Top spots for snowdrops
At our gardens across the country, we get ready to roll out the white carpet as pure snowdrops transform the woodland floor and spring to life after the winter months. From enchanting bulb meadows to the UK’s largest winter garden, experience nature’s new beginnings and lift your spirits with a refreshing snowdrop stroll.
Here's our top gardens promising spectacular displays of snowdrops:
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Kingston Lacy, Dorset
While the weather forecasters can't promise snow, Kingston Lacy can predict a dazzling blanket of snowdrops each winter. The garden wakes up in spectacular fashion in January and February when thousands of this favourite flower burst through the soil transforming the garden into a sea of white. Open daily, visitors can wander through the displays at Kingston Lacy and salute this first welcome sign of spring.
Park and garden admission charges apply.
For more information please call 01202 883402. -
Anglesey Abbey, Gardens and Lode Mill, Cambridgeshire
During January and February Anglesey’s garden majestically boasts 240 different varieties of snowdrop scattered across 114 acres. Meander through the paths and soak up the fabulous show that the garden offers during this time. Snowdrops will not be all that you see; the winter garden shows coloured tree barks, winter flowering shrubs and ground cover plants.
General admission charges apply.
For more information please call 01223 810080. -
The Argory, Co. Armagh
This spectacular riverside estate shows a stunning display of snowdrops and other superb spring bulbs throughout February. Snowdrop self-guided walks run every Saturday and Sunday in the month, where the scenic walk shows off the garden as the frost thaws. The show keeps getting better and better each year with the stunning backdrop of sweeping vistas. With snowdrop plants available to buy, fun for children in the adventure playground, a trip to The Argory this February is well worth it.
Grounds admission charges apply.Snowdrop Walks, 4-5, 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26 February, 12pm-5pm
Booking is not required for this event
£3 per adult, £1.50 per child or £7.50 per family
For more information please call 028 8778 4753. -
Attingham Park, Shropshire
Watch the woodland floor transform into a stunning carpet of snowdrops during Attingham’s snowdrop season. Stroll around this great estate between Shrewsbury and the River Severn and enjoy abundant sprinkles of the delicate flowers in beautiful parkland, designed to impress.
Park and grounds admission charges apply.
For more information please call 01743 708123. -
Belton House, Lincolnshire
With delightful gardens, a luxuriantly planted Orangery and lakeside walks, Belton is a pleasure to explore all year round and never more so as the early signs of spring creep in. Don’t miss delicate displays of snowdrops that melt away all thoughts of winter.
Grounds admission charges apply.
For more information please call 01476 566116. -
Chirk Castle, Wrexham
Chase away those winter blues with a bracing walk around the award winning gardens and woods carpeted with delicate snowdrops. Glimpses of the spring bulbs can be found throughout the garden. The snowdrops scatter between clipped yews, herbaceous borders, shrub and rock gardens, as well as a terrace with stunning views over the Cheshire and Salop plains. In early spring, don’t miss the drifts of snowdrops that dance through the woodland during the snowdrop days.
General admission charges apply.
Snowdrop Days, 1-29 February, 11am-4pm
Enjoy a walk around the award-winning gardens to celebrate the snowdrops.
Booking in not required for this event.
For more information please call 01691 777701. -
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Take a stroll in one of the North’s greatest gardens and discover the delights of Britain’s largest winter garden, where the white carpet will be rolled out for visitors. The garden contains almost 700 different plant species and a further 1,600 shrubs specifically bred for the 7 acre wonder. January heralds the first early signs of spring with the delicate charms of snowdrops, where clusters of over 100,000 double and single snowdrops and 20,000 narcissi bloom amongst the trees.
Garden admission charges apply.
For more information please call 01619 411025. -
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Yorkshire
This World Heritage Site, set in 323 hectares of beautiful countryside, offers an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the range of England's heritage and natural beauty. Walk on a white carpet of snowdrops in early spring as you explore the magnificent 12th-century abbey ruins and amble through the beautiful landscaped Georgian water garden of Studley Royal, complete with Neo-classical statues, follies and breathtaking views.
Normal admission charges apply.
For more information please call 01765 608888. -
Ickworth, Suffolk
Wander around Ickworth’s park and along Geraldine’s Walk, Oak Walk and the Trim Trail, where snowdrops are complemented by the golden glow of aconites. Discover amazing views of the estate, or warm up in the West Wing restaurant with delicious food and drink (Friday to Tuesday).
Garden admission charges apply.
For more information please call 01284 735270. -
Nymans, West Sussex
This 20th-century garden is famed for its amazing collection of rare and important plants. At the start of spring, spot wonderful displays of snowdrops as well as camellias and magnolias underplanted with a host of daffodils and grape hyacinths. The bulb meadow in the Wall Garden is full of snowdrops and early narcissus and there are rare hellebores all around the garden.
Garden admission charges apply.
For more information please call 01444 405250.
Several of the places featured here also have characterful holiday cottages available - perfect for a countryside getaway or weekend retreat.
Find out more at http://www.nationaltrustcottages.co.uk/