Snowdrops in London and the South East

In the gloom of January, snowdrops are the little wonders of nature which can lift our spirits and help carry us through to spring. From swathes of 'Stowedrops' in Buckinghamshire to clusters of little white flowers at Winkworth Arboretum, here are some of the best places to see them.

Snowdrops growing in the garden at Kingston Lacy
Walking trail 

'Stowedrops' and winter flowers

It won’t be long before you see the gardens bursting with snowdrops or as we fondly like to call them ‘Stowedrops’. Enjoy chilly walks in the New Year to spot the early signs of them peeping through as they develop in the masses throughout the Elysian Fields, Sleeping Wood and Lamport Garden.

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Snowdrops at Cliveden

Snowdrops at Cliveden 

Snowdrops are one of the first signs of life in gardens after the long winter months. Follow the pearly white snowdrops around the estate. The best spots are The Long Garden, Blenheim Pavillion and The Water Garden.

Discover the snowdrops
Snowdrops peeping up in Bateman's garden

Bateman's 

The gardeners and volunteers at Bateman's have planted thousands of new snowdrop bulbs at Bateman's. From early February to early March, take a wintery stroll through the gardens and discover drifts of these elegant, yet hardy flowers, nodding in agreement that spring is indeed on its way.

Discover snowdrops in the Wild Garden
Snowdrops in Polesden's winter garden

Polesden Lacey 

Head Gardener at Polesden Lacey, Jamie Harris, describes Graham Stewart Thomas' winter garden, a hidden masterpiece that comes to life with colour and fragrance in the depths of the winter frost.

Spot the snowdrops
Snowdrops in the gardens at Waddesdon, a National Trust property in Buckinghamshire

Waddesdon 

Snowdrops (Galanthus) are a welcome sight that spring is just round the corner. See beautiful displays in the gardens at Waddesdon.

Find out where to see them
Lady Clementine's rose garden in winter at Chartwell, a National Trust property in Kent

Chartwell 

The garden at Chartwell is a feast for the eyes year-round. In the colder months, admire the winter border, wander the orchard and circle the lakes. Depending on the season, snowdrops may peak through from late February.

Explore the garden this winter
Snowdrops, Plas yn Rhiw, Llyn, Gwynedd

Petworth, West Sussex 

For the first glimpse of spring visit Petworth and see swathes of snowdrops that carpet the Pleasure Grounds - a welcome sign of warmer days to come.

Feel a frosty crunch under your feet
Snowdrops in the garden at Nymans

Nymans 

During wintertime the garden is at rest, but not asleep. Spot snowdrops, dotted around the garden, alongside witch hazels, daphnes and other beautiful scented winter shrubs.

See the garden in winter
Snowdrops at Winkworth

Winkworth Arboretum 

Winkworth Arboretum in Surrey is the perfect place to enjoy peaceful seasonal beauty. Thousands of snowdrops pop up in clusters from early February.

Dazzling displays
The White Garden at Sissinghurst Castle in Kent

Sissinghurst Castle Garden 

The garden now opens on weekends over winter. Discover the shape, design and structure of this iconic garden revealed. The colder season is also perfect for a quiet walk around the wider frosty estate. Time for woodland wanders with the sun shining through bare trees. Keep an eye out for clumps of snowdrops dotted around the woodland floor and garden.

Make a winter visit
Snowdrops close up in foreground with house behind

Mottisfont 

Snowy clusters of snowdrops emerge in Mottisfont’s gardens from January, nestled beside the font stream, at the beginning of the river walk. A woodchip path winds through the bulbs, to give everyone maximum enjoyment of this beautiful winter scene. The plants self-seed and colonise, extending the display every year.

River walk snowdrop displays