There’s nothing like seeing the primary snowdrops flowering, an indication that brighter instances are forward, that spring is coming – and as I’m very prepared for brighter days, I’ve been figuring out among the finest locations to see snowdrops within the UK.
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With loads of choices across the countryside, particularly at varied Nationwide Belief websites, you’re not wanting alternative – though with greater than 270 completely different varieties at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire, that’s positively on my radar for the long run.
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 a logo of hope. So if you happen to’re questioning the place’s one of the best locations to see snowdrops close to me, I’ve rounded up among the high websites across the UK.
Contents – click on to leap to a bit
Greatest locations to see snowdrops in England
Trengwainton Backyard, Cornwall
These sheltered gardens close to Penzance are higher identified for the extra unique flowers which bloom through the summer time, however Trengwainton Backyard is an ideal place to discover in early spring once 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 timber. Open Sunday to Thursday from February 16.
For extra concepts of locations to go to in Cornwall with youngsters, take a look at 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 1-14 celebrating the beginning of spring, together with a snowdrop path for households and guided walks.
Included with entry to the gardens – you will get a small low cost on tickets if you happen to e-book by way of my hyperlink.
For extra concepts of locations to go to in Devon with youngsters, take a look at 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 you may as well see carpets of snowdrops within the spring.
Snowdrop Valley, Exmoor
January and February is among the few instances 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 25 to February 23, 2025, the carpet of snowdrops at Snowdrop Valley is among the loveliest in the entire of the UK. There’s (paid) parking close by though you do need to think about a stroll right down to the valley itself except you prebook one of many non-public transfers.
Kingston Lacy, Dorset
One of the vital 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 here are open year-round, so if you happen to’re shut sufficient to go to repeatedly, you would make it a problem and preserve returning to see who spots the primary snowdrops peeking by way of.
Particular early morning snowdrop walks speak place on chosen Tuesdays and Thursdays from January 28 to February 6 at 8.45am with a price of £10 (entry to Kingston Lacy is separate).
For extra concepts of locations to go to in Dorset with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Forde Abbey, Somerset
There are 30 acres of award-winning gardens at Forde Abbey in Somerset, which opens specifically for a collection of particular snowdrop weekends in February – in any other case the gardens are closed through 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, take a look at my high picks
Stourhead, Wiltshire
Stourhead has among 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 can assist 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 beautiful Mottisfont in midsummer, when bees buzzed among the many lavender but it surely’s an ideal place to see snowdrops as nicely 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 steer you previous the shows.
For extra issues to do in Hampshire with youngsters, take a look at 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 perfect shows are discovered within the walled backyard and high backyard, in addition to different beautiful 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 16 for the Nationwide Backyard Snowdrop Competition, the place you may as well usually purchase your personal snowdrops.
Discover inspiration for extra issues to do in Kent with youngsters
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 Citadel.
Learn extra about our household day trip at Ightham Mote
Welford Park, Berkshire
The snowdrops at Welford Park are mentioned to have been planted by Norman monks seeking to embellish their church however might have been blooming right here since Roman instances – both method, you’ll be able to see carpets of the white flowers from late January to early March if you happen to go to and wander by way of the five-acre beech wooden alongside the River Lambourn.
In 2025, Welford Park’s snowdrop days run from January 29 to March 2 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays): prebooking tickets is suggested at busy instances, household tickets value £26.
Stowe, Buckinghamshire
Nicknamed ‘Stowedrop’ time, Stowe is one other stunning Nationwide Belief web site that you’ll recognise from numerous movies and which is remodeled by its snowdrops each spring.
Spot them blooming by way of the Elysian Fields, Sleeping Wooden and Lamport Backyard, and the snowdrop stroll is again with particular paths to point out them off alongside the banks between the Lamport Backyard and the Gothic temple, and the Stowedrop path to comply with.
The snowdrops are – inevitably – climate dependent however you’ll be able to often see them from late January and all through February.
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 is likely to be small however there’s at all times a lot to find in London’s oldest botanic gardens – together with snowdrops within the springtime.
Closed through the winter, the Heralding Spring occasion at Chelsea Physic Backyard begins from January 26, with snowdrops as one of many star sights.
Kew Gardens, London
With 300 acres to discover on the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, there’s at all times one thing new to seek out – and actually, 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 finest views of their snowdrop collections.
For extra recommendations on visiting Kew with youngsters, take a look at my submit
Myddelton Home, Middlesex
Myddelton Home close to Enfield is thought for its snowdrop sale, so if you happen to fancy rising your personal, it’s an important place to go – the eight acres of gardens are additionally excellent to see them in flower, particularly within the Alpine Backyard.
The sale takes place on January 25, 2025.
Audley Finish, Essex
The gardens at Audley Finish, close to Saffron Walden, have been created by Functionality Brown, so that they’re beautiful to walk in at any time of yr.
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 large drifts, others scattered among the many different winter flowers with their white petals contrasting towards the colors.
Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire
Anglesey Abbey, simply exterior Cambridge, has one of the crucial spectacular snowdrop collections within the nation, with over 270 particular person varieties on show in early spring.
Wander by way of the Winter Backyard, designed to take a look at its finest through the coldest months, and you’ll take pleasure in 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 every day – besides Saturdays – from January 27 to February 28.
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 one of the best views.
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 reasonably than being cultivated by design.
Spot them blooming in the Wilderness, My Girl’s Wooden and alongside the north terrace, typically alongside golden aconites. There are particular gardener-led snowdrop excursions right here as nicely, on chosen dates from January 24-March 3.
For extra concepts of locations to go to in Norfolk with youngsters, take a look at 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 at the season’s peak and there are round 20,000 in drifts all through the Pleasure Gardens and across the property’s Gothic destroy at Belton Home.
In the event you fancy including to subsequent yr’s show, there are sometimes particular planting occasions in April the place you’ll be able to assist add extra bulbs underneath the steerage of Belton’s Head Gardener.
Easton Walled Gardens, Lincolnshire
Referred to as Lincolnshire’s misplaced backyard, Easton Walled Backyard in Grantham is a superb place to go to if you happen to’re searching for snowdrops. Over 20 years since its restoration started, the 400-year-old gardens are a sea of white from January on.
Snowdrop Season begins on February 12, 2025 – look out for among the finest on the banks right down to the River Witham, within the Cedar Meadow, and the trail from the White House Backyard by way of the Woodland Stroll.
Colesbourne Park, Gloucestershire
Referred to as ‘England’s Best Snowdrop Backyard’, Colesbourne Park opens for particular snowdrop days at wekends from January 25 till February 23 for guests to see its 200+ sorts of snowdrop.
In 2025, there are additionally occasional weekday guided excursions as a substitute for visiting through the open days, however these e-book up quick.
Bonus truth: Naturalist and botanist Henry John Elwes was born at Colesbourne Park, and the massive snowdrop he found within the mountains of Turkey, Galanthus elwesii, is known as after him.
Painswick Rococo Backyard, Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire can also be dwelling to a different spectacular spot for snowdrop spotters – over 5 million are dotted throughout the grounds of the Rococo Backyard in Painswick, one among England’s largest naturalistic plantings.
The primary flowers typically seem throughout January, with the backyard reopening on January 18 2025, with common snowdrop updates on the backyard’s social media.
For extra Gloucestershire snowdrops, Batsford Arboretum and Westonbirt Arboretum are additionally value a go to
Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire
With its medieval and Tudor historical past, Baddesley Clinton is a beautiful spot to take pleasure in some historical past in addition to discovering the snowdrops within the gardens and by the church.
When you’re there, head down the street to test on any Packwood Home snowdrops too – the place we additionally loved recognizing the bears picnicking within the gardens
Hill Shut Gardens, Warwick
It’s not simply historic websites and stately houses which have a formidable assortment of snowdrops – head to Warwick, and Hill Shut Gardens has extra then 130 differing kinds to take pleasure in.
The Victorian leisure backyard has an annual Snowdrop Weekend, happening on February 1-2, 2025, with a guided strolling route to find one of the best of this yr’s blooms, plus a particular additional occasion this yr on February 15. Additionally they promote among the varieties on present too.
Attingham Park, Shropshire
There are 200 acres of parkland round this Regency Mansion, the place they maintain an annual snowdrop watch to seek 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 among the finest shows within the woodland across the Mile Stroll.
For extra concepts of locations to go to in Shropshire with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Rode Corridor, Cheshire
One of many best 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 1 to March 1 this yr.
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 nicely – take a look at this overview of Mini Travellers’ day trip at Rode Corridor’s snowdrop stroll.
Dunham Massey, Cheshire
Residence to Britain’s largest winter backyard, Dunham Massey has virtually 700 completely different species right here with over 100,000 double and single snowdrops blooming among the many timber together with narcissi.
Dalemain Home, Cumbria
The 18th century Georgian manor home is legendary for its marmalade, however Dalemain Home’s valley location additionally makes it an important place to identify snowdrops within the north west, reopening on February 3 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 courtroom 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 through the years, it’s nonetheless enjoyable to see if you may make out any letters.
As you wander underneath the yew and lime timber, you’ll see loads of the white flowers within the shade, and so they typically seem comparatively early within the new yr.
Harry Potter followers can even recognise the outside as Malfoy Manor – for extra days out within the UK for Harry Potter followers, take a look at 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 underneath the traditional timber with a signposted stroll by way of Horse Pasture Wooden and its carpets of snowdrops.
Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire
There’s by no means a time when these ruins look lower than beautiful however because the Fountains Abbey snowdrops carpet the Georgian water backyard, the World Heritage web site turns into much more spectacular.
It’s all due to Earl de Gray who had the flowers planted to spell out his identify alongside the banks of the river Skell within the nineteenth century.
When 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, take a look at 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 take pleasure in round 90,000 snowdrops flowering. For now, there are additionally round 80 completely different varieties within the Sandstone space of the gardens – a lot 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 need extra selection, look out for a couple of much less widespread types 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 one million added within the north and east woods, the woodland close to the clocktower, the walled backyard and elsewhere. This yr sees the final Snowdrop planting from February 22-March 2, 2025, with snowdrop crafts and a snowdrop parade as nicely.
For extra issues to do in Northumberland with youngsters, take a look at 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 Citadel, Wrexham
Enjoying spot the snowdrops is the right strategy to discover the gardens and woodland at Chirk Citadel, 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 time and again, with a giant annual planting initiative so as to add extra snowdrops yr after yr – round 20,000 widespread snowdrops have been planted within the Previous Park meadow for the previous few years, making a carpet of white flowers in early spring. There’s one other likelihood to hitch in with snowdrop planting, on choose dates between February 18 and 27.
You can even see the flowers in Furnace Wooden and Meadow, with plans ultimately to create a snowdrop stroll by way of the gardens, together with extra unique varieties within the winter backyard.
Penryhn Citadel, Gwynedd
The grounds of Penrhyn Citadel close to Bangor are dwelling to sweeping drifts of white flowers initially of spring – whereas the fortress dates from the nineteenth century, the walled backyard is older.
From the underside, you’ll be able to see one of many fortress’s finest 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 yr.
Nationwide Botanic Backyard of Wales, Carmarthen
There’s a complete mile of snowdrops on the Nationwide Botanic Backyard of Wales, stretching from Decrease Broadwalk alongside the lakeside.
Preserve your eyes peeled for the guts formed show of snowdrops alongside the Broadwalk as you go – it’s grown considerably out of practice 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 yr and among the many spectacular 70 acres, you’ll discover carpets of snowdrops from January – head in direction of the Alpine Home for among the finest shows.
For extra concepts of issues to do in Edinburgh with youngsters, take a look at my choose of one of the best
Cambo Nation Home, Fife
The gardens on the Cambo Property maintain Scotland’s Nationwide Assortment of snowdrops, with over 350 completely different varieties – and if you happen to 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.
There are numerous snowdrop-related occasions working on choose dates from January 26 till March 2 together with excursions and household craft periods.
Scone Palace, Perthshire
Scone Palace is dwelling to one of the crucial 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 historical royalty.
You’ll discover the flowers lining the Lime Avenue and blooming within the shadow of conifers within the woodland.
Fyvie Citadel, Aberdeenshire
This 800-year-old fortress has performed host to kings, but it surely’s one other place that’s as tempting if you happen to’re in search of snowdrops.
Fyvie Citadel, on Scotland’s Citadel Path, has some unbelievable shows from late January till early March – head to the woodland to see one of the best snowdrops.
Citadel Kennedy, close to Stranraer
One in all Scotland’s most necessary historic landscaped gardens, Citadel Kennedy in Galloway opens for the Scottish snowdrop pageant on weekends from February 3 and into 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 fortress, and contained in the Walled Backyard.
Greatest locations to see snowdrops in Northern Eire
Springhill, County Londonderry
You’ll be able to typically 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’ll stroll previous carpets of white flowers as you wander the grounds right here.
Citadel Coole, County Fermanagh
Early spring is among the loveliest instances to discover the grounds at this 18th century mansion, because the Beech Stroll at Citadel Coole transforms right into a sea of white – you’ll be able to spot extra snowdrops underneath the oaks on the principle drive too.
*First printed 2016, up to date 2025*
PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST PLACES TO SEE SNOWDROPS IN THE UK
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