Spring is just around the corner, and we can all look forward to longer days, lighter nights and warmer weather.
Exactly when spring starts depends on which of the two calendars you follow. The meteorological calendar, which is the same every year and is based on the annual temperature cycle, states that spring always begins on March 1. This year that means that spring will begin on Friday 1 March. It ends on May 31, which is Friday May 31 in 2024.
The astronomical calendar, which changes year-on-year and refers to the Earth’s orbit in relation to the sun, dictates that spring 2024 will begin on Wednesday 20 March and last until Thursday 20 June.
Spring, of course, is typically a time when we can look forward to milder weather, ditch our winter coats in favour of a light jacket and enjoy longer hours of sunlight. Many of us like to get outdoors too, after spending the winter months hibernating inside, and one of the most beautiful things we see outdoors during springtime are blossoms.
Blossoms are the flowers of stone fruit trees, usually pink in colour though sometimes white. There are a variety of types; cherry blossom, apple blossom, plum blossom, orange blossom and almond blossom. There are a number of places you can visit across the UK to see these impressive trees and stunning flowers, as noted by the National Trust. Click through our gallery below to find out where to visit near you.
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9. Rowallane Garden, County Down
Many of the magnolia trees here date back to the 1900s, so this is the place to visit for history and stunning scenery. There’s 15 varieties of magnolias in total which can be seen throughout the Walled Garden, outer Walled Garden and Spring Ground. Photo by NTPL/Stephen Robson. | ©NTPL/Stephen Robson
10. Springhill, County Londonderry
A treat for both the eyes and the nose awaits at this Northern Ireland tourist attraction. Not only are the magnolia flowers lovely to look at when they bloom, but they also smell sweet. In fact, the smell is similar to that of white chocolate. Photo by NTPL/Arnhel de Serra. | ©NTPL/Arnhel de Serra
11. Coleton Fishacre, Devon
Coleton Fishacre boasts an impressive 24-acre garden, and just as impressive are the cherry trees that bloom here. They can be best viewed on the Seemly Terrace and Scout Point path. Photo by National Trust Images/Lauren Hutchinson. | Lauren Hutchinson
12. Kingston Lacy, Dorset
The Kingston Lacy estate is home to its very own Japanese Garden so it’s no surprise that it houses an abundance of cherry trees. Go along to see an array of pink and white flowers. Photo by National Trust Images/James Dob. | ©National Trust Images/James Dob