Four of the best places to visit in the West Country in the spring

These are the best and brightest destinations to visit in the beautiful West Country this spring – or any time of year.

Winter is so last season. Spring has finally sprung.

And we couldn’t be happier to see the tulips coming up.

Now is the time for a nice roast dinner (lamb anyone?), a light jacket, and a bit of a spring clean, if you feel so inclined.

But after a dark and wet winter, we’re sick of staying about the house.

So, we’re slinging on our wellies and heading out to some of the most beautiful locations the West Country has to offer.

Will you join us?

The Minack Theatre, Cornwall

Cornwall is full of hidden gems, and the Minack Theatre is up there with the best of them.

Part horticultural wonder, part live working amphitheatre, you’ll find it nestled right into the Cornish cliffside just outside Porthcurno. That means lots of steep (sometimes slippery) steps and complete exposure to the elements.

But the views are outstanding. Whether you’re looking out from the balcony, or from your seat in the theatre, the uninterrupted sight of the bay is unparalleled.

Just make sure you’re dressed for all weather situations.

Anorak? Sun hat? Sensible shoes? You’ll need them all on hand, so stash them in the car if you’re driving down.

Parking is available for showgoers and daytime visitors, but only from 90 and 30 minutes beforehand respectively. So don’t be that person turning up early and hogging one of the coveted spaces.

The car park also has 3 charging points – so EV drivers can rock up too, without worrying about having enough charge left for the journey home.

And if you want to make a day of it, after a trip to the theatre you can make the short drive to Porthcurno beach and spend some time on the sand.

We can’t imagine a more perfect day out.

Canonteign Falls, Dartmoor

Devon is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK, including the highest waterfall in the entire South West.

If Canonteign Falls wasn’t on your list of need-to-visit destinations, it will be now.

Just imagine – lush greenery, lusher scenery, and the soft hush of the waterfall echoing over the Canonteign estate. Forget meditation and positive affirmations, a walk here is just the ticket to restore your inner peace.

But be wary – the steps up to Lady Exmouth Falls can be steep and slippery, so it’s not accessible for wheelchair users (and requires a certain level of fitness too).

But the waterfalls are not the only attraction here.

There’s a Victorian fern garden for anyone interested in plant conservation and heritage.

But if that’s not your cup of tea, there’s also some lakes to explore. Not one, not two – but seven lakes on the grounds, and it’s particularly stunning in spring.

Picture meadows carpeted with buttercups and orchids, a still lake surface covered in waterlilies, and an assortment of ducks, geese and kingfishers going about their business.

So, what are you waiting for?

You can visit from 24th March onwards for the 2025 season, and tickets are already available to pre-book.

Burgh Island, Devon

This one has been on our watchlist for yonks, if only because we really fancy a ride on the sea tractor.

Which is the only way you can reach Burgh Island, actually.

The island itself is owned by the 1920s Art Deco styled hotel which shares its name. Rest assured, you don’t have to check in to enjoy some of the things Burgh Island has to offer.

(And thank goodness, because staying there is not a cheap day-out event. Do yourself a favour and don’t check out how much it costs to rent the island for a wedding).

But back to the sea tractor – yes, it has massive appeal for those of us who enjoy feeling a bit ridiculous.

Once the ride is over you can also enjoy the Mermaid pool, beautiful island walks with oceanic views, and a pick-me-up at the Pilchard Inn before returning home to the mainland.

And while you’re idling on the beach, if you want to imagine yourself in an episode of Miss Marple, or Poirot we won’t give you away.

The chances are, we’d be doing exactly the same.

Quantock Hills, Somerset

It’s a clear crisp day and all you want is a walk. But you’re sick of all your usual jaunts and want to explore somewhere new.

New and beautiful.

Then you’d best get yourself to Quantock Hills.

It’s an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Somerset, with so much to offer to anyone looking for a bit of adventure near Exmoor.

Panoramic views, wild wooded combes, exposed heathland… the Quantocks have all the natural beauty you could shake a stick at.

But there’s always more to see.

Pony herds at the Seven Sisters, ammonite fossils on the beach, deer in the woods – you could see any of them on the more popular walks. 

And there are pretty villages along the way, so you can enjoy a pub lunch with your walk.

(Isn’t the village pub lunch actually the whole point of the trek anyway?)

Because the only thing that could make fresh air sweeter is having a cheeky ploughmans on the side.

Somerset is as good a place as any to enjoy a stinky cheese among the heather.

Spring is such a great time to get out and explore. The sun is out for longer. The roads are (hopefully) drier.

And with all the flowers coming out in bloom, there’s no better time to hop in your car and reconnect with all the wonders nature has to offer.

So, get yourself in the driving seat and have a West Country adventure. You never know where the road will take you.