You can find daffodils in many gardens, but the wild variety found in the ancient woodland on this medieval castle’s estate have a particular beauty. Photograph: National Trust/Val Corbett
A luxurious guesthouse set among gorgeous lakeland scenery, about three miles from Rydal water. As well as an abundance of daffodils lining the drive, Nanny Brow has its own semi-ancient woodland which is about to open to guests, having been cleared of overgrowth to allow native species to thrive. In the next couple of weeks expect to see a carpet of bluebells; you may also spot roe deer using the wood as a thoroughfare down to the river, and red squirrel. Rooms from £140 including breakfast (high season: April-October). Photograph: Mark Chivers/PR
A rook carrying a twig in its beak is one of the key signs that spring has sprung. They have been busy building nests since mid-February and now they are laying and sitting on eggs. They are town and country birds – you can often spot their nests along the sides of roads. But at Tattershall visitors who climb to the top of the castle can look down into the nests in the trees – as well as enjoy spectacular local views Photograph: PR
Eco-friendly self-catering accommodation in rural Lincolnshire offering short (three-night) stays as well as week-long stays. A welcome hamper stuffed with local specialities including jam, cheeses and chutneys, Lincolnshire sausages, plum loaf, organic chocolates, a bottle of wine plus in season vegetables from the onsite garden means you won’t have to venture out to the shops immediately. Courses are held in the on-site converted stable – upcoming are baking breads for Easter and Easter chocolates, plus gardening courses. From £315 for three nights (April - October). Photograph: PR
Dandelions are one of our most underrated plants; aside from their medicinal and culinary history, they also flower spectacularly for about 10 days in spring, providing a major source of nectar and pollen for spring insects. This year should be particularly impressive, a knock-on effect from last year’s dry spring which meant they flowered and seeded well. Instead of dismissing them as weeds, we should celebrate them. The open fields of many National Trust parks and estates are perfect places for dandelions to flourish, such as just north of the mansion at Attingham. Photograph: www.alamy.com
An atmospheric timber framed Tudor mansion in Shrewsbury, five miles from Attingham. From £125 per room (Monday-Thursday) for the oak-panelled Catherine of Aragon suite in a private wing, including breakfast, bottle of bubbly and fresh fruit. Photograph: PR
More than half of the world’s varieties of bluebells can be found in the UK, carpeting our woodlands throughout late April and May. Follow the winding paths through the great wood at Blickling and pass through swathes of dainty English bluebells. Photograph: alamy
A cafe-cum-deli-cum-boutique B&B in the Georgian market town of Holt, a 15-minute drive from Blickling. The 16 rooms feature exposed brickwork, oak floorboards, slate and leather. This is the perfect time of year to make the most of their birdwatching (£75 for a guide for two for the day) and biking breaks (bike hire £10 per day). Or catch the boat from Morston or Blakeney, a 15-minute drive away, to see seals on the sand banks. From £150 B&B. Photograph: PR
While children may be unimpressed by daffodils or rooks’ nests, lambs frisking about a field are a surefire family hit – your kids will be asking for a pet one before you know it. With a substantial collection of rare breeds, Home Farm on the Wimpole estate sees the arrival of approximately 300 newborn lambs. Photograph: Alan Keith Beastall/Alamy
Eleven miles from Wimpole, this B&B, set in seven acres, is next to an RSPB reserve offering walks across its 100 acres. Three suites are housed in converted farm buildings, and the large country garden where the daffs are now in full bloom is popular with guests. Rooms from £85 based on two sharing. Limited availabilty in April; more in May Photograph: PR
After the long winter, migrating birds return from milder climates for the summer months. Spot chiffchaffs from March, with swallows and house martins usually arriving in April and swifts following in late April or early May. The Crom estate is one of Ireland’s most important nature conservation islands, with 2,000 acres of ancient woodlands and picturesque islands. Watch the birdlife arrive from the south from a new bird hide on the shores of Derrymacrow Lough. Photograph: Sami Sarkis/Alamy
Lord it up by staying in the West Wing of this 1832 castle owned by the Crichton family who have lived on the Crom estate for the past 400 years. Stay either on a self-catering basis from £3,500 for a week (based on 12 sharing); or on an individual B&B basis from £80 per person (fully booked in March and April but availability in May). Guests can stroll the private grounds and use the tennis court. The National Trust also has cottages on site. Photograph: alamy
These astonishing goblet or star-shaped flowers in white, pink or deep magenta are the stars of the show at this spectacular garden, famed for its collection of rare and important plants. Photograph: The National Trust/Alamy
Old Whyly, a Grade II-listed 17th-century manor house, is part of the excellent Wolsey Lodges scheme offering luxury B&B accommodation in gorgeous, often historic, family homes. Inside Old Whyly there are elegant rooms filled with antiques, outside, in spring, the gardens are ablaze with rhododendrons, azaleas, daffodils and tulips and guests can walk through the adjoining private estate. Owner Sarah Burgoyne is a passionate cook so breakfast, including eggs from her hens and honey from her hives, is a highlight. Doubles/twins £45-£68 pppn B&B. Photograph: PR
Although they can be spotted throughout the year, red squirrels come to life as winter recedes and can be spotted foraging on the ground or roaming through the treetops. The thriving natural habitats of Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour provide great wildlife spotting potential for this often elusive creature. Photograph: Jinny Goodman/Alamy
A beautiful B&B on a working farm in an area of outstanding natural beauty. In spring the sight of young farm animals frolicking about the fields make the setting even more idyllic. There is also self-catering for two in the Bothy. The farm is inland, but an easy half-hour drive down to the coast. It’s also close to Kingston Lacy, another National Trust property, famed for its gardens. From £80 per night B&B for two, or £560 for the week self-catering. Photograph: PR
