There’s nothing like seeing the primary snowdrops flowering, an indication that brighter occasions are forward, that spring is coming – and as I’m very prepared for brighter days, I’ve been understanding a number of the greatest locations to see snowdrops within the UK.
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With loads of choices at completely different Nationwide Belief websites, in addition to elsewhere within the countryside, even journey restrictions shouldn’t cease us seeing them should you head to an area website – though with greater than 270 completely different varieties at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire, that’s positively on my radar for the longer term.
Relying on the climate, snowdrops often begin blooming from January into late February or early March, and there are sometimes particular snowdrop walks to identify the flowers, historically an emblem of hope. So should you’re questioning the place’s the most effective locations to see snowdrops close to me, I’ve rounded up a number of the high websites across the UK.
Contents – click on to leap to a piece
Greatest locations to see snowdrops in England
Trengwainton Backyard, Cornwall
These sheltered gardens close to Penzance are higher recognized for the extra unique flowers which bloom throughout the summer season, however Trengwainton Backyard is an ideal place to discover in early spring after they open specifically throughout snowdrop season.
Wander the Drive and the Lengthy Stroll the place you’ll discover the white flowers sprinkled across the base of the bushes. Open Sunday to Thursday from February 11 (together with half-term).
For extra concepts of locations to go to in Cornwall with youngsters, try my information
RHS Backyard Rosemoor, north Devon
A part of the winter gardens at RHS Rosemoor, there’s a particular Celebration of Snowdrops from February 1-11 celebrating the beginning of spring, together with a snowdrop path for households and guided walks. Included with entry to the gardens.
For extra concepts of locations to go to in Devon with youngsters, try my information
Killerton, Devon
With beautiful woodland in addition to the historic gardens, Killerton Nationwide Belief is a superb place to wander with youngsters and look out for the primary of the snowdrops – there are additionally common household actions as a bonus.
Try what we considered a day trip at Killerton with youngsters
To make a full day trip, not distant from Killerton is Ashclyst Forest, the place it’s also possible to see carpets of snowdrops within the spring.
Snowdrop Valley, Exmoor
January and February is likely one of the few occasions you’ll be able to go to this privately owned valley in Exmoor, near Wheddon Cross, purely to benefit from the snowdrops.
Open from January 27 to February 25, 2024, the carpet of snowdrops at Snowdrop Valley is likely one of the loveliest in the entire of the UK. There’s (paid) parking close by though you do must consider a stroll all the way down to the valley itself except you prebook one of many non-public transfers.
Kingston Lacy, Dorset
Some of the uncommon settings for snowdrops, you’ll discover them blooming between bamboo shoots within the Japanese backyard, in addition to alongside the twisty paths of the Victorian fernery and the Lime Avenue at Kingston Lacy.
The gardens listed below are open year-round, so should you’re shut sufficient to go to recurrently, you would make it a problem and hold returning to see who spots the primary snowdrops peeking by.
Particular early morning snowdrop walks speak place from February 12-14 and 19-21 at 8.45am with a price of £10 (entry to Kingston Lacy is separate), plus there are different actions together with an opportunity for youths aged 6+ to make a snowdrop pixie on Saturdays in February (£5 payment)
For extra concepts of locations to go to in Dorset with youngsters, try my high picks
Forde Abbey, Somerset
There are 30 acres of award-winning gardens at Forde Abbey in Somerset, which often opens for a sequence of particular snowdrop weekends in February (2024 tbc) – in any other case the gardens are closed throughout the winter, so it’s the one likelihood to discover. There’s additionally a letterboxing path for youths to comply with.
For extra issues to do in Somerset with youngsters, try my high picks
Stourhead, Wiltshire
Stourhead has a number of the most stunning gardens and grounds anyplace within the UK (up towards stiff competitors) with 2,650 acres making up the property together with Britain’s tallest oak, classical temples and bridges reflecting within the lake, and trails winding round that will help you discover.
And as spring rolls round, carpets of snowdrops begin to flower, making it much more magical.
Try my go to to Stourhead with a toddler
Mottisfont, Hampshire
We visited pretty Mottisfont in midsummer, when bees buzzed among the many lavender but it surely’s an ideal place to see snowdrops as properly with drifts of white within the river backyard the place the Font stream’s microclimate encourages the Mottisfont snowdrops to bloom.
Round 16,000 bulbs have been planted a few years in the past to benefit from this: look out for them across the begin of the river stroll, in addition to paths designed to guide you previous the shows.
For extra issues to do in Hampshire with youngsters, try my high picks
Nymans, West Sussex
The gardens at Nymans are well-known for his or her uncommon vegetation, together with camellias and magnolias – and in spring, they’re joined by swathes of snowdrops and the lesser-known taller ‘snowflakes’.
The most effective shows are discovered within the walled backyard and high backyard, in addition to different pretty seasonal flowers on the Winter Stroll.
Try my overview of a day trip at Nymans with youngsters
Doddington Place Gardens, Kent
The ten acres of gardens by the Victorian manor of Doddington Place are usually solely open from Easter till the tip of September, however there’s an opportunity to see inside on February 25 for the Nationwide Backyard Scheme Open Day, the place it’s also possible to usually purchase your personal snowdrops.
Ightham Mote, Kent
I like the reflection of the medieval manor home in its moat, in addition to discovering the key backyard within the grounds of Ightham Mote in Kent, however there’s an added temptation in early spring when round 5,000 snowdrops flower across the grounds.
One in all a number of Nationwide Belief properties in Kent, we’ve additionally noticed snowdrops on a winter’s day at Scotney Fort.
Learn extra about our household day trip at Ightham Mote in addition to inspiration for extra issues to do in Kent with youngsters
Welford Park, Berkshire
The snowdrops at Welford Park are stated to have been planted by Norman monks trying to embellish their church however could have been blooming right here since Roman occasions – both approach, you’ll be able to see carpets of the white flowers from late January to early March should you go to and wander by the five-acre beech wooden alongside the River Lambourn.
In 2024, Welford Park’s snowdrop days run from January 31 to March 3 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays): prebooking tickets is suggested at busy occasions, household tickets price £25.
Stowe, Buckinghamshire
Nicknamed ‘Stowedrop’ time, Stowe is one other stunning Nationwide Belief website that you’ll recognise from numerous movies and which is reworked by its snowdrops each spring.
Spot them blooming by the Elysian Fields, Sleeping Wooden and Lamport Backyard, and the snowdrop stroll is again with particular paths to indicate them off alongside the banks between the Lamport Backyard and the Gothic temple, and stroll maps out there. Stowedrop begins on January 10 (and all through February, though the snowdrops are – inevitably – climate dependent).
RHS Wisley, Surrey
Stroll across the gardens at RHS Wisley and also you’ll spot clumps of snowdrops throughout, particularly on the Winter Stroll on Seven Acres amongst different winter flowers in shades of purple and orange, or on the Hilltop close to the Herb Backyard.
Chelsea Physic Backyard, London
This historic little backyard by the banks of the Thames may be small however there’s at all times lots to find in London’s oldest botanic gardens – together with snowdrops within the springtime.
Closed throughout the winter, the Heralding Spring occasion at Chelsea Physic Backyard begins from January 21, with snowdrops as one of many star points of interest.
Kew Gardens, London
With 300 acres to discover on the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, there’s at all times one thing new to search out – and in reality, Kew even found a brand new species of snowdrop in 2019.
Head to the Rock Backyard within the north-east nook of the backyard, in addition to the Davies Alpine Home, to get your greatest views of their snowdrop collections.
For extra tips about visiting Kew with youngsters, try my submit
Myddelton Home, Middlesex
Myddelton Home close to Enfield is understood for its snowdrop sale, so should you fancy rising your personal, it’s an incredible place to go – the eight acres of gardens are additionally good to see them in flower, particularly within the Alpine Backyard. Sale takes place on January 27, 2024.
Audley Finish, Essex
The gardens at Audley Finish, close to Saffron Walden, have been created by Functionality Brown, so that they’re pretty to walk in at any time of 12 months. Go to from late January and yow will discover snowdrops lining the paths from the Cedar of Lebanon and up the Lime Tree Stroll in direction of the Temple of Harmony.
Right here’s what we considered a visiting Audley Finish with youngsters throughout a weekend in Essex
RHS Hyde Corridor, Essex
Round 15,000 snowdrops have been planted on the RHS Hyde Corridor gardens in Essex again in 2017 as a part of the 1.3 acre Winter Backyard, some set alone in enormous drifts, others scattered among the many different winter flowers with their white petals contrasting towards the colors.
Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire
Anglesey Abbey, simply outdoors Cambridge, has some of the spectacular snowdrop collections within the nation, with over 270 particular person varieties on show in early spring.
Wander by the Winter Backyard, designed to take a look at its greatest throughout the coldest months, and you may get pleasure from a sea of white as you stroll alongside the trail.
There are extra to find alongside the woodland path too, in addition to within the specialist assortment, though these are solely out there to view on a guided tour, happening day by day – besides Saturdays – from January 29 to February 29.
Ickworth, Suffolk
The Italianate palace of Ickworth in Suffolk sits in 1,800 acres of parkland and gardens – head there in winter and also you’ll see carpets of snowdrops in a number of spots throughout the grounds. Stroll alongside Girl Geraldine’s stroll, the Albana Stroll and Trim Path for the most effective views.
There are additionally particular snowdrop walks from February 9-16.
Oxburgh Corridor, Norfolk
There are 70 acres of gardens and woodlands across the moated Oxburgh Corridor, and the snowdrops you’ll discover right here have grown naturally relatively than being cultivated by design.
Spot them blooming in the Wilderness, My Girl’s Wooden and alongside the north terrace, usually alongside golden aconites. There are particular gardener-led snowdrop excursions right here as properly, on chosen dates from February 4-28.
For extra concepts of locations to go to in Norfolk with youngsters, try my high picks
Belton Home, Lincolnshire
You’ll be able to typically see snowdrops blooming as early as late December, relying on the climate – however go on the season’s top and there are round 20,000 in drifts all through the Pleasure Gardens and across the property’s Gothic break at Belton Home.
If you happen to fancy including to subsequent 12 months’s show, there are sometimes particular planting occasions in April the place you’ll be able to assist add extra bulbs below the steerage of Belton’s Head Gardener.
Easton Walled Gardens, Lincolnshire
Often called Lincolnshire’s misplaced backyard, Easton Walled Backyard in Grantham is a superb place to go to should you’re on the lookout for snowdrops. 15 years on since its restoration, the 400-year-old gardens are a sea of white from January on.
Snowdrop Season begins on February 14, 2024, open Wednesdays to Sundays – look out for a number of the greatest on the banks all the way down to the River Witham, within the Cedar Meadow, and the trail from the White House Backyard by the Woodland Stroll.
Colesbourne Park, Gloucestershire
Referred to as ‘England’s Biggest Snowdrop Backyard’, Colesbourne Park opens for particular snowdrop days throughout February for guests to see its 200+ sorts of snowdrop.
In 2024, the gardens open (climate allowing) on weekends from January 27/28 till the final weekend of February, probably with one further opening weekend in the beginning of March relying on the snowdrops.
Bonus truth: Naturalist and botanist Henry John Elwes was born at Colesbourne Park, and the big snowdrop he found within the mountains of Turkey, Galanthus elwesii, is called after him.
Painswick Rococo Backyard, Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire can be dwelling to a different spectacular spot for snowdrop spotters – over 5 million are dotted throughout the grounds of the Rococo Backyard in Painswick, considered one of England’s largest naturalistic plantings.
The primary flowers usually seem throughout January, relying on the climate, with common snowdrop updates on the backyard’s social media.
For extra Gloucestershire snowdrops, Batsford Arboretum and Westonbirt Arboretum are additionally price a go to
Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire
With its medieval and Tudor historical past, Baddesley Clinton is a beautiful spot to bask in some historical past in addition to discovering the snowdrops within the gardens and by the church.
Whilst you’re there, head down the highway to verify on any Packwood Home snowdrops too – the place we additionally loved recognizing the bears picnicking within the gardens
Attingham Park, Shropshire
There are 200 acres of parkland round this Regency Mansion, the place they maintain an annual snowdrop watch to search out the primary flower – often in mid January.
You’ll see some by the doorway gates on the entrance drive of Attingham Park in addition to flowering within the orchard, and by February there are a number of the greatest shows within the woodland across the Mile Stroll.
For extra concepts of locations to go to in Shropshire with youngsters, try my high picks
Rode Corridor, Cheshire
One of many most interesting snowdrop walks within the north-west, Rode Corridor has greater than 70 varieties within the Previous Wooden with particular winter opening for snowdrop walks, on Thursdays to Sundays from February 3 to March 2 this 12 months.
Stroll previous the Previous Pool and the boathouse and also you’ll spot them blooming alongside the way in which. The primary ones have been planted again in 1833 and the carpet of flowers has grown over the generations.
There are sometimes trails and actions for youths as properly – try this overview of Mini Travellers’ day trip at Rode Corridor’s snowdrop stroll.
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Dwelling to Britain’s largest winter backyard, Dunham Massey has nearly 700 completely different species right here with over 100,000 double and single snowdrops blooming among the many bushes together with narcissi.
Dalemain Home, Cumbria
The 18th century Georgian manor home is known for its marmalade, however Dalemain Home’s valley location additionally makes it an incredible place to identify snowdrops within the north west, reopening on February 5 to see the flowers across the grounds, together with within the sheltered wooden.
Hardwick Corridor, Derbyshire
At Hardwick Corridor, the snowdrops planted within the south court docket initially spelled out the names of the 6th Duke of Devonshire’s nieces – Blanche, Anne, Dorothy and Maud. And whereas they’ve unfold out from this design over time, it’s nonetheless enjoyable to see if you can also make out any letters.
As you wander below the yew and lime bushes, you’ll see loads of the white flowers within the shade, and so they usually seem comparatively early within the new 12 months.
Harry Potter followers can even recognise the outside as Malfoy Manor – for extra days out within the UK for Harry Potter followers, try my high picks
Hodsock Priory, Nottinghamshire
EDIT: CURRENTLY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC This stunning nation home on the borders of Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire sits in 800 acres of countryside, but it surely’s the woodland that’s the massive attraction for snowdrop followers at Hodsock Priory.
Left undisturbed for hundreds of years, the flowers bloom throughout the 12 acres below the traditional bushes with a signposted stroll by Horse Pasture Wooden and its carpets of snowdrops.
Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire
There’s by no means a time when these ruins look lower than pretty however because the Fountains Abbey snowdrops carpet the Georgian water backyard, the World Heritage website turns into much more spectacular.
It’s all because of Earl de Gray who had the flowers planted to spell out his title alongside the banks of the river Skell within the nineteenth century.
Whilst you’re in Yorkshire, comply with in our footsteps to a different Nationwide Belief property to see the Nostell Priory snowdrops as you stroll over Druid’s Bridge, or for extra concepts of extra issues to do in Yorkshire with youngsters, try my high picks
RHS Backyard Harlow Carr, Yorkshire
As you wander the woodlands within the RHS’s backyard close to Harrogate, Harlow Carr, you’ll be able to get pleasure from round 90,000 snowdrops flowering. For now, there are additionally round 80 completely different varieties within the Sandstone space of the gardens – lots of which helped inventory the brand new RHS Backyard Bridgewater, which opened in 2021 in Salford.
It’s additionally probably the greatest locations to begin a snowdrop hunt, as one selection – Galanthus Castlegar – flowers from early December on.
Wallington, Northumberland
If you would like extra selection, look out for a couple of much less frequent sorts of snowdrop at Wallington, together with one with sulphur yellow markings and one other with double flowers, plus purple iris dotted among the many white flowers.
Over the previous few years, visiting households have been inspired to assist plant extra of the flowers, with over half one million added within the north and east woods, the woodland close to the clocktower, the walled backyard and elsewhere. Snowdrop planting takes place from February 17-25, 2024.
For extra issues to do in Northumberland with youngsters, try this submit
Belsay Corridor Backyard, Northumberland
Together with Belsay Corridor’s medieval structure and Grecian buildings, you’ll be able to see swathes of snowdrops within the 30 acres of gardens each spring – look out for some close to the corridor itself in addition to within the woodland.
Greatest locations to see snowdrops in Wales
Chirk Fort, Wrexham
Taking part in spot the snowdrops is the proper solution to discover the gardens and woodland at Chirk Fort, with flowers dotted between the clipped yews, on the forest ground and all through the rock gardens.
Bodnant Backyard, Conwy
Bodnant Backyard is someplace you would go to many times, with a giant annual planting initiative so as to add extra snowdrops 12 months after 12 months – round 20,000 frequent snowdrops have been planted within the Previous Park meadow for the previous few years, making a carpet of white flowers in early spring.
It’s also possible to see the flowers in Furnace Wooden and Meadow, with plans ultimately to create a snowdrop stroll by the gardens, together with extra unique varieties within the winter backyard.
Penryhn Fort, Gwynedd
The grounds of Penrhyn Fort close to Bangor are dwelling to sweeping drifts of white flowers in the beginning of spring – whereas the citadel dates from the nineteenth century, the walled backyard is older.
From the underside, you’ll be able to see one of many citadel’s greatest shows on the far banks of the Girl Sybil’s Water Backyard, and there are plans for extra customer planting days in February to spice up the numbers subsequent 12 months.
Nationwide Botanic Backyard of Wales, Carmarthen
There’s an entire mile of snowdrops on the Nationwide Botanic Backyard of Wales, stretching from Decrease Broadwalk alongside the lakeside.
Preserve your eyes peeled for the center formed show of snowdrops alongside the Broadwalk as you go – it’s grown considerably out of form but it surely’s enjoyable attempting to identify.
Greatest locations to see snowdrops in Scotland
Dawyck Botanic Backyard, close to Peebles
The 65-acre Dawyck Botanic Backyard within the Scottish borders has the sort of local weather the place snowdrops flourish – head to the banks of the Scrape Burn as soon as the gardens reopen in February to see them bloom.
Royal Botanic Backyard, Edinburgh
Edinburgh’s botanic gardens celebrated their 350th anniversary final 12 months and among the many spectacular 70 acres, you’ll discover carpets of snowdrops from January – head in direction of the Alpine Home for a number of the greatest shows.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Edinburgh with youngsters, try my choose of the most effective
Cambo Nation Home, Fife
The gardens on the Cambo Property maintain Scotland’s Nationwide Assortment of snowdrops, with over 350 completely different varieties – and should you wander the grounds of the nation home, you’ll be able to spot beautiful shows of snowdrops and snowflake flowers throughout the 70 acres of woodland and within the gardens.
Scone Palace, Perthshire
Scone Palace is dwelling to some of the necessary locations in Scottish historical past, with 38 kings topped right here in centuries previous – and there’s as a lot to tempt these in search of snowdrops as tales of historic royalty.
You’ll discover the flowers lining the Lime Avenue and blooming within the shadow of conifers within the woodland.
Fyvie Fort, Aberdeenshire
This 800-year-old fortress has performed host to kings, but it surely’s one other place that’s as tempting should you’re in search of snowdrops. Fyvie Fort, on Scotland’s Fort Path, has some implausible shows from late January till early March – head to the woodland to see the most effective snowdrops.
Fort Kennedy, close to Stranraer
One in all Scotland’s most necessary historic landscaped gardens, Fort Kennedy in Galloway opens for the Scottish snowdrop pageant on weekends from February 3 and all through March, together with entry to components that guests can’t usually see.
You’ll be able to head across the Black Loch to see the snowdrops within the gardens right here (not often open to guests) in addition to extra of the flowers close to the ruins of the sixteenth century citadel, and contained in the Walled Backyard.
Greatest locations to see snowdrops in Northern Eire
Springhill, County Londonderry
You’ll be able to even take dwelling your personal snowdrop plant after a snowdrop stroll across the seventeenth century home’s property at Springhill, the place youngsters can even love the pure play path.
Round half an hour away, there’s one other snowdrop stroll to find at The Argory too
Rowallane Backyard, County Down
A powerful 130,000 snowdrop bulbs have been planted within the gardens at Rowallane over the previous 10 years, and you may stroll previous carpets of white flowers as you wander the grounds right here.
Fort Coole, County Fermanagh
Early spring is likely one of the loveliest occasions to discover the grounds at this 18th century mansion, because the Beech Stroll at Fort Coole transforms right into a sea of white – you’ll be able to spot extra snowdrops below the oaks on the primary drive too.
*First revealed 2016, up to date 2024*
PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST PLACES TO SEE SNOWDROPS IN THE UK
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