Bring on spring: Plenty for groups to love this season

From new openings, to tours and events, there’s plenty for groups to plan for this spring and later in the year.

Spring openings

Scone Palace in Scotland reopens to the public on 1^st April for its 2019 tourist season and this year will be hosting a range of events. Taking place on 5th May at the palace is the Scottish Axe Throwing Open, hosted in the palace grounds, during which competitors of all ages and experience will compete to be crowned champion. The day will also involve entertainment, demonstrations, and music. Also look out for Falconry Friday events which take place on selected Fridays throughout spring and later in the year too.

Windsor Castle’s new introductory gallery, which has just opened, is located in the Moat Room at the foot of the Round Tower. The gallery offers visitors an overview of the Castle’s 1,000-year history and its most famous inhabitants. One of the highlights of the new addition is a series of large-scale bronze models, recreating the appearance of the castle at three pivotal moments in history. Also new this spring are multimedia tours guiding visitors form the State Apartments to St George’s Chapel.

The Lake District’s new Windermere Jetty Museum of Boats, Steam and Stories has now opened its doors to the public in time for spring. The museum tells the story of 200-years of boats, boating and boat building in the Lake District. For the first time, over half the collection of 40 vessels, which ranges from Victorian steam launches to record-breaking speedboats from the 1980s, will be on display.

The Naze Tower in Essex reopens its doors on 1st April too and will be open every day until 3rd November. Throughout the season there will be three new art exhibitions featuring work by 40 established and emerging artists from East Anglia on show over the six floors.

Seasonal festivals & events

Taking place between 24th and 30th April at Hever Castle in Kent is the Tulip Celebrations event where groups can enjoy meandering around the gardens spotting the brightly coloured flowers. You can also book guided trails with a member of the gardening team. Afterwards, step inside the castle to uncover more of its rich history.

The Norfolk & Norwich Festival will return from 10th - 26th May this spring and will feature 14 premieres and over 100 events, of which 20 will be free. The programme will span music, performance, visual art and literature across 17 days. Other festival highlights include contemporary circus company Gravity & Other Myths who will present their production A Simple Space in Norwich for the first time, as well as performances from Beverley Knight at Norwich Theatre Royal, and more.

RHS gardens are great places to feed your flower power, whether it be a visit to Harlow Carr, Hyde Hall, Rosemoor or Wisley, not to mention there are a number of partnering gardens too. Throughout the year the gardens host a range of flower shows and events, such as the RHS Malvern Spring Festival which takes place between 9th - 12th May at the Three Counties Show Ground. Featuring show gardens, a floral marquee, artists displays, and special guests, horticultural fans and avid gardeners will enjoy getting stuck into all things spring.

Spring break ideas

If your group enjoy walking trips, HF Holidays has revealed details of its spring walks. The company has a number available which can be booked across Exmoor, Dorset, the Peak District, the Lake District and other locations. The itineraries vary but can tailor in typical spring activities such as visiting lambs en-route, spotting daffodils and visiting scenery which comes alight in the season.

Warner Leisure offers a variety of choices for spring and easter breaks offering breakfasts, three course dinners, fun activities and entertainment. With accommodations dotted across the UK in countryside and coastal locations, you’ll be sure to find a suitable choice to cater for your spring itinerary, whether you aim to have a floral themed break, chocolate filled days or be at one with nature.