
Best places to see spring blooms in the North
With spring offically round the corner, there's no better time to start exploring the best places to see spring blooms. From flowers in Harrogate to cherry blossoms in Preston, there's always somewhere nearby to visit.
With Northern, it's easy to take yourself on an enjoyable day out to soak up some sunshine on a stroll through a local woodland, or marvel at a colourful floral display.
Discover our best picks for the best places to visit to see spring flowers and trees blooming across The North.
Blossom and Bloomtown
Across the North throughout spring, you can explore Bloomtown - a trail run by the National Trust pinpointing the best spots to see spring blossom.
You can choose from a range of events taking place across the North, including watercolour sessions, craft workshops and poetry walks, all enjoyed among the stunning blooms.
If you'd like to plan your own route, use their interactive map to explore from Manchester City Centre to Liverpool. Find your nearest trail and enjoy the spring with Northern.
The Stray, Harrogate
Nearest station: Harrogate
Distance from train station: 7-minute walk
Just a short walk from Harrogate train station, you’ll find The Stray, a 200-acre grass parkland, commonly viewed as one of Harrogate’s best landmarks. The history of The Stray dates back to 1778 when it was first created, and over the years, it has served many purposes, from grazing livestock to hosting the Great Yorkshire Show and Harrogate Flower Shows.
Nowadays, The Stray is a great green space to take a walk after a busy day enjoying the sights of Harrogate. In springtime, you’ll find millions of crocuses coming into flower before giving way to daffodils, as well as the iconic cherry blossom trees.

Fletcher Moss Park & Parsonage Gardens, Manchester
Nearest station: East Didsbury
Distance from train station: 10-minute walk
If you're looking for somewhere to see it all, Fletcher Moss Park & Parsonage Gardens in South Manchester has so much to offer! From botanical gardens to meadows and rivers, you'll easily get lost in a world of spring wonders.
The Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden is only a short walk from East Didsbury station, making it easy to start your day of exploring the gardens. The site is open every day, with free entry, making it the ideal place for a cheap day out.
Avenham and Miller Park, Preston
Nearest station: Preston (Lancs)
Distance from train station: 13-minute walk
Situated in the heart of Preston's city centre, and a short walk from Preston train station, you'll find Avenham and Miller Park. This peaceful, diverse park offers one of the most impressive spring displays in the North, with landscaped gardens and exotic blossoming trees.
As springtime approaches, you'll find an array of diverse flora, including daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops, alongside the exotic Japanese Garden.
Plan your visit ahead of time and save with our advanced ticket as you enjoy the spring sights.
York Museum Gardens
Nearest station: York
Distance from train station: 9-minute walk
York Museum Gardens is home to an incredible collection of plants, making it one of the standout highlights of the city in the springtime. Only a short distance from the River Ouse, the gardens offer a peaceful space to enjoy the spring.
As the warmer months approach, you'll see the lawns and borders bursting with colourful crocuses and daffodils, alongside the blooming ornamental trees. Enjoy an easy, flexible visit to the York Museum Gardens by booking anytime tickets and go whenever works for you!
South Cliff Gardens, Scarborough
Nearest train station: Scarborough
Distance from train station: 17-minute walk
Experience spring on the Yorkshire coast, starting at South Cliff Gardens in Scarborough. Only a 17-minute walk from Scarborough station, you can enjoy a day exploring the coastal gardens with pleasant walking routes and delightful floral displays.
Enjoy a cliffside adventure through the Italian Gardens, flower beds, rose garden and lily pond, to truly soak up everything spring has to offer.
Enjoy the best spring flower gardens and parks with Northern
What’s more, all of our favourite places to see spring bloom are accessible via Northern trains, so you can save time, money, and stress while enjoying a day out. Remember, you can book your tickets in advance to save up to 60%.