It’s not gone unnoticed by our good selves that mornings are a whole lot lighter than they were before. Nor that our streets are looking far less drab these days, what with crops of daffodils adorning their borders. All of which can really only mean one thing – spring is officially in the air! Yay!

Now, we may still have April’s showers to contend with, but do we really care? Birds are nesting, lambs lambing, temperatures rising, and blue skies impending…plus we get to haul out the BBQ, dust off the flops, swap puffa jackets for ¾ cardis, and enjoy evenings of Springwatch with the fam.

This time of year is of course also all about being more outdoorsy. And after these past few months of staying hunkered down indoors, we’re rather excited about getting outside again. Which is why we’ve put together this guide. Our favourite loveliest things, prettiest places and springtime treats – all to help you make the most of that fresh air and sunshine.

Bubbly with your BBQ?

There are times when we’re happy to give alcohol a miss, and with Luscombe’s range of bubblies feeling as elegant as a glass of fizz, we love that our warm weather tipple can be just as full of pizazz.

Choose from Damascene Rose, Wild Elderberry and Strawberry for the perfect bbq weather refreshment. All are made with a blend of organic and wild fruits, as well as Dartmoor spring water – delicious!

@luscombedrinks

Find out more

Fabulous footwear

Ah yes. The liberation of open-toed footwear cannot be understated after many months of wearing thick socks and boots.

And we just happen to know where you can find your next gorgeous pair of sandals. Conker shoes in Totnes. This wonderful lot have been making stunning leather footwear since 1977 and their creations are beyond fabulous.

They don’t only make sandals by the way – their boots are pretty fab too, as are their kid’s shoes, and oh so comfy.

@conker_shoes

Find out more

Picnic perfection

Based in the Mendip Hills of Somerset, just outside of Bath, creative Louise’s design inspiration grew out of wanting to share the appreciation of simple pleasures found in countryside life. Her range of blankets are made from 100% wool and epitomise the beauty of pared down luxury.

Within her lovely range of products is the iconic and durable Meadow wool picnic rug which has a waterproof backing and two handles, so it can be folded up and carried to your wild picnic spot of choice with ease.

@arbourfield

Find out more

A toast to the coast

If the brighter weather has you hankering for the coast, a trip to Budleigh Salterton should more than appease the craving.

With its period cottages, russet cliffs and two-mile stretch of pebble beach, it certainly fulfils the ‘beauty brief’ for pretty coastal getaways, and if you’re looking to make a weekend of it (or longer), Poplar Cottage with its beautiful interior and pretty courtyard garden is the perfect choice.

View Poplar Cottage here

Blooming lovely

Characterised by vivid sprays of colour from thousands of flower varieties, spring is best enjoyed in a garden setting, and if you’re looking for the best, Antony Woodland Garden in South East Cornwall is the place to visit.

One of the most beautiful, and least known about gardens in Cornwall, the 100-acre Antony Woodland Garden & Woodland Walks rests just a ferry ride away from Plymouth and is home to over six hundred different varieties of camellias and fifty different types of magnolias, all growing in an idyllic setting.

There’s also a lovely tea room and plenty of picnic spots to take in the scenes of bird and wildlife.

@antonywoodlandgarden

Find out more

Wine and dine

With most wineries shutting shop for the winter, springtime means that wine tours and tastings are firmly back on the weekend’s agenda.

Bucking the system however, family-run Polgoon Vineyard and Orchard in Penzance keeps their wine tastings and tours going all year round, BUT add their amazing sparkling wine tour into the mix during the warmer months. Producers of artisan wines, ciders and juices, they have a lovely café serving delicious goodies too, so if you’re in the area anytime soon, why not make a day of it?

@polgoon_vineyard

Find out more

Make mine a cream tea

Embrace two of our favourite things in one delightful activity – a cream tea picnic! Of course your choice of picnic spot is entirely up to you, however as far as cream teas go, we highly recommend a delicious hamper jampacked with fresh scones, locally produced jam and clotted cream from Devon Cream Teas’ range of picnic hampers.

If you fancy making yours a little more grown-up you can choose the addition of Pimms or Prosecco, and if you have an extra sweet tooth, fudge or chocolate.

@devon_creamteas

Find out more

You have to sea this

@luxurycoastal
ocean 1, newquay

Let's stay in touch...

Sign up to the Luxury Coastal newsletter to find out about our latest properties, competitions and holiday inspiration.