Thetford's top touring destinations for spring

One of the most enchanting spring destinations undoubtedly lies in the Bollenstreek in the Netherlands. Nestled behind the North Sea dunes, between the cities of Amsterdam, Leiden, Haarlem and The Hague, this area bursts with the most colourful flowers between Mid-March and early May. Follow the Holland Tulip Fields route with you RV to see all the colourful fields, or act like a local and rent some bikes to visit the fields at a more leisurely pace.

Devon has long been celebrated as a family-friendly destination, offering a wealth of activities suitable for all ages. Marvel at stunning sunsets along the breathtaking coastlines, take a buggy-friendly stroll amidst the bluebell carpets at Blackbury Camp (visible between the end of April until the end of May), or join one of the family-friendly indoor activities hosted by the museums and castles in the region. Perfect for those occasional rainy days.

Norway’s fjords are spectacular at any time of year, but when you want to see their waterfalls at their mightiest, visiting in May and June brings out the best experience. This is when the ice and snow melt and clash down the cascades of countless of waterfalls around the country. Some of the most famous waterfalls are Seven Sisters, Vøringsfossen, and Langfoss. Be aware that parts of the scenic routes and campsites in Norway close for winter and don’t open until May.

Spain is captivating year-round but springtime adds an extra allure. It is the time to reflect and to celebrate, and Spain wholeheartedly embraces this spirit. Large Easter processions around the country, Sant Jordi Festival in Barcelona, the Girona Flower Festival and Feria de Abril in Seville, are only a few examples of the events you can expect this season. Are you planning to stay overnight in one of the major cities? Be aware that a low emission zone applies in most large cities. These so-called ZBE (‘zonas de bajas emisiones’) are areas where access is restricted to certain vehicles depending on their emissions standard. For more information on the permission per city, please visit the Green-Zones website.

While Holland has its tulips, Italy has a blooming spectacular in its own right. During the final days of April and the early weeks of May, Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia region becomes adorned with a breathtaking blanket of poppies, painting the landscape in vibrant hues of red and orange. The picturesque backdrop of rolling hills, blooming flowers and ancient villages provide the perfect canvas for amateur and professional photographers alike. The mild climate and the absence of crowds are other draws for campers to visit this region in springtime. Want to show off your Italian-style cooking skills at the campsite? Having the finest RV cooking appliances and following our essential tips for cooking in your caravan or motorhome will lead to the best results.

Campers have always cherished the allure of the French Riviera, and as you venture to the Côte d’Azur in late spring, you’ll be able to enjoy temperatures of up to 27°C. If a beach holiday is all you desire, look no further. But beyond the azure sea and glossy promenades, there are lots of other treats to unpack in this region. Picturesque fishing villages, splendid castles and hill-top vistas are part of the deal as well. And for nature and culture-enthusiasts the Perfume Route, the Garden Route and the Baroque Route are great ways to explore the French Riviera by motorhome or camper van. Which route is your favourite?

With the lengthening daylight hours, spring is the perfect time to start exploring the breathtaking Irish landscapes on foot. Renowned for its multi-day hiking trails, including the iconic Causeway Coast Way, Ireland also offers plenty of circular walks, ideal if you’re travelling by caravan or motorhome. Explore the Wicklow Mountains on the 11.1 mi (17.9 km) Glendalough Upper Lake Loop, Connemara National Park on the 4.4 mi (7.1 km) Diamond Hill Loop, or the cliffs of County Cork on the 3.4 mi (5.5 km) Ballycotton Cliff Walk Loop. For a unique twist on your outdoor adventure, take a (guided) horse riding trip in the mountains or at one of the beaches.

German spring fairs and festivals mark the end of winter and the arrival of spring and take place mostly in the week before Easter. The spring fairs can take any shape or form, from flea markets, to funfairs and from parades and processions to the more Oktoberfest-like festivals in Munich and Berlin. For an optimal experience, consider parking your caravan or motorhome at sites outside the city centres where these festivals are held, as the cities themselves get pretty crowded.

Budapest is increasingly becoming a popular destination for city trips, yet it is a little quieter in springtime. Regardless the season, the city features an abundance of attractions, including Buda Castle, thermal baths, and the Hungarian Parliament buildings. Meanwhile, cafes and restaurants dot the city with their terraces, inviting you to savour a refreshing drink, or indulge in the local cuisine all fresco. The famous ruin bars add another layer of charm to the city’s vibrant atmosphere. These bars and clubs are housed in abandoned buildings and courtyards, and capture the essence of Budapest’s bohemian soul to the fullest. What’s more, each year in April the Budapest Spring Festival ensures that over 100 performances are being brought to the city. From classical music to jazz music, and from theatre to art, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Tucked away amidst green hills, only 9,3 mi (15 km) from Lisbon, you can find a true fairytale destination. Sintra boasts colourful castles, lush gardens and panoramic vistas that have inspired artists and poets for years. While Sintra can be explored in a single day, we recommend extending your stay to fully appreciate its magic. If time only permits a day trip, make sure to visit at least Palácio Nacional da Pena, Parque de Pena, and Sintra Town for a glimpse in the town’s rich heritage and natural beauty. To streamline your experience, consider booking tours in advance to save time and hassle on the day of your visit.

While March and April can still be on the chilly side, the Baltic states offer excellent touring opportunities and plenty of sights to captivate you. You can expect a lot of nature and tranquillity, characteristic towns and villages, traditional festivities and events. The beauty of touring the Baltics is that it is one destination with three countries, each featuring a unique culture, history and cuisine. Enter Lithuania overland via Poland, or combine a tour of the Baltics with Finland, for example. Motorhomes are allowed on the main ferry services operating between Talinn and Helsinki.

The Austrian Romantic Road (not to be confused with the Romantic Road in Germany) links 13 enchanting towns and villages between Salzburg and Vienna over a total length of 236 mi (380 km). With the trees blossoming, green-turning peaks, and powerful waterfalls, the views are promised to be spectacular in spring. Moreover, the route allows you to get acquainted with UNESCO World Heritage sites such as cultural landscape Wachau and the picturesque town of Hallstatt.