See our Beyond London section for further inspiration for trips out of London for a day, a weekend, or longer.
Fancy getting out of London for a day, but not sure where to head?
From a jousting tournament at a castle, to the best places to see bluebells and tulips, here are a few reasons to (temporarily) leave London in April 2024.
SCOTT'S GROTTO: In a chalk hillside in Ware, Hertfordshire, you'll find a series of interconnected manmade chambers, collectively known as Scott's Grotto. It took 30 years to complete, and the walls are lined with shells, flints, and coloured glass. It opens to the public on Saturdays and bank holidays between April and September — so this year's first opening is Easter Monday. 1 April-30 September (Hertfordshire)
BLUEBELL WALK: Hole Park Gardens in Cranbrook has one of the best bluebell displays in the country. Take a woodland walk and enjoy the spectacle — check the 'bluebell barometer' on the website in April to find out when the flowers are looking their best. Take a few snaps and watch the Instagram likes roll in. Oh, and have a read of our guide to other places to find bluebells in and near London. Open from 1 April, bluebells from mid-April (Kent)
FESTIVAL OF WALKING: Lace up your trainers and head to Canterbury for the Festival of Walking, consisting of strolls around the city led by expert guides. Art, Chaucer, Marlowe and regal history are just some of the topics covered on the programme. 5-7 April (Kent)
HERITAGE TRANSPORT SHOW: Classic and vintage cars, motorcycles, tractors, steam, stationary engines, commercial and military vehicles are on display at the Heritage Transport Show, taking place at the Kent County Showground. Wander among thousands of vehicles, including buses (the South East Bus Festival is incorporated into the event), with free bus rides available. 6 April (Kent)
READING COMIC CON: Dig out your best cosplay costume and head to Reading Comic Con. As well as a costume competition, expect displays of props, traders selling merch, and TV and film celebrities (TBC at time of writing). 6 April (Berkshire)
JOUSTING: Travel back to medieval times and watch knights go head to head in a jousting tournament at Hedingham Castle. The display takes place in a bustling arena, surrounded by food, drink and craft stalls. 13-14 April (Essex)
ASTON MARTIN DISPLAY: Start your engines: The Aston Martin Owners Club parks up in the grounds of Hatfield House, allowing the public to get a closer look at some of its members' vehicles. Access to the event is included in a gardens ticket. 14 April (Hertfordshire)
LAMBING DAY: Like farms all over the country at this time of year, Four Winds Farm is getting ready for lambing season — and inviting the public in to see the action for themselves on a special Lambing Day. See the newborn lambs, watch older sheep being sheared, and if the weather's on your side, take a ride on a tractor. 20 April (Kent)
SPRING TRANSPORT FESTIVAL: Full size and miniature stream trains, fire engines, and vintage cars are just some of the vehicles on display at the Spring Transport Festival at the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre in Aylesbury. Expect model stalls and a beer tent for the adults, and circus workshops for children. 20-21 April (Buckinghamshire)
SPRING STEAM GALA: The Watercress Line — built to support the growing watercress industry in the 1860s — now runs as a heritage railway. The final weekend of April is its Spring Steam Gala, when its own fleet of locomotives will be in operation, as well as some guest engines. Visit some of the heritage stations along the line, visit special exhibitions and learn about how the engines work and are cared for. 26-28 April (Hampshire)
GOTHIC TEMPLE OPEN DAYS: The National Trust and the Landmark Trust offer a rare chance to see inside the Gothic Temple at Stowe Gardens. On the open days, you can go inside the medieval-inspired building and enjoy the scenic views from the top floor. It's normally only accessible by hiring it as a holiday cottage. 27-28 April (Buckinghamshire)
MUSEUM ANNIVERSARY FAYRE: The Royston Museum, located in the centre of the town and housing displays celebrating local history and an art gallery, celebrates its 40th birthday with a family-friendly anniversary fayre. Entry is free, and though the exact programme hasn't been announced at time of writing, it's as good a time as any to visit the museum — and the town — if you've not been before. 28 April (Hertforshire)
TULIP FESTIVALS:
- New for this year is Tulleys Tulip Fest, expected to have more than 500,000 of the colourful flowers across 100 different varieties. Early bird tickets have sold out, but general tickets will go on sale when the exact flowering dates are known, expected to be from late March (West Sussex)
- One of our favourite castles in Sussex, Arundel Castle reopens for the 2024 season with a wave of colour, thanks to its tulip festival. The gardens of the lofty fortress are covered in 100,000 flowers of several varieties, making for a photogenic spring day out. Mid-April — dates TBC (West Sussex).
- Similarly, Pashley Manor is famous for its tulip festival, with 45,000 expected to bloom in various hues and species this year. From 22 April (East Sussex)
- And one more for the tulip fans: Hever Castle (which we love all year round) hosts it annual Tulip Celebrations, encompassing garden tours and floral demonstrations, as well as chance to ogle the 40,000 flowers. In past years, we've seen some really unusual species here. Worth making the time to visit the castle itself while you're there. 15-28 April (Kent)