A Coast for all … spring days out

Bursting with naval history, the world-famous Mary Rose and great dining and shopping, Portsmouth makes a fascinating spring trip, just plan for more than one day! 

For Spring escapes and exploring coastal heritage, few coastal destinations touch Portsmouth. Bristling with naval culture, it’s packed with attractions to wow all the family. 

Start with the Historic Dockyard seeped with 500 years of naval history you’ll get the chance to step the boards of famous ships, explore submarines and get past and present inside stories from the Royal Navy’s finest. Buy an Ultimate Explorer ticket for access to all nine of the Dockyard’s attractions, including HMS Victory and the globally famous Mary Rose, with the world’s largest Tudor collection. 

The D-Day story is the UK’s only museum dedicated to the events of June 1944, the Normandy landings remain the largest seaborne invasion ever seen, pivotal to the ending of WW2. 

Head to Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery for a Story of Portsmouth tracing the way residents lived from the 17th century to the present day.  While a Study of Sherlock explores the life of its famous former resident with a host of interactive displays. 

Should you feel culture-overload, this is a city for fun – shop at Gunwharf Quays, relax in its ancient pubs or head to Victorious Festival 2025 in August to party. 

2025 is the 200th anniversary of the modern railway changing travel for Britain and the world forever. Railway 200 celebrates the past and present of the railway age with events and activities across the UK and beyond. 

And nowhere is this shaping up to be bigger for railway buffs, history-lovers and anyone enjoying a good spectacle than in Durham and the Tees Valley. 

The Stockton & Darlington Railway kick-started the modern rail revolution and from now to November ’25 the region is hosting a nine-month international festival. 

From an exhibition bringing to life the engineering inspiration for Father of the Railways George Stephenson, to the running of a new replica of the No.1 locomotion passenger carriage and coal wagons and a Fashion in the Age of Rail display, the programme celebrates the enormous impact the railway revolution has had on society. 

If you’re a bigger fan of two wheels, Redcar and Cleveland’s the place to be. With Guisborough Forest, the Cleveland Coast and North Yorkshire Moors National Park on the doorstep, there are boundless cycling options. 

Here you’ll find the long-distance National Cycle Network from Middlesborough to Staithes which includes glorious views of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. 

This coastline is one of huge contrasts, dramatic cliffs, sweeping bays and eight miles of golden sands from South Gare to Saltburn-by-the-Sea. Perfect for a spring escape, stroll Redcar’s Esplanade, scale the 80 foot Redcar Beacon for stunning seafront views or head to quieter Marske-by-the-Sea. 

Boogie-boarding, surf skiing, windsurfing, sailing and fishing are all on hand, the great waves make it ‘surf central’ for the North East.   

With its markets and festivals, family-friendly attractions and superb coastline, plan an easter break or May Bank holiday to this too often-overlooked stretch of coast. 

Seeking a slice of history and heritage? Mixing past and present, Plymouth offers superb days out with a line-up of unbeatable attractions. 

Climb the famous Mayflower Steps where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail in 1620, take a journey through time across four floors and as many centuries at the Mayflower Museum – across the city you’ll find no less than 37 ancient monuments, boundary stones and historical milestones. The landmark and trail guides are perfect (and downloadable) for reliving the city’s past. 

Looking for family fun? Board a Plymouth Boat trip to Mount Edgcumbe House and Gardens, take a picnic and explore some of the hundreds of acres or stroll along the beach.  Fly kites and play games at Plymouth Hoe or, if everyone’s feeling really brave, take the first dip of the year at the wonderful, art deco Tinside Lido. 

Amble along the waterfront to West Hoe Park, play crazy golf, bounce on trampolines or ride the mini train and discover Treasure Island Park. 

Whether for heritage haunts or family days out, surrounded by superb countryside and brimming with attractions, Plymouth’s hard to beat in spring.