I’m lucky enough to have called Yorkshire home for many years – and one of the best times of year to visit is during spring. There are so many different flowers that bloom around the area year on year, and I’ve loved getting to see so many specific destinations for the spring blossoms. If you’re looking for a guide to the top destinations in Yorkshire for spring flowers – here you go!
February: Snowdrops
The snowdrops appear during January, and peak during February. The little white blossoms, poking up out of the ground, always mean spring is coming soon – and that gives me hope during the (typically) dreary British winters!
Burton Agnes Hall
This is one of the best places to see snowdrops in Yorkshire. While the hall itself is closed over the winter season, the grounds are open in February specifically to see the snowdrops. There are plenty of signposts around the gardens to point you in the right direction to see the best snowdrops. It’s one of my favorite places in East Yorkshire!
Fountain’s Abbey
I haven’t actually been to Fountain’s Abbey during snowdrop season myself, but I’ve seen enough photos to know it’s stunning! The grassy riverbank around the abbey ruins typically sees lots of snowdrops pop up each year. It’s a great time to visit this beautiful Yorkshire destination, as you won’t get the crowds of the busy summer season.
February & March: Crocus
I absolutely love seeing the crocus blooms around Yorkshire. These colorful little flowers pop up in February and March, typically at their peak around the beginning of March.
York: Dean’s Park
This beautiful park lies in the shadow of York Minster, the top attraction in the historic city of York. Every year, there is a swathe of crocus that bloom in the park. And I take the same photos, with the towers of the Minster in the background, pretty much every year! These tend to be at their most vibrant in March. If you visit, please respect the signage and don’t trample the flowers.
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Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey, just outside of Leeds, doesn’t see anywhere near as many visitors as the other historic abbey ruins in Yorkshire. But visit during spring, and you’ll be rewarded: the crocus flowers carpet the grounds.
March: Daffodils
The daffodils are probably my favorite spring flower to see and photograph around Yorkshire. It changes year on year, but they tend to appear around the middle-end of February, and peak in mid-March. Some linger on to the end of the month, but they tend to be at their most vibrant in the middle of the month.
York: City Walls
The daffodils in bloom around the York City Walls is one of my favorite sights in spring. I’ll never forget seeing them during my first spring in York, back in 2017 – I couldn’t believe how just how many daffodils there were, and how beautiful they were! There are too many good spots for the daffodils here, as the City Walls are about two miles long. But some of the best areas are between Micklegate and Skeldergate Bridge, from Fishergate to Walmgate, and from Foss Islands to Bootham Bar. Walking the City Walls is one of the best free things to do in York!
York: Clifford’s Tower
Clifford’s Tower is the only survivor of York’s medieval castle complex; perched on the hill, there are great views over the city from the rooftop viewing area. Every year, the grassy mound comes to life with yellow daffodils blooming all around it. These are said to be planted in memory of the Jews who lost their life at the tower during a massacre in 1190. There are signs asking people to stay off the mound – please respect these signs and don’t go trampling among the daffodils just to take some photos!
Farndale
This short 3.5-mile walk in the North York Moors is nice any time of year, but particularly special in spring. Come March, the valley along the River Dove is carpeted with yellow daffodils. Stop in at the Daffy Cafe along the way as you explore Farndale. While the walk typically ends here, I recommend walking onto Church Houses, to see the daffodils in the churchyard there.
Fountain’s Abbey
Once the snowdrops start to disappear, the daffodils start to bloom at Fountain’s Abbey. The best flowers tend to be around the refectory and kitchen ruins, with some along the water. You’ll see even more daffodils on the Seven Bridges walk through the valley outside the site.
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Helmsley
Helmsley is a charming village on the edge of the North York Moors. Come spring, it’s a top place to visit for the daffodils that bloom each year along the beck. The water, with the church and pretty stone buildings in the background, is a classic Yorkshire shot.
April: Tulips & Blossoms
As the daffodils fade away towards the end of March and beginning of April, more spring flowers arrive to take their place. Tulips and cherry blossoms bloom during April. This tends to be quite seasonal, so your best bet at seeing these peak is to follow local Yorkshire pages.
York: Museum Gardens
Museum Gardens in York is one of my favorite places in the city. And there’s no better time to visit than during spring. While there are typically some daffodils in the back, close to the Edible Wood and York Art Gallery, the real showstopper are the tulips. Find them around the Yorkshire Museum and in front of the Hospitium.
York: York Station and Walmgate
The prettiest blossoms in York can be found along Station Road by York Station and the Principal Hotel, close to the City Walls. Head across the city to Walmgate (specifically the tree at the intersection with Navigation Road) and see a stunning array of blossoming flowers. There is a line of trees that bloom each year on Walmgate between Margaret Street and Hope Street. This has to be the prettiest One Stop in Yorkshire in spring!
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Harrogate Stray
The best places to see cherry blossoms in Yorkshire is in Harrogate, along the Stray. The trees here bloom a bright shade of pink – so you can almost walk through a tunnel of pink blossoms. It’s a superb spot for spring flowers in Yorkshire.
If you’re specifically after magnolias, my favorite spot is the garden at the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall in York. This is definitely one of the best hidden gems in York – but it also has several magnolia trees with the most stunning display!
May: Bluebells
Yorkshire has so many pretty spring flowers. Once it hits May, get ready for bluebell season. These beautiful purple flowers carpet the countryside in pretty woodland areas. Please take special care if you are photographing them, as trampled bluebells can take five years to regrow!
Roseberry Topping (Newton Wood)
Roseberry Topping is one of the most prominent peaks in the North York Moors – its nickname is the Yorkshire Matterhorn for its distinct shape. Walk around Newton Wood, and you’ll be astounded at the number of bluebells here. Sunset is a particularly pretty time to photograph them.
Nidd Gorge
Another excellent place to see bluebells in Yorkshire is Nidd Gorge. This area is outside of Knaresborough, and tends to be a quiet place for a walk and photography session. Follow the Nidd River down to the viaduct, and the woods will be covered in pretty purple flowers!
Middleton Woods, Ilkley
This pretty forest is one of the best spots in Yorkshire to see the bluebells in spring. It’s a popular place, so expect to see lots of other people (especially on weekends) during the peak. But seeing the woodland covered in purple flowers is definitely worth it.
York: Clifford’s Tower
While the daffodils are undoubtedly Clifford’s Tower best seasonal attraction, bluebells also bloom around the castle mound here. Again, respect the signage, keep off the mound, and take care not to walk on the bluebells.
June: Wildflowers
With the spring months over, you might think that there aren’t any more seasonal flowers to see in Yorkshire. You’d be wrong though – the wildflowers bloom in June, and carpet the countryside with yellow flowers.
Swaledale
Swaledale is my favorite dale in the Yorkshire Dales. And the best time of year to visit is in June, when the wildflowers bloom. The Muker Meadows are easily accessed from the village, and are likely the most well-known – but I highly recommend following the River Swale down to Gunnerside, to see the wildflower meadows along the way.
Castle Bolton
This little village in Wensleydale is dominated by Bolton Castle. Come June, the fields and meadows around the base of the village and castle come to life with wildflowers. The footpaths between Castle Bolton and Aysgarth Falls are particularly pretty.
August: Sunflowers
I know August isn’t spring – but I’m including an addition to share some of the best spots to see sunflowers in Yorkshire. It’s best to try to visit on a sunny day, or else be prepared for slightly droopy flowers in your photos.
South Cave
This area is home to a few fields of sunflowers, which brighten up the countryside in summer. Park at the large layby on Beverley Road and follow the footpath down into the valley, then turn left. Again, be careful where you walk if you take photographs with the sunflowers!
Pop Up Patch (Sutton-on-the-Forest)
This spot is a rare one on this list – as you can actually pick your own sunflowers to take home! Prices may change, but it’s usually £5 per person (I think £10 for families), to pick six sunflowers. This is a great destination for taking photos, but even better as you can take the flowers home with you!
If you’ve enjoyed this post, you’ll love my article on the Best Places to See the Heather in Bloom in Yorkshire. Heather season is my favorite season of all in Yorkshire; every year, I head out “heather hunting” around the end of August to spot the best and most impressive displays. The post has all the top spots to see heather around Yorkshire!
Where to Stay in Yorkshire for Spring Flowers
It’s best to base yourself in the city of York if you’re wanting to explore these Yorkshire destinations in spring. All of these places can be visited as a daytrip from the city, plus there are so many pretty flowers that bloom in York itself – so it’s doubly convenient!
If you’re planning on staying overnight in York, recommend the following places:
- Budget: Safestay York or the Fort Boutique Hostel
- Mid-range: Hotel Indigo or Galtres Lodge
- Luxury: The Grand
You can book hostels in York here, and check out hotels in York here!
Planning Your Trip to Yorkshire for Spring Flowers
York itself is easily accessible by public transportation – it’s just two hours from London on the train. Many of these destinations, such as Kirkstall Abbey, Helmsley, and Harrogate, are also accessible if you don’t have a car. But you will undoubtedly be able to see so much more if you have your own vehicle. Some places are completely inaccessible unless you have a car, and are able to walk into the woodlands, to see the flowers. The closest airport is Leeds Bradford airport – I use Skyscanner to book my flights. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Spring is one of the best times of year to visit Yorkshire. The cities and countryside really do come to life with spring flowers – it’s such a dreamy way to explore more of Yorkshire. I hope this post helps you plan your Yorkshire trip to see the spring flowers here!
Have you seen any pretty flowers in bloom around Yorkshire? Share your spots in the comments below!
You might also like my posts:
The Best Walks in and Around York, England
The Ultimate Yorkshire Guide: 99 Incredible Places to Visit in Yorkshire
The Complete Guide to the Best Instagram Spots in York
21 of the BEST Places to Visit in the North York Moors
The BEST Places to Visit in the Yorkshire Dales
The Best Places to Visit on the Yorkshire Coast
All of my Yorkshire posts!
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