Spring is on its way and after a long winter, people are excited to start planning their warm weather holidays – and one coastal destination is proving extremely popular. According to Independent Cottages, Poole in Dorset has been a go-to springtime getaway destination for two years running.

Poole has witnessed a 494% overall uptick in enquiries between 2022 and 2024 for spring breaks, making it the company’s most popular spring holiday destination in recent years. Home to Europe’s largest natural harbour, Poole originally developed its reputation as a commercial fishing port and shipbuilding centre. Now, it’s a popular resort town with a gorgeous and historic old town filled with Georgian houses, as well as a buzzing quayside that visiting tourists love to explore.

It’s also home to one of Britain’s best beaches. Sandbanks Beach has won the Blue Flag Award 36 times, and was named the most sustainable beach in the world in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024.

Poole is also the gateway to the wider UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast

For those hoping to discover the wider Dorset coastline, Poole is the gateway to the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast.

To explore the Jurassic Coastline, visitors only need to take a boat ride from Poole Harbour to see some of the coast’s most famous landmarks.

One of the most incredible places to visit is Brownsea Island – a nature reserve filled with native wildlife, including the increasingly rare red squirrel.

As well as squirrels, Brownsea is home to a wide variety of birds, including dunlin, kingfishers, common and Sandwich terns and oystercatchers.

Free trails help you explore the island, there is a natural play area and fantastic picnic spots,which makes it the perfect place for families to visit for a fun-filled day.

I may not be much of a dog person, but I absolutely love cats, so when I heard of a pub famed for its feline-friendly furnishings, I knew I had to check it out. Last weekend I took a trip to Bristol to visit some friends and, of course, to see the famed pub The Bag O’ Nails where pints flow freely and cats wander through the bar.

When we rocked up on Saturday afternoon, I was a little worried as I had heard from multiple friends that the pub “absolutely stinks” of cat pee. While I don’t have a particularly strong sense of smell, my boyfriend is like a bloodhound – both in that he doesn’t like cats, and that his sense of smell is significantly keener than mine. I was relying on him to tell me if the pub stank or not.

As soon as we reached the pub – about a half an hour walk from Bristol Temple Meads – we could see how popular it was. Three people were perched on a small table outside, while the narrow bar inside was absolutely rammed with people.

It was so full of punters it took me a second to realise there were not one, not two, but three cats sitting calmly on the bar as the staff weaved around them pouring pints.

The prime seats – the ones in front of the bar, and by extension, directly in front of the cats in their cardboard boxes – were all taken, as were all the seats lining the walls of the cramped pub. Even trying to get to the bar was a challenge, let alone navigating back with two pints, so once we had our drinks we headed outside to perch on the street and debrief.

I hadn’t noticed any smell to the pub so I checked with my boyfriend. He let me know the pub definitely had a little funk to it – but nothing so bad that he couldn’t be in the room. The best part about standing outside was getting to read all the signs on the door, which strictly ban children under 14 (including babies), ‘idiot pub crawls’, dogs and mice from entering the pub.

Although the service was fabulous, the feline occupants adorable and the pub was fun, there is one good reason I won’t be returning to Bag O’ Nails – it simply was too popular for my liking.

Maybe it’s because I visited on a Saturday afternoon, but the pub was simply too cramped to be able to properly sit and enjoy the cats. I did get a couple of chin scratches while I was waiting for my drinks, but due to the number of patrons in the bar it felt too overwhelming to stay for more than one drink.

Overall, Bag O’ Nails is a great pub, the cats are well loved and happy and the prices are reasonable – it’s well worth a visit, but maybe mid-week is better.

This pretty walk is one of the best in the UK and as the weather gets warmer, it’s one you should definitely add to your list for summer. The Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail offers an unforgettable experience for those who take the time to explore it.

Located in the Scottish Highlands, you’ll have the chance to see incredible landscapes while taking the route. You can even stop for a quick snap of the iconic viaduct or to see the famous railway bridge from the Harry Potter films. If the weather is in your favour and you’ve got the right footwear, this one to two hour walk will lead you through some of the most stunning scenery in the UK.

While on the 2.5-mile trail, you’ll have incredible views of Loch Shiel, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. 

Along the way, you’ll also pass the Glenfinnan Monument, erected in 1815.

This combination of natural beauty and rich history makes the Glenfinnan Viaduct Trail a must-do for anyone looking to explore the best of Scotland’s landscapes.

Fort William is located just 17 miles to the south of Glenfinnan, where you’ll find accommodation, restaurants and more outdoor activities. It’s an ideal place to stay if you’re hoping to visit the area for a short break. 

The easiest way to reach Glenfinnan is by taking the train from Glasgow or Edinburgh to Fort William, followed by a short bus or car ride to the viaduct. 

One person on Tripadvisor who walked the route said: “Fabulous views of the viaduct and the monument. Also managed to catch the steam train going across. Time it right! Great day out! Definitely a must if you’re in the area.”

Another penned: “A lovely place to see a wonderful viaduct. There is a viewpoint path and one just outside that goes up and close. It’s glorious in person and definitely brings a sense of nostalgia.

“We went for the up and close route which was a nice walk down a path near the visitor centre/cafe. The viewpoint for us seemed a little far away and only beneficial if you have a professional camera.”

If you’re looking for a weekend away in the UK, Glenfinnan could be the perfect place for you to enjoy a scenic yet adventurous break.