Step Into Spring: 8 Historic Houses Where You Can Celebrate the Spring Equinox
As the Spring Equinox graces us with longer days and blooming landscapes, there’s no better time to step into history and explore the beauty of the season. From grand gardens bursting into life to historic interiors bathed in the golden light of spring, these eight HeritageXplore houses offer the perfect backdrop to embrace the equinox and the promise of warmer days ahead.
1. Sudeley Castle: A Tapestry of Blooms
Where: Gloucestershire
With its celebrated gardens and centuries of royal history, Sudeley Castle is a must-visit as spring unfolds. The Queen’s Garden bursts with early blooms, while the castle’s romantic ruins offer a timeless setting to reflect on the changing seasons. Take a stroll through the award-winning grounds and soak in the fresh scents of new life.
2. Holkham Hall: Coastal Beauty in Bloom
Where: Norfolk
Set within an 18th-century landscape designed by Capability Brown, Holkham Hall is a haven for nature lovers. The parkland is alive with wildlife, and the walled garden begins to wake from its winter slumber. The nearby Holkham Beach, with its vast skies and golden sands, is the perfect spot to witness the equinox sun balancing day and night.
3. Glamis Castle: Myths, Legends, and Springtime Magic
Where: Angus, Scotland
Famed as the childhood home of the Queen Mother and the fabled setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Glamis Castle feels like a fairytale come to life. Spring breathes new energy into its ancient trees and wildflower meadows, while the castle’s stories linger in the air. A guided tour through its historic halls is the perfect way to connect past and present as the season shifts.
4. Eastnor Castle: Lakeside Tranquility
Where: Herefordshire
Eastnor Castle, nestled in the Malvern Hills, offers a picturesque escape for equinox wanderers. The expansive lake reflects the clear skies of spring, and the castle’s surrounding woodlands are filled with birdsong. A gentle walk through the arboretum, where early blossoms create a canopy of color, is the perfect way to mark the turning of the season.
5. Belvoir Castle: Grand Gardens and Spectacular Views
Where: Leicestershire
Perched high above the Vale of Belvoir, this magnificent castle welcomes spring with breathtaking views and flourishing gardens. The formal terraces come alive with vibrant spring flowers, while the woodland walks offer a refreshing retreat into nature. The Belvoir estate is a picture-perfect spot to embrace the balance of the equinox, plus, don't miss the Motherhood Exhibition - access included with general admission until 11th May 2025.
6. Doddington Hall: A Celebration of Springtime Traditions
Where: Lincolnshire
Doddington Hall’s walled gardens and wildflower meadows are a joy in spring - not least due to their annual spring bulb pageant (5th Feb – Sat 5th April). The farm shop and café, filled with fresh, local produce, make it easy to savour the season both outdoors and at the table.
7. Blenheim Palace: A UNESCO Wonderland
Where: Oxfordshire
The sheer magnificence of Blenheim Palace is only heightened by the arrival of spring. The Capability Brown-designed gardens, vast parklands, and tranquil lakes are a delight to explore as nature awakens. Don’t miss the Secret Garden, where delicate spring blossoms offer a moment of quiet reflection amid the season’s vibrancy.
8. Trewithen House: A Rare Springtime Spectacle
Where: Cornwall
Trewithen’s internationally renowned gardens are at their peak in early spring, with magnificent magnolias, camellias, and rhododendrons in full bloom. The estate’s historic charm, combined with the rare botanical wonders it houses, makes it an unforgettable place to celebrate the turning of the seasons.
