Springwatch
With spring in the air as the clocks go forward we celebrate the best places to salute the start of the season
Fawning over deer, The New Forest, Hampshire
Dating back nearly 1,000 years to when William the Conqueror established the area as a royal forest and hunting ground, The New Forest is still a great place to observe nature. And there's no better place to watch deer in spring than near Bolderwood. From then until the end of summer you can see deer in their natural habitat. And if you're really lucky you may spot up to five different species. Details from the Lyndhurst visitor information centre on 0238 028 2269 or email information@nfdc.gov.uk.
Why we love it
Janet and William Best took their children Hannah, 6, and Kyle, 4, for a day trip to Bolderwood. Hannah says, 'I got to stand on the platform and see the deer up close, which was brilliant.'
Where to stay
The gorgeous Stanwell House in Lymington offers dinner, b&b plus complimentary bottle of wine on arrival, for just £63 per person, per night, based on two people sharing, conditions apply. Call 01590 677123 or visit www.stanwellhouse.com, quoting TESCO.
Blooming marvellous, Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Scotney's moated 14th century castle is set in one of the National Trust's most romantic gardens in Kent. open from March, spring sees this most picturesque place carpeted with daffodils and Ghent azaleas.
Why we love it
Reader Pete Johnson says, 'The sheer amount and colour of the flowers simply took my breath away. Wandering through the estate it really was easy to see why it's been called "One of the Seven Wonders of the Weald".' Go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.
Where to stay
Once Queen Victoria's favourite retreat, the Royal Wells Hotel, in the spa town of Royal Tunbridge Wells, retains much of its Victorian elegance. Rooms start from £80 per night. For more information see www.royalwells.co.uk.
Free spirit, Dublin
If you need inspiration for spring cleaning your life visit the Mind, Body & Soul Festival in Dublin from 14-17 March. Here you can learn about complementary medicines, healing practices and meditation that may help you to find your inner self. To preserve your inner serenity head to the luxurious Carton House hotel. Half an hour's drive from Dublin, its stunning parkland has attracted the likes of Grace Kelly. Try a treatment, such as the Regenerate Journey, to release your emotional and physical fatigue and enhance your wellbeing. See www.discoverireland.com or call 0800 039 7000 for information.
Why we love it
Reader Nicola Samson says, 'I was really stressed out, but I paid a visit to the festival and after picking up a few pointers and products I felt revitalised.'
Where to stay
A stay at Carton House starts from £61 per person per night, b&b, based on two sharing. Visit www.cartonhouse.com or call 00 353 1505 2000 for details.
Birdsong, Dungeness in Kent
Hearing the first cuckoo is a traditional sign of the arrival of spring. And Dungeness in Kent, with its own bird observatory, is a great place for sightings. It has information about the natural history of the area, including local plants and wildlife. And you can also pay a visit to the historic Old Lighthouse, where you can learn how a lighthouse works and climb the tower for panoramic views of Kent's stunning countryside.
Why we love it
Reader David Freeman says, 'I really couldn't believe it when I heard a cuckoo. I've only ever seen them in clocks before so it was pretty amazing.'
Where to stay
Why not try one of Kent's many cottages to let to get a real feel for the area, such as Smugglers Cottage, Questeds Farm, Frith Road, Aldington, Kent. Prices start from £250 per week. Call 01233 720 499 for more information.
Gaelic garlic, Belfast
North of the Belfast Hills lies Cave Hill Country Park. Home to Belfast Zoo, it sees many new arrivals in spring from baby giraffes and newborn monkeys to cubs of the almost extinct Barbary lion. Above the zoo is the beautiful area of Hazelwood, perfect for a spring walk through hazel groves. It looks out to Belfast Lough – and if you’re lucky you might even see Scotland on a clear day. Enjoy lovely woodland with plants including wild garlic growing everywhere beside bluebells and wood sorrel. For more on springtime walks and events see www.belfasthills.org or call the Belfast Hills Partnership on 02890 603466. Also visit www.discoverireland.com.
Why we love it
Reader Kate Page says, 'I picked some wild garlic leaves from Hazelwood and took them home – they made a great addition to pizza and salads, giving them such a wonderfully fresh flavour.'
Where to stay
Rooms at the Malmaison Belfast start from £49.50 per person per night, b&b, based on two people sharing. Visit www.malmaison.com or call 02890 220 200.
