Bluebells by bus and train

Exploring the UK in April and May means carpets of woodland bluebells - here are five car-free places for a springtime stroll.

Hertford and Ware

Two scenic market towns beside the pretty River Lea: stroll along the water or take a bus to the Henry Moore gardens at Perry Green.

Oxford

Avoid the traffic and stroll through Oxford’s streets on foot; find flowering meadows, stride out along the Thames or ride a bus to Blenheim Palace.

NT Knole

Historic house, dating back over 600 years, set in Kent's last medieval deer park.

Car-free offer: 20% off in Knole’s gift shop and bookshop when you show your bus or train ticket at the till

Aylesbury

Waddesdon Manor, a Victorian chateau hung with 18th-century art, is just outside Aylesbury. The town has galleries celebrating Roald Dahl’s stories, a monument to David Bowie, and lots of woodland walks.

Spring adventures

Head out of London to explore palaces and parkland, spring cities and blooming gardens. Travel by train or bus, on foot or even by boat.

Waddesdon Manor

French Renaissance-style château, home to the Rothschild Collections of paintings, sculpture and decorative arts

Car-free offer: 2for1 entry with a train ticket and voucher*

Castle Howard

A magnificent historic house, near York, with ornate interiors and artworks, set in 100 acres of parkland and landscaped gardens

Car-free offer: 20% off entry when you show bus ticket*

Sudbury

This pretty market town, where Thomas Gainsborough was born, is on a charming branch line; it passes the East Anglian Railway Museum and a monumental viaduct.

Blenheim Palace

Historic house and gardens set in spectacular landscaped parkland on the edge of the Cotswolds.

Car-free offer: 30% off with train or bus ticket

Braintree

Roman roads and Flemish weavers, nature reserves and discount shopping malls… Braintree has plenty to offer the car-free visitor.

Hatfield

Elizabeth I’s childhood home, intricate gardens, miles of parkland, shops and cafes – all two minutes from the railway station ... and more beyond.

Sheffield

Walk to some great art galleries or ride the Supertram for panoramic views. Take a bus to Chatsworth or a scenic train ride – all aboard!

Stirling

Time-travel through historic Stirling and Falkirk, from a medieval castle to an 18th-century chateau, from a traditional whisky distillery to a 1960s university.

Thetford

East Anglia’s ancient capital has a ruined priory and film locations for Dad’s Army. Explore Thetford Forest and wild Knettishall Heath, with its Exmoor ponies.

Windermere

Explore England’s largest lake by train, foot, bike, bus and boat. Enjoy iconic design, a brand new museum, peaceful walks and lakeside sunset.