We may be approaching the final week of January, but those longing for spring have a while to wait yet.
With miserable weather, short days and a general feeling of gloominess, January and February are always tough months to get through.
However, a month ago today was the winter solstice - the shortest day of the year - so we’re definitely on the right track when it comes to warmer, longer days.
Winter is undoubtedly a colourless season, which is why spotting those first tentative signs of spring is always such an uplifting experience.
A clump of flowering daffodils on the side of the road, sprouting buds on a tree at the end of the garden: you’ll start noticing these little signs over the coming weeks.
The East Midlands’ beautiful National Trust sites are arguably the best places to see the changing of the seasons, from the majesty of Clumber Park to the historic Gunby Estate.
We’ve hand-picked 5 of the best National Trust sites in the East Midlands where you can already start noticing the first signs of spring:
5. Woolsthorpe Manor - Lincolnshire
Visitors to Woolsthorpe Manor can explore the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton and see his famous apple tree in the orchard. The manor's orchard dazzles with gold, yellow and brown during autumn. | Bs0u10e01 Photo: Bs0u10e01