March is an exciting month for so many reasons! Spring peeks its head around the corner, the clocks go forward and you might even head out without a coat once in a while. After being cuddled up inside during winter, all that extra daylight is a great reason to embark on some new adventures in the great outdoors! You’ll find plenty of the latter in these best places to visit in the UK in March.
1. Brecon Beacons, Wales
Trying to figure out where to go in March in the UK? The beginning of spring marks a fantastic time to visit the Brecon Beacons in Wales. By this time the coldest of seasons has passed, in which icy winds truly blow a gail on the mountain range’s majestic peaks. However, in March, more forgiving weather and slightly warmer temperatures make a pleasant time to explore. And as flowers bloom and trees sprout, the hills come alive with the vibrant green and burgundy-red the Beacons are known for.
Things to do:
-Hire a campervan (with a heater) to explore the area. By visiting in March you’ll beat the summer crowds, which means you’re more likely to have the popular spots in these magnificent mountains completely to yourself. Check out these best motorhome campsites in the Brecon Beacons for a place to stay.
-If you’re an animal lover, March is a delightful time to witness newborn lambs frolicking in the fields. It’s the traditional lambing season in the Welsh countryside, and the Brecon Beacons are no exception. Some farms even offer lambing activities for visitors such as cuddling and bottle-feeding newborns, which is a truly unique and heartwarming experience.
-Go stargazing! The Beacons are an International Dark Sky Reserve, as the lack of light pollution in the area allows you to witness breathtaking celestial spectacles if the conditions are right. The night’s sky is at its clearest in winter, but in early spring there’s still plenty of stargazing opportunity and it’ll be less frosty at night.
Check out more unmissable things to do in the Brecon Beacons while you’re here.
2. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, Scotland
Loch Lomond and the surrounding Trossachs National Park may be at their most beautiful in spring, making it one of the best places to visit in the UK in March. In early spring, the higher peaks may be still capped in snow, while the glens at lower elevations bloom. This makes the area a great destination for those looking for a quintessential Scottish nature experience. And not unimportant; it’s one of the best weekend trips from Edinburgh, and even closer to Glasgow.
Things to do:
-Be on the lookout for wildlife! As nature awakens with the arrival of spring, species become more active and big birds such as ospreys and eagles return for the nesting season. You’ll also spot plenty of deer in these woodlands, and where in England red squirrels have rarely survived, Scotland is a red squirrel stronghold!
-Walk the West Highland Way! Two sections of this 96-mile walking route hug the shores of Loch Lomond and pass a chain of islands that mark the literal threshold between the lowlands and highlands of Scotland. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park is even considered a gateway to the Scottish Highlands.
-Enjoy the spirit of Loch Lomond… literally! The area is home to several whisky distilleries, where you can learn about the art of making ‘water of life’ and of course try a wee dram to ward off the winter chill yourself.
3. New Forest, England
Wondering where to go in the UK in March? Be sure to mark the New Forest on your map! At only two hours away from the capital, it’s one of the best weekend trips near London and well-suited for a spring road trip adventure. Especially if you enjoy tranquil walks along the riverside! The New Forest is crisscrossed by streams and rivers, which flow with renewed energy after the wet winter months.
Things to do:
-Spot free-roaming ponies, the celebrities of the New Forest. They’re quite used to walkers trotting about their habitat, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to observe them up close. Always keep a respectful distance and never feed them, as they have a natural diet suited to the environment.
-Try your hand at winter archery. Why not learn a new skill that allows you to be outdoors? Learn how to handle a bow and arrow in a fully instructed session, and test your aim in the stunning setting of the New Forest.
-Walk the Rhinefield and Vinney Ridge route. This gentle trail sweeps through the heart of the national park. It’s home to some of the tallest trees in England, including mighty 50-metre-tall redwoods and Douglas firs.
4. Mourne Mountains, Northern Ireland
Northern Irish weather is unpredictable, especially in winter. In early spring the air is still crisp, but milder temperatures and thin crowds make a great time for exploring. The Mourne Mountains hold a well-deserved spot on this list of best places to visit in the UK in March, as it’s then that you can witness the area’s many waterfalls in their full glory due to melting snows.
-Walk to Annalong Valley Waterfalls and rockpools, some of the most picturesque bodies of water in the Mourne Mountains. The Annalong Valley is located in the eastern part of the Mournes, and the moderately easy walk takes you through some stunning meadows, woodlands and rocky terrain.
-Walk in the footsteps of your favourite Game of Thrones actors. It’s no secret the cast spent a lot of time in Northern Ireland, and the Mournes were one of the main reasons for them to set up camp. We recommend downloading the Game of Thrones Filming Locations Northern Ireland app, to find out which iconic scenes were filmed here.
-Soak up the quiet! The granite peaks and lush valleys of the Mournes are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but they’re an area of outstanding tranquillity too.
The conveniently named Silent Valley is the place to be if you’d like to absorb the famous silence. All for a bit of peace and quiet? Check out more calm holiday destinations in the UK.
5. Pembrokeshire, Wales
Being so far out west, Pembrokeshire is a less visited stretch of coastline than the more centrally located Gower Peninsula. A huge shame, as it’s just as beautiful if not more gorgeous. Enjoy uninterrupted vistas of the Atlantic Ocean from rugged cliffs and golden beaches, which are still quiet in the springtime.
Things to do:
-Visit the quaint and charming seaside town of Tenby. You’ll find Castle Beach nestled in the heart of the town, which was voted ‘Britain’s Best Beach’ in 2019 and offers stunning views of St. Catherine’s Island and its iconic, historic fort.
- The whole of Pembrokeshire is dotted with impressive castles and fortresses, but if we’d have to pick one to explore it would be Pembroke Castle, which is recommended for those interested in medieval history and Welsh heritage.
-Follow the magnificent Pembrokeshire Coast Path, on which you can walk for hours without stumbling into a soul. If you’re bringing a four-legged friend, they’ll thank you for this glorious opportunity to stretch their legs on grass and sand.
For more ideas, check out our complete Pembrokeshire road trip itinerary.
6. Malvern Hills AONB, England
The Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are nestled in the English counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. The area is known for its hills, which tower over the surrounding farmland, villages and cities of the Malvern district.
You can spot the Severn Valley, the Welsh Black Mountains and the Bristol Channel from its highest point, known as the Worcestershire Beacon. It’s therefore not surprising that the area is loved among walkers, who often list it as one of their favourite mountain and hill walking locations in the UK.
If you’re wondering where to go in March in the UK, we recommend you don’t miss out on this lush natural area. The Malvern Hills are home to a rich diversity of wildflowers, which completely transform the landscape during the spring blooms.
In March you’ll find a display of bright yellow daffodils dancing in the wind, which is quite the sight to behold.
Things to do:
-Take a stroll along ‘The Daffodil Way’. This circular walk departs from Dymock in northwest Gloucestershire through an area with bountiful daffodils known as the ‘Golden Triangle’.
-Explore the celebrated cider industry on Herefordshire’s Cider Route. Herefordshire produces half the UK’s cider supply including some favourite cider brands such as Westons and Bulmers. The driving tour takes you to some of the major cider producers orchards, where you can of course sample some sweet golden scrumpy yourself.
Looking to set up camp in the area for a night or two? Check out our recommended motorhome campsites in the Malvern Hills.
7. The Cotswolds, England
The Cotswolds are always cute and cosy, especially when covered in a coat of frost. But have you ever visited the Cotswolds in bloom? The area truly is a sight for sore eyes when the frost melts, well-kept country gardens begin to bloom and ivy starts creeping up cottage walls again.
We couldn’t recommend a motorhome trip in the Cotswolds more, which is why we’ve come up with a complete Cotswolds road trip itinerary for you. If you’re short on time or only here for a weekend getaway, here are some of our highlights:
-Visit the idyllic town of Stow-on-the-Wold, which is considered to be one of the best villages in the Cotswolds and is dotted by quant antique shops, tea rooms, art galleries and pubs. Cute Cotswolds sights galore!
-If you prefer exploring a slightly bigger city, head to Bath, which breathes quintessential Cotswolds charm. The city is built entirely from ‘Bath Stone’, the sandy-coloured limestone which is so iconic in the Cotswolds colour pallet.
-Travelling in the company of a four-legged friend? You’re both in luck! Dogs are loved and welcomed in the Cotswolds, and we’ve already created a dog-friendly guide to the Cotswolds for you.
8. Isle of Wight, England
If you haven’t hopped on a ferry across The Solent yet, this is your sign to finally visit the captivating Isle of Wight this spring. The island experiences a gentler winter than many other parts of the UK due to several geographical and meteorological factors, and in the warmer days of March, the already warmer-than-average island is a haven for outdoor activities. It’s the destination for a spring or easter road trip, on which you can defrost and soak up the ever-growing hours of daylight.
Things to do:
-Visit the Botanical Garden. The Isle of Wight is nicknamed ‘The Garden Isle’ for a reason and in springtime, the island’s parks and botanical garden burst into bloom.
-Go bird watching. March is a great time to head to Nature Reserves such as Brading Marshes and Newtown National Nature Reserve to spot a large variety of birds returning for the breeding season.
-Spot the abundant sea life. If you find yourself on the isle’s gorgeous white cliffs, keep a weather eye on the horizon! The chance of spotting basking seals on sandbanks or dolphins in the offshore waves is highly likely.
Check out our full motorhome itinerary for the Isle of Wight.
9. Cornwall, England
Visiting Cornwall is always a good idea, but unfortunately, most Brits agree. Especially in the summertime, the pristine golden sand beaches of the UK's southwest corner are crawling with sunseekers, often making it hard to find a quiet spot to throw out your towel, let alone a place to park.
If you’d love to explore Britain’s beloved seaside county but prefer beating the crowds, consider a trip to Cornwall in March. You might not be fully sunbathing yet, but you’ll certainly be able to comfortably take your shoes off and let your toes touch the sand in the spring rays. Furthermore, the luscious landscapes won’t be crispened by the summer heat, but fully in bloom instead.
Things to do:
-Visit these unbelievably un-English-looking spots along the coastline. The way the sunlight bounces off these white sandy beaches and crystal clear water will have you thinking you’ve been mysteriously teleported to the tropics.
-Take a tour of or even go to a show in the Minack Theatre. This open-air amphitheatre is built into the cliff above Porthcurno Beach, but so alluring it’s usually heaving and fully booked during summer. Not in March!
10. The North Coast 500, Scotland
It’s the road trip of Scottish road trips, and often even referred to as Scotland’s very own Route 66. We’re of course talking about the infamous North Coast 500. Striking landscapes, epic landmarks and immersive cultural experiences all add to the splendour of the NC500, but when is the best time to embark on this monumental adventure?
If you’ve read up on this route, you’ll likely know to stay away in summer, when the beautiful yet often incredibly narrow lanes turn into traffic jams and the midgies roam free. But so do many other motorhome travellers, which is why the shoulder season months of April and May are often recommended as the best time of year to drive the NC500.
And that’s exactly why we’d like to take the stand for, you’ve guessed it, March! If you really want to soak up everything this remarkable road trip has to offer, face the early spring chill to have it all(most) to yourself. The whisky will warm your bones, after all.
Check out our full itinerary for the North Coast 500 for a road trip to remember.
Find your ideal campervan for any of these great destinations to visit in March right here on Goboony.
