As the UK shakes off winter and steps into longer, brighter days, new research from comfortable sandal expert FitFlop, reveals the most-loved spring walks across Britain, just in time for the Easter break and early May bank holiday weekends.
Analysing Google search data in springtime for 571 of Britain’s best-known walking spots, the study combines Instagram hashtag volumes, and TripAdvisor review scores to rank each destination out of 100. The result? A definitive list of the Top 10 springtime walks inspiring Brits to get outdoors this season.
Top 10 Most Loved Spring Walks
| Rank | Walk | County | Average Google Searches In Spring | Instagram # | % of 5* reviews | Spring Walk Score / 100 |
| 1 | Richmond Park | Greater London | 400,333 | 514,000 | 74.46% | 77.21 |
| 2 | Hampstead Heath | Greater London | 323,333 | 394,000 | 71.44% | 65.79 |
| 3 | New Forest | Hampshire | 79,500 | 1,100,000 | 80.95% | 69.32 |
| 4 | Lake District National Park | Cumbria | 46,500 | 660,000 | 88.41% | 56.03 |
| 5 | Malvern Hills | Worcestershire/Herefordshire | 148,500 | 217,000 | 84.70% | 50.23 |
| 6 | Forest Of Dean | Gloucestershire | 74,000 | 382,000 | 82.64% | 47.93 |
| 7 | Castle Combe | Wiltshire | 118,333 | 176,000 | 75.20% | 42.83 |
| 8 | Mam Tor | Derbyshire | 118,333 | 145,000 | 76.89% | 42.53 |
| 9 | Hever Castle | Kent | 155,000 | 100,000 | 68.61% | 41.27 |
| 10 | Rhs Garden Rosemoor | Devon | 27,467 | 500,000 | 75.14% | 44.62 |
1. Richmond Park, London
Credit: Daniel Buckle on Unsplash
Taking the top spot is Richmond Park, the most popular spring walk, with a total score of 77 out of a possible 100. Visitors can expect to see herds of deer with newborn fawns when its vast 2,500 acres shift from winter browns to vibrant greens and bursts of colour. The Isabella Plantation begins to bloom with azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons, creating one of London’s most picturesque seasonal displays. Its popularity is reflected online, with 514,000 Instagram tags, over 400,000 Google searches throughout March to May, and 74% of Tripadvisor reviews giving it five stars. Despite its wild, expansive feel, the park remains easily accessible and free to enter, making it perfect for Easter weekend outings.
2. Hampstead Heath, London
Credit: Julian Simpson on Unsplash
Second in the ranking, with a score of 65.79, is Hampstead Heath, which offers a more untamed, rustic take on a London spring walk, with its rolling meadows, ancient woodland, and hidden ponds. Spring breathes life into the Heath with fresh greenery and scattered wildflowers, while elevated spots like Parliament Hill provide panoramic views of the London skyline. Its online presence underscores its appeal, with 394,000 Instagram tags, 323,333 springtime Google searches, and 71% of Tripadvisor reviews earning 5 stars. The Heath is free to access and dog-friendly, making it ideal for long weekends when visitors seek a quick escape into nature without actually leaving the city.
3. New Forest
Credit: Annie Spratt on Unsplash
The New Forest is one of the UK’s most immersive spring walking destinations, offering a sense of countryside escape on over 140,000 acres. Spring brings bluebells carpeting ancient woodlands and free-roaming ponies and deer, including newly born young, to the open heathlands. Visitors can enjoy free scenic village walks through Brockenhurst or longer trails, such as the Lyndhurst Hill and Swan Green Circular Walk. The New Forest dominates Instagram with a massive 1.1 million tags, while 79,500 springtime Google searches and 81% five-star reviews contribute to an impressive 69.32 score.
4. Lake District National Park
Credit: Jason Hudson on Unsplash
The Lake District transforms into a springtime spectacle, with dramatic fells softened by fresh greenery and blooming daffodils. Lakeshores like Grasmere and Derwentwater offer serene trails before summer crowds, while the summit at Catbells provides a rewarding challenge with sweeping views. The location boasts over 660,000 Instagram tags, 46,500 springtime Google searches, and 88% five-star Tripadvisor reviews, resulting in a score of 56.03. Access is free, parking fees may apply in popular areas, and it’s dog-friendly, making it perfect for a family spring getaway that combines natural beauty, literary heritage, and seasonal bloom.
5. Malvern Hills
Credit: Wendy Morris on Unsplash
With 148,500 monthly Google searches, 217,000 Instagram tags, and 85% five-star Tripadvisor reviews, the hills earn a spring walk score of 50.23, cementing their status as a favourite for seasonal exploration. The Malvern Hills offer a classic British countryside experience that comes alive in spring, blanketed in lush grasslands and emerging wildflowers. The rolling landscape and panoramic ridge walks reward visitors with far-reaching views across Worcestershire and Herefordshire, particularly clear during crisp spring mornings. The area is free to roam and dog-friendly, making it an ideal destination for those seeking peaceful walks.
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Time to transition into your spring sandals?
FitFlop footwear is ergonomically engineered to help optimise your body’s alignment, natural movement and energy – so you embrace all the outdoors has to offer, without worrying about foot comfort. Available in sizes 3-9.
