Winter flowers have long delighted tourists and photographers alike and once again it’s time for the Mexican sunflower, cherry blossom, poinsettia and tulips to bring a spring to the step and a smile to the face.

The combination of glorious sunshine, blue skies and cooler nights makes this a perfect time to explore a countryside carpeted with reds, oranges, yellows and magenta and this week we recommend the best places to enjoy the winter’s flower power. Do try and avoid long weekends though, as that’s when everyone else will be going.