Snowdrop Walks: 10 Places To See Snowdrops

Hands up who fancies going on some snowdrop walks? Snowdrops must be one of the most welcome sights of the winter. They start to appear in January and go through until March, depending on the weather, and are one of the first heralds of spring. As it blooms at the end of winter, the snowdrop has come to symbolise hope and there’s nothing quite like seeing a carpet of these delicate flowers to lift the spirits. Here’s our guide to where to see snowdrops this winter

1. Snowdrop walks at Altamont, Co Carlow, Ireland

The 16-hectare estate at  Altamont in Co Carlow is home to a vast collection of snowdrops, many of which were planted by the late owner Corona North. It’s open every day except Christmas Day, except in the event of bad weather – see website for more details.

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2. Anglesey Abbey and Gardens, Cambridgeshire

Anglesey Abbey has one of the finest snowdrop collections in the country, with over 350 varieties of these delicate white flowers, many of which are rare. Take in their beauty amongst a collection of classical statues, and wander through the Winter Garden, also at its prime at this time of year. For opening times and more details, visit the website.

3. Bateman’s, East Sussex

This Jacobean mansion was the home of Rudyard Kipling, and is home to thousands of recently-planted snowdrop bulbs, making it a perfect place for snowdrop walks. From early February to early March, take a stroll and discover drifts of these elegant yet hardy flowers. For opening times and more details, visit the website.

4. Dawyck Botanic Garden, Scottish Borders

Dawyck Botanic Garden is a five star garden renowned for its seasonal displays of snowdrops, bluebells, rhododendrons, azaleas, blue poppies and autumn colour. Located in the hills of the Scottish Borders, 65-acre Dawyck has one of Scotland’s finest tree collections. In February, delicate Galanthus cover the banks of the Scrape Burn. For more information and opening times for snowdrop walks, visit the website.

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5. Dudmaston Estate, Shropshire

The Dingle walks at Dudmaston are open throughout February for snowdrop spotting. For opening times and more details, visit the website.

6. Snowdrop walks at Scone Palace, Perth

Best known as the iconic crowning place of Scottish kings, nature awaits in abundance at Scone. There are no formal gardens, but 100 acres of woodland gardens with their borders, flowering shrubs and trees create a gloriously peaceful setting for strolling or picnicking. Scone takes part in the Scottish Snowdrop Festival each year and there are thousands of flowers waiting to delight visitors. For opening times and more details, visit the website.

Image by fietzfotos/Pixabay

7. Nostell, Yorkshire

The pleasure grounds at this beautiful Georgian mansion come to life in spring, with snowdrops popping up throughout the landscape. For opening times and more details, visit the website.

8. Rode Hall, Cheshire

Still a privately-owned family home, this red brick manor house holds Snowdrop Walks throughout February to show off its 70 snowdrop varieties along a mile-long walk. Walks are held from 4th February to 4th March, Thursday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm. To find out more or book tickets, visit the website.

9. Welford Park, Berkshire

Over a hundred gardens are also opening for the National Garden Scheme Snowdrop Festival in February 2023. Search for a garden near you here.

Also, check out our post on the best winter gardens to visit.

By Sara Walker.