April 2024
In bloom: Where to see the best floral spectacles in Europe this spring
Chief adventurer of CamperDays, Max Schmidt, shares his must-see natural wonders
Max says: “Spring is one of our most popular seasons for bookings, with the improved weather and longer days reigniting a sense of adventure and a willingness to get back into the great outdoors. This special season also offers some of the best natural wonders to be seen as nature comes back to life and we witness the marvellous hues of budding blooms.
“A campervan trip is a fantastic way to witness these natural spectacles, picture pitching up on a trail next to a lavender field so you can enjoy the views and perfume of the blooms at twilight – what could be better?”
Read on for Max’s guide to the best natural beauty spots in Europe to visit this spring…
Tulips in Keukenhof Gardens, Netherlands
Known as the ‘Garden of Europe,’ Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens, situated in the municipality of Lisse in the Netherlands. The park covers 32 hectares and seven million flower bulbs are planted annually, leading to a vast spectacle in spring. The best time to visit is generally between the last two weeks of April and the first week of May as the flowers will have fully bloomed.
Lavender Fields of Provence, France
Lavender has been cultivated in Provence for centuries and holds significant cultural and economic importance to the region through the production of essential oils and tourism.
In full bloom from June to August, wander through the lavender fields of Provence, where the perfumed flowers thrive in the Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and mild winters. The fields offer a mesmerising sight, with endless rows of vibrant purple flowers stretching across the countryside.
Visitors to the fields can enjoy guided tours of the lavender farms as well as opportunities to visit the distilleries and learn all about the extraction of essential oil.Wildflower Meadows, Swiss Alps
The meadows that carpet the Swiss Alps during the spring and summer season are home to a wide range of wildflowers, grasses and herbs. Expect to see a variety of wildflowers including edelweiss, alpine aster, alpine daisies, alpine buttercups, bellflowers and much, much more.
The blooming season for wildflowers in the Swiss Alps typically occurs from late spring to early autumn, with exact times dependent on levels of altitude and local climate. Eager adventurers should stay down in the mountains in order to enjoy this spectacle as early as May.Bluebells in Ashridge, England
The Ashridge Estate in Hertfordshire England is widely regarded as one of the best places to see bluebells in the UK due to the abundance of blue that covers the woodland floor between April and May. The woodland is cared for by the National Trust which provides regular updates on the status of the bluebells for those wanting to visit.
Make sure to take care to protect the natural habitat during your visit by sticking to designated walking trails to avoid trampling any of the delicate flowers, particularly during busier periods.Farndale, North Yorkshire
The wild daffodils in Farndale - located in the North York Moors National Park - attract visitors from across the globe to see the striking yellow flowers that cover the valley. The valley is accessible by car or camper via the village of Low Mill, where visitors can ramble along the daffodil-clad landscape of varying sunny hues.
The best time to visit is in April where the daffodils are usually at their peak bloom. There are also a variety of special events and festivals planned during this period to celebrate the bloom, including the Farndale Daffodil Walk.