Spring Holiday Escapes

As winter disappears in the rear-view mirror and the world bursts into bloom, spring is the perfect time to embark on a rejuvenating getaway before the summer months roll in. It is the perfect season to embrace picturesque landscapes, embark on charming city strolls and immerse yourself in vibrant cultural experiences before the peak holiday season begins. Today we’re focusing on some of the best places to visit in spring, each offering an ideal blend of nature, history and seasonal delight. So, if you’re wondering where to go in April for a holiday, or even the beginning of May, we’re sharing our top recommendations below!

Edinburgh, Scotland: Blossoms and Hidden Charms

Edinburgh in spring is a city transformed. The crisp spring air carries the scent of blossoms, while the capital’s green spaces come to life. Close to the Royal Botanic Garden in North Edinburgh, the 54-acre Inverleith Park is a peaceful retreat offering stunning skyline views and sporting facilities. It also has a boating lake and a peaceful Sundial Garden, making it the perfect place for a peaceful escape from the bustling city centre. Once you’re done exploring these fantastic outdoor spaces, head back to the Old Town for a traditional brew in The Milkman on Cockburn Street.

The Leith Walk showcases a vibrant mix of culture and food between capital’s East End and district of Leith. Pop in for a drink at the Brass Monkey pub and catch a show at the Leith Arches events venue. At the end of the Leith Walk is The Shore historic area: a working dockside-turned-cultural area, boasting an impressive range of independent boutiques, cosy bars and the thriving Leith Market. It even has two Michelin star restaurants in the shape of The Kitchin and Martin Wishart.

Just outside the city, The Secret Herb Garden provides a fragrant hideaway with lush gardens and a cozy café at the foot of the rolling Pentland Hills. So if you’re thinking of going on holiday in April or May, Edinburgh has everything you need for a fantastic spring getaway.

Washington, D.C., USA: A Capital in Bloom

For those in the know, Washington D.C. in the spring is synonymous with cherry blossoms. However, there’s much more to discover beyond the pink flowers of the iconic Tidal Basin. Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens offer a lesser-known oasis, where visitors can stroll among peaceful ponds, admire an amazing range of aquatic plants and make use of the park’s comprehensive picnic facilities. East Potomac Park is another peaceful setting that is ideal for admiring the famous seasonal nature displays, where visitors will have all the time and space they need to fully appreciate the view.

Those seeking a wellness-focused holiday in April and May can join an outdoor yoga session at the National Arboretum, where fresh greenery and peaceful surroundings create an ideal atmosphere for relaxation. After the session, check out the unique specimens in the nearby National Bonsai and Penjing Museum.

As evening falls, take a trip to the city’s famous U Street Corridor to experience everything that this nightlife district has to offer. Swing by Ben’s Chili Bowl for the iconic DC Half Smoke, admire the vibrant street murals and immerse yourself in some of the city’s best live music venues: some of which have hosted the likes of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole.

Zurich, Switzerland: Alpine Beauty Meets Spring Serenity

Zurich holidays in spring are a breathtaking spectacle. While Lake Zurich remains a popular spot for swimming and relaxation, the nearby Lake Zug offers a more tranquil experience with scenic walks, vineyard-lined shores and magnificent sunsets. For panoramic views, we recommend taking the cable car to the Felsenegg summit, where sweeping vistas of the lake and the surrounding Alps unfold before you. To make the most of your time in this magnificent location, stop for lunch or a mid-afternoon snack at the 136-year-old Restaurant Felsenegg – we recommend the traditional Älplermagronen or Capuns dishes.

Spring also marks the perfect time for hiking, with Uetliberg Mountain offering blooming alpine meadows and gorgeous mountain trails. As the snow melts, the alpine paths reveal Switzerland’s renowned natural beauty amid a peaceful springtime atmosphere. Whether you prefer a lakeside stroll or an active adventure at altitude, Zurich provides the perfect mix of relaxation and discovery. It really is one of the best places to visit in Europe in the spring!

Vancouver, Canada: Coastal Trails and Blossoming Parks

Vancouver in spring is a city in full of life. While many visitors flock to the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, locals know that Lynn Canyon Park offers a quiet and intimate alternative that is characterised by lush greenery, stunning suspension bridges and an impressive array of wildlife. Open since 1912, this stunning 617-acre park also houses the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre where you’re able to explore Vancouver’s own temperate rain forest. Next, heading outside of the city, Buntzen Lake provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and outdoor activities, ranging early-season paddleboarding on the lake to scenic hikes along the Diez Vistas (ten views) trail.

As the days grow warmer, a springtime walk along the seawall at Kitsilano Beach offers unbeatable views of the city skyline framed by snow-capped mountains. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s urban landscapes or embrace the great outdoors, Vancouver’s fresh spring climate makes it an ideal destination for April holidays.

Tuscany, Italy: Rolling Hills and Springtime Flavours

Tuscany in spring is a dreamscape of green hills, blooming flowers and golden sunlight. Perfect for expanding a holiday in Florence, a trip to nearby Val d’Orcia should sit right at the top of any list of things to visit in Tuscany. With endless fields of wildflowers and bright red poppies, this spectacular valley is one of the most photogenic spots in the region.

If you’re looking to delve into Tuscany’s renowned wine culture, the medieval commune of Castellina in Chianti offers an intimate setting for tastings and provides access to a series of historic hiking trails. This settlement of fewer than 3,000 inhabitants in the Chianti Hills is also famed for its delicious truffle sausages. We recommend visiting the Poggio Amorelli vineyard in Castellina in Chianti to sample its array of wines and enjoy a light lunch in the Tuscan hills.

A countryside picnic at the Giardino dei Tarocchi (The Tarot Garden) in Capalbio also offers a unique experience where whimsical art installations meet Tuscany’s natural beauty. This sculpture garden inspired by the esoteric tarot was designed by Niki de Saint Phalle, and it’s due to re-open for the season on 1^st April 2025.

Spring is a season of renewal, and these five destinations offer the perfect opportunity to embrace nature’s revival on your holidays in April and May. Whether it’s wandering through Edinburgh’s hidden gardens, soaking in the tranquillity of Lake Zug or exploring the cherry blossom-lined paths of Washington, D.C., each location has its own unique way of welcoming the season.

For those seeking an unforgettable spring getaway, these destinations offer the perfect balance of relaxation, exploration and seasonal beauty. Start planning your spring vacation today by exploring our collections of independent hotels.