SPRING is in full bloom and Hampshire is awash with colour.

From sunny daffodils littering lawns to palettes of terrific tulips, National Trust gardens in Hampshire are a sight to behold this time of year.

Trips to these gardens are truly a treat, so if you're looking for somewhere new to explore this Easter, look no further than what is on our doorstep.

Mottisfont

Basingstoke Gazette: Photo: Mottisfont, National TrustPhoto: Mottisfont, National Trust

The historical priory, garden and country estate boasts thousands of blue chionodoxa flowers which carpet the lime avenue.

Lilac and yellow tulips mingle with early produce in the kitchen garden, and if visitors walk through the nearby meadow they may see ‘chequered’ snakeshead fritillaries, narcissi, ‘wild’ tulips, even orchids.

Swathes of daffodils are also flowering beneath the trees, along with numerous other seasonal blooms.

Hinton Ampner

Basingstoke Gazette: Photo: Hinton Ampner, National TrustPhoto: Hinton Ampner, National Trust

Further afield near Alresford, you can enjoy the beauty of this country house estate.

Hinton Ampner really comes into its own this time of year as thousands of autumn-planted bulbs burst into bloom, from richly scented narcissi to numerous tulips.

Marvel at the annual tulip displays which feature varieties such as Purple Flag, Spring Green. 

Hurry, this display is only expected to last until the end of the month.

The cut flower border is a changing rainbow of colour and nearby, frothy pink and white blossom fills the cherry orchard.

The Vyne

Basingstoke Gazette: Photo: The Vyne, National TrustPhoto: The Vyne, National Trust

If you're willing to travel more than a few miles up the road, The Vyne at spring is a must-see.

Daffodils light up the country house's gardens in early spring, with drifts on the South Drive by the mansion, and hundreds lining the path through the walled garden.

You’ll find fresh bunches for sale in the little kiosk too.

Almond-scented white blossom is prominent in April thanks to the cherry trees.

And in late spring, rich pink and purple tulips provide splashes of vivid colour in the summerhouse garden, together with blue star-shaped carmassia, and elegant-stemmed yellow crown imperials.