Flower-filled SPRING BREAKS

Celebrate the season's colours and scents with these floral-inspired getaways

- EMMA HENDERSON

Caerhays Castle
SPRING GARDENS, CORNWALL

Sprawling across 140 acres and overlooking the sea, these woodland gardens are home to 600 varieties of magnolia and 80 record-size trees. The county is famed for its early start to spring, thanks to the warming gulf stream, while its unique microclimate, made up of westerly winds and humidity from sea mist, allows the native Chinese plants to thrive. There are plenty of walks for all levels, and the castle itself is open on set days. Go to visit.caerhays.co.uk

Where to stay
It's easy to see why 17th-century inn The Lugger, tucked away in a little cove in the pretty fishing village of Portloe, was thought to have been a smuggler's haunt. B&B doubles from £132; luggerhotel.co.uk

Spalding Flower Parade
LINCOLNSHIRE

Taking place the second weekend in May and following a decadelong hiatus, this year sees the return of the Spalding Flower Parade. It began in the 1950s, celebrating the impressive tulips locally grown on The Fens' fertile soil. Expect large floats covered in colour-popping blooms (some are silk, after a decline in local tulip production), marching bands, a Lancaster bomber flyover, and plenty of family fun and activities. Visit spalding flowerparade.org.uk