Life changing

Eight of the best lottery–funded spring walks

Spring has finally sprung so we’ve partnered with The National Trust to compile eight of the best lottery–funded walks from across the UK. From bluebell glades to newborn lambs (aww), there’s something for everyone. So take a hike and remember you help make these breathtaking views possible.

Speke Hall, Merseyside

Spring is the perfect time to explore Speke Hall estate. Stroll through a pocket of semi-ancient woodland, renowned for its rare invertebrates, birdlife and wildflowers. You can also look out for three different varieties of daffodils, which are planted in distinct bands along the main drive offering a prolonged, stunning display of colour.

Find out more

Dinefwr, Carmarthenshire

As the only National Nature Reserve in Wales, Dinefwr’s historic parkland is famed for its abundance of wildlife and stunning valley views. The three–mile walk takes in some of the estate’s best places for spotting wildlife, always special during spring. Look out for newborn calves, rare White Park Cattle herd, or catch a glimpse of the shy fallow deer hiding in the woods.

Read more

Sheringham Park, Norfolk

With so much to see, no two walks are ever the same during spring time at Sheringham. See new plants coming into flower, from bluebells and magnolias to camellias and rhododendrons. Take the walk that winds through the famous landscape gardens designed with stunning sea views and sweeping country vistas.

Read more

Wicken Fen, Cambridgeshire

From gentle strolls on the all-weather boardwalk around Sedge Fen to longer walks exploring new wetland habitats, there are plenty of opportunities to spot amazing wildlife at Wicken Fen. In spring the landscape comes to life with the return of warblers and cuckoos, bright spring flowers and foals within Wicken’s herd of rare Konik ponies.

Find out more

Saltram, Devon

Tranquil woods and sweeping parkland make it a pleasant walk around the Georgian Saltram estate. Marvel at carpets of snowdrops and daffodils, followed by bluebells towards the end of the season. Bird lovers, look out for migrant birds such as the black-tailed and bar-tailed godwit and greenshank and Mandarin ducks.

Find out more

Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire

For fabulous views of the Elizabethan hall take the recommended three–hour walk around the estate. There’ll be plenty of spring bulbs appearing within the new stumpery, such as jewel coloured iris peeking out from among the ferns. Look out for that classic spring moment: new-born lambs leaping in the ‘Wine Glass’ field.

Find out more

Crom, Fermanagh

Take a walk through the woodland at Crom as the spring flowers bloom – walk through a carpet of wood anemones and daffodils, or head along the Culliaghs to see rhododendrons bursting into life. Look out for frogs and newts around ponds and wetland areas. Head for quiet corners of the estate to try and catch a glimpse of red squirrels, otters, fallow deer or Irish hare. If you’re really keen, book an overnight stay in the mammal hide for the chance to see the elusive pine marten.

Find out more

Crarae Garden, Inveraray

Crarae is a living horticultural museum of an Edwardian masterpiece. This exotic splash of wilderness is a Himalayan-style glen, set in the gentle green hills of Argyll. Stroll through a woody paradise with rocky gorges, wooden bridges and thickets of maple, birch and evergreens and take a well-earned breather alongside the sparkling waters of the Crarae Burn.

Find out more

Thanks to you, more than 295 National Trust initiatives all over the UK have been supported with National Lottery funding.

Credits: Photo credit: Tom Pennington

The National Lottery has been changing the lives of winners and supporting good causes across the UK since 1994. In that time, there have been more than 7,000 new millionaires created and by playing The National Lottery you raise over £4 million for Good Causes every dayΔ.

Discover more
Please wait