Oxfordshire

In hectic lives it's easy to miss the the little milestones that tell us that spring is on its way. Here are 7 signs of spring to look out for and take pleasure in.

Oxfordshire is perfect for country walking. There are wildflower meadows on the Buscot and Coleshill estate along the river in west Oxfordshire. White Horse Hill offers incredible views over six counties and there are rolling hills for gentle walks on the Greys Court estate in Oxfordshire.

From patchwork bulb beds at Greys Court to burgeoning borders at Nuffield Place and the secret garden feel of Chastleton, our gardens are bursting with colour this spring.

Bluebells are not the easiest subject to photograph. Dappled light leads to contrast and colour issues and there's the practical aspect of trying not to damage the very thing you're celebrating. Photographer Hugh Mothersole has top tips for phone snappers and professionals alike.

A sea of bluebells in a dappled woodland is one of the most heart-lifting sights of spring in late April and early May. Here are some of the top spots to see them around Berkshire, including Cliveden, Greys Court and Basildon Park.

We're one of the most important organisations in the UK for bluebell conservation. A quarter of our woodland is ancient or semi-natural which is an ideal habitats for bluebells.

We've got plenty of holiday cottages to choose from in this beautiful corner of Oxfordshire, all with great reviews. Or why not try a working holiday and take a break with a difference?

Coleshill's open afternoons start again on 8 April. On the second Sunday of every month, see Coleshill's restored mill grinding grain into flour and explore the secret underground bunker - a replica of the Second World War Operational Base on the estate.

In 2018 we are hoping to open a Conservation Skills Centre at the Model Farm buildings in the centre of Coleshill Village.