When does spring 2024 start? Date of first day of spring - and 14 best places to see blossoms in the UK

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.

Read more:

When do bluebells flower in the UK? English and Spanish varieties explained - and best place to see the plant

Snowdrop season 2024: The UK's best places to see these short-lived symbols of the coming spring