer.
The Val d’Orcia is particularly scenic for road trips and countryside stops, while Florence offers art, architecture and plenty to do if the weather turns.
Festivals and seasonal food events change by town and year, so check local tourism information for anything taking place during your dates.
Travelling specifically for flowers?
Blossom and flowering periods are weather-dependent and can shift from year to year. If seeing cherry blossom, tulips or another particular display is important to your trip, follow official local updates close to departure.
Planning Hiking, Cycling or Other Activities?
Spring is a great time to spend more time outdoors, but walking and cycling conditions can vary significantly between cities, countryside and higher ground.
If you’re planning hiking, cycling or another sport or activity, check whether it falls within the appropriate Covered2Go Sports & Activities level and whether any special conditions apply.
Explore Covered2Go Sports & Activities Cover →
Before travelling:
Check current passport, entry, health and safety information for your destination using UK Government Foreign Travel Advice.
Travel Insurance for a Spring Holiday
Once your trip is booked, consider arranging travel insurance rather than waiting until departure day.
Depending on the policy selected and the circumstances involved, travel insurance may provide cover for certain eligible events such as cancellation, emergency medical expenses abroad, baggage or travel disruption.
Choose a policy that suits your destination, trip cost, medical circumstances and any activities you plan to take part in.
Where Will You Go This Spring?
Spring travel can mean very different things depending on where you go.
You might be chasing cherry blossom in Kyoto, tulips in the Netherlands, mountain scenery in Canada or simply enjoying a European city before the hottest summer weather arrives.
Keep your dates flexible where possible, check seasonal conditions and remember that nature rarely follows an exact timetable.
Planning a Spring Getaway?
Explore Covered2Go travel insurance and choose cover that suits your destination, trip and planned activities.
This article is for general information only. Flowering periods, weather, attraction opening dates, trail access and seasonal events can change. Travel insurance and Sports & Activities Cover are subject to eligibility, benefit limits, excesses, activity levels, terms, conditions and exclusions. Always check current official travel advice, the latest Policy Wording and your Certificate of Insurance before travelling.
