The UK is home to beautiful cities that offer an idyllic day out, particularly as we inch closer to spring, with the promise of brighter days and a warmer climate.

Planning a day out, whether it’s as a couple, a family, or a solo trip, can sometimes feel overwhelming. Some places are closer to home, others require a road trip, and many can be reached by train, which only adds to their appeal as we get to sit back and relax before reaching our destination.

In a bid to help Brits make the most of the sunnier weather and the wonderful places the UK has to offer, LNER has named the ‘UK’s best spring days out’ that can be reached by train.

To reveal the best UK destination for a day out during spring, the train operator analysed historical weather data, the proportion of green and blue spaces, land and woodland, and the number of walking trails available in each area. From Norwich, Colchester and Plymouth, here are the UK destinations that could be the perfect escape during spring.

Dundee

Known as one of the sunniest cities in Scotland, Dundee is top of the LNER list. One of its key features is the University of Dundee Botanic Garden, which has beautiful gardens that bloom in spring, along with water gardens and glasshouses filled with tropical plants.

There’s also the Dundee Law landmark that offers a steady climb where you’ll be rewarded with views across Dundee and the River Tay, and the over 400-acre park, Camperdown Country Park – perfect for a picnic! Or perhaps a trip to the V&A Dundee is more your cup of tea to explore Scotland’s design museum.

Maidstone

The largest town in Kent, Maidstone, is, perhaps surprisingly, one of the places LNER recommends visiting. This is partly due to its Mote Park, which has sprawling green spaces and a tranquil lake. It offers waterside strolls, a place to hire a pedal boat, and climbing walls and high ropes – ideal for keeping the kids entertained.

Telford

The charming town in Shropshire comes alive during the spring months when more than 170,000 daffodils bloom in Telford Town Park, which is also home to 450 acres of green space, gardens, and lakes. LNER noted that visitors can grab a coffee and take a stroll while admiring the pretty colours that enrich the park.

Aberdeen

The port city in Scotland has plenty to explore during a day out, from its coastal vistas and historic architecture to the Cruickshank Botanic Garden, situated in Old Aberdeen. The park spans 4.5 hectares and features rose gardens, water features, and tree-lined paths.

There’s also one of Scotland’s most loved gardens, Duthie Park, to visit, along with the magnificent St Machar’s Cathedral. But a trip to Aberdeen isn’t complete without soaking up its stunning coastlines at Greyhope Bay, where bottlenose dolphins can sometimes be spotted.

Edinburgh

It’s no surprise that the popular city of Edinburgh has made it onto the LNER list, with its extensive offerings and picturesque landscapes that burst into colour during spring. There’s the iconic Edinburgh Castle, Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views over the city, the Royal Botanic Garden and Princes Street Gardens.

For a closer look into its history, there are the Georgian House and Lauriston Castle. The Union Canal is also the perfect spot to explore the hidden nooks of the city, whether wandering along the waterfront or hopping on a bike along the cycle path.

Lincoln

The city in the East Midlands has plenty to explore during a spring day out, from Lincoln Castle, Hartsholme Country Park, to the Whisby Nature Park. But Lincoln Arboretum is undoubtedly a standout, with its restored gardens, fountains, duck pond, and play area, all with a nod to its Victorian era.

Norwich

The colourful town of Norwich is another city well worth exploring, whether that’s for a day trip or weekend escape. The Cathedral Close has been hailed as ‘one of the best places to spend your spring day out’ with its magnolia trees, daffodils and green lawns bursting into bloom beneath the city’s medieval skyline.

There’s also the chance to admire panoramic views over the city and climb the hilltop landscapes around the Norman keep.

Colchester

The UK city is rather unique with its Roman Walls, which are said to be the ‘longest and best-preserved town walls in Britain’. There is a circular route dating back almost 2,000 years, offering a scenic spring stroll amid the ancient stonework, with Castle Park the place to stop for a picnic.

Ipswich

Described by LNER as ‘slow and scenic’, the town in Suffolk has low rainfall and the ‘highest spring sunshine hours’. It’s home to its waterfront that glistens in the sunshine, where there are cafés and bars to enjoy a drink or lunch al fresco, or to simply watch the business of the harbour unfold.

Plymouth

Last but not least is the port city in Devon, with The Hoe overlooking Plymouth Sound as its most iconic landmark. This is a great starting point for a day in Plymouth, with its sprawling lawns and seafront promenade offering the perfect spring stroll, before grabbing an ice cream or climbing Smeaton’s Tower.

For more information or to book your spring day trip, you can visit the LNER website.

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