Spring walks at Waddesdon

Following the planting of an extra 120,000 snowdrops, 32,000 tulips and 25,000 crocus, Waddesdon’s gardens will be almost unrecognisable this spring. From February, a mass swathe of snowdrops will guide visitors around from the House to the Rose Garden, while primroses and cowslip will supply welcome bursts of colour elsewhere.

Nearly 40,000 plants will be used to recreate the Victorian splendor guests would have enjoyed in Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild’s time, with Head Gardener Mike Buffin drawing on archive records to inspire the formal bedding displays. Around the grounds each area will have its own colour scheme; the Parterre will be a bold mix of blues and purples, with the scroll beds and outer beds featuring a river of Muscari aucheri ‘Blue Magic’ and Crocus.

After soaking up the colour of the parterre, why not follow in the footsteps of Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild along Baron’s Walk? A route that takes you through woodland, past beautiful artworks and gives you views of the wider estate.

Discover a more subtle scheme of pastel whites, purples and pinks along the North Avenue, perfectly complementing the Manor exterior. Here you will see the ‘star’ of the show, our Bellis ‘Medicis Red’ and Bellis ‘Medicis Rose’, which will, quite literally, be planted in the shape of a star. Why not continue towards the fountain and take part in our Wellie Walk?

Witness the birth of spring especially through our winter garden walk, that showcases a blooming carpet of yellow in our wider grounds. Walk to Daffodil Valley, Tay Bridge and Tulip Patch where you will see lots of different varieties of daffodil as they begin to open up to the sun. You will also experience an exciting addition to this walk, as for the first time, 32,000 newly planted tulips will bloom down Tulip Patch. 

You can also bring your dog along for all our spring walks. They are allowed anywhere in the grounds with the exception of the Aviary, Parterre and Woodland Playground. To help protect our beautiful surroundings we just ask that you keep your dog on a short lead and stick to our doggy do’s and don’ts.