{"id":17968,"date":"2022-12-21T11:38:52","date_gmt":"2022-12-21T10:38:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/?p=2591"},"modified":"2022-12-21T13:35:23","modified_gmt":"2022-12-21T12:35:23","slug":"snowdrops-the-best-places-to-see-snowdrops-in-2023","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/rss_feed\/snowdrops-the-best-places-to-see-snowdrops-in-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Snowdrops: The best places to see snowdrops in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"

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By Klaudia Mihalova\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 21 December 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Snowdrops are a sure sign that spring is on its way. The delicate drooping heads of these small white flowers are a charming sight on a winter\u2019s day and in February, gardens up and down the country open to celebrate their arrival with snowdrop events. Pull on your hat, grab your gloves and feast your eyes on some of mother nature\u2019s finest snowdrops. Here we\u2019ve put together a list of some of the best places to see displays of stunning snowdrops.<\/p>\n

Where to see snowdrop displays<\/h3>\n

Anglesey Abbey<\/strong>If it\u2019s variety of snowdrops you want, this is the perfect place to visit. There are around 240 snowdrop cultivars, some of which are specific to Anglesey Abbey. Wander around or join a Specialist Collection tour around the 114 acres to make sure you don\u2019t miss out on any snowdrop treasures (places sell out fast).30 Jan to 24 February<\/strong>\nQuy Road, Lode, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB25 9EJ. Tel 01223 810080; nationaltrust.org.uk\/angleseyabbey<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The Bishop\u2019s Palace<\/strong>\nObserve a spectacular display of snowdrops in a historic setting. Visitors can collect a printed Snowdrop Walk to guide them around the moat banks carpeted with snowdrops, and across the Willow Bridge to the Arboretum.<\/span>Weekends in February<\/strong>The Bishop\u2019s Palace, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD. Tel 01749 988111; <\/span>bishopspalace.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

Benington Lordship<\/b>The snowdrop walk, which runs along the wall at the top of the moat, was planted in the early twentieth century by the present owner\u2019s family. Opening the gardens at snowdrop time became an annual tradition which has continued to the present day. <\/span>Aside from the huge drifts of naturalised snowdrops that cover the grassy moat and the gardens around the castle and house you can also enjoy hellebores, aconites and winter flowering shrubs in bloom.<\/span>Open daily in February (dates TBC)<\/strong>Benington Lordship, Nr Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG2 7BS <\/span>Tel 08701 261709; beningtonlordship.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Cambo Estate<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Visitors enjoy the woodland walk at Cambo Estate where over 300 varieties of snowdrops can be seen.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The gardens at Cambo are home to Scotland\u2019s largest collection of specialist snowdrops. The Victorian walled garden and an informal woodland garden boast 300 varieties of snowdrop and that number is slowly increasing. A limited number of these are for sale.25 January to 11 March<\/strong>\nCambo Gardens, Kingsbarns, Saint Andrews, Fife KY16 8QD. Tel 01333 451040; cambogardens.org.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Chelsea Physic Garden<\/strong>\nIf you\u2019re London-based and keen not to miss out on the snowdrops, make a trip to capital\u2019s oldest botanic garden to see 75 types of snowdrop. Enjoy the \u2018Heralding Spring\u2019 trail featuring snowdrops and other winter-flowering highlights. On the 22 January there will be a talk on snowdrops and a snowdrop kokedama workshop.Join a snowdrop tour on 26 January<\/strong>66 Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4HS. Tel 020 7352 5646; chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Chippenham Park<\/strong>\nChippenham Park is home to one of the finest displays of naturalised snowdrops in East Anglia and the park opens for a few weeks for visitors to view the vast carpets of snowdrops, followed by daffodils. Take time to also enjoy the fiery dogwoods, aconites and winter blossoms.21 January to 2 April<\/strong> (snowdrops followed by daffodils)\nChippenham Hall, Chippenham Park, Newmarket, Cambridgeshire CB7 5PT. Tel 01638 721416;<\/span>\u00a0chippenhamparkgardens.info<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Colesbourne Gardens<\/strong>Colesbourne is renowned as one of the best places to see snowdrops in the UK. <\/span>The great plantsman, Henry John Elwes planted snowdrops widely, and the the garden today contains around 350 cultivars of snowdrops, many of them hybrids, descended from those original plantings. <\/span>Thousands of new snowdrops are planted every year, ensuring that the collection remains vibrant and up-to-date.\u00a0<\/span>28 January to 26 February<\/strong>Colesbourne, nr. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NP. Tel 01242 870567<\/span>; colesbournegardens.org.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Coton Manor<\/strong>The 10-acre garden at Coton Manor occupies a hillside position extending down from the 17th-century manor house. <\/span>The garden will open over three weekends in February and March so that visitors can enjoy the masses of snowdrops and hellebores, as well as carpets of crocus and other early bulbs and winter-flowering shrubs.Open weekends from 18 February to 5 March<\/strong>\nCoton, near Guilsborough, Northamptonshire NN6 8RQ. Tel 01604 740219; cotonmanor.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Deene Park<\/b>A wide variety of snowdrops will be on view here including favourites such as the \u2018Blewbury Tart\u2019 and the \u2018Pusey Green Tip\u2019. Enjoy a \u2018snowdrop walk\u2019 and sure you make the most of the lakeside and garden walks too.19 & 26 February<\/strong>\nDeene Park, Corby, Northamptonshire NN17 3EW. Tel 01780 450278; deenepark.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

East Lambrook Manor<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Ditch at East Lambrook Manor, carpeted with snowdrops<\/span><\/figcaption> \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Margery Fish, the legendary plantswoman who created the garden at East Lambrook Manor was a galanthophile; she especially loved double snowdrops. Not surprisingly, the garden is filled with masses of snowdrops as well as other winter beauties. Read our feature on Margery Fish\u2019s snowdrops.<\/a> The fourth Snowdrop Festival begins in February; the owners reckon the snowdrops will be at their best towards the end of the month. Around 80 varieties of snowdrop will be for sale.February (exact dates TBC), Tuesday to Sunday<\/strong>East Lambrook, South Petherton, <\/span>Somerset TA13 5HH. Tel <\/span>01460 240 328; <\/span>eastlambrook.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Easton Walled Gardens<\/strong>\nFrom late January to March, Easton Walled Gardens are covered in drifts of delicate snowdrops and the garden opens especially to coincide with their appearance. Snowdrops are also available to buy.Garden opens from 15 February (open Weds to Sun)<\/strong>Easton, Grantham, Lincolnshire <\/span>NG33 5AP. <\/span>Tel 01476 530063; visiteaston.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Forde Abbey and Gardens<\/strong>\nThroughout February the 30 acres of award-winning gardens are carpeted in a spectacular display of snowdrops. Weather depending, the camellias will be in full bloom along with an abundance of hellebores and early spring bulbs. Open for snowdrop weekends throughout the month.Dates TBC<\/b>\nChard, Somerset TA20 4LU. Tel 01460 220231; fordeabbey.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

The Garden House<\/strong>The Garden House is home to the Matt Bishop snowdrop collection, with over 350 different cultivars on display throughout the gardens.13 January to 12 March (Fri, Sat, Sun)<\/strong>\nBuckland Monachorum, Yelverton, PL20 7LQ. Tel 01822 854769; <\/span>thegardenhouse.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

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Galanthus \u2018Mighty Atom Clan\u2019. Photo: Jason Ingram<\/span><\/figcaption> \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Great Comp Garden<\/strong>\nGreat Comp is usually closed in winter, but opens for just one day for its Snowdrop Sensation day. Browse a wide selection of rare snowdrops on sale from specialist nurseries and enjoy the snowdrops in the garden. Pre-booking essential.19 February<\/strong>\nGreat Comp, Comp Lane, Platt, Sevenoaks, TN15 8QS. Tel 01732 885094; <\/span>greatcompgarden.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

Hedingham Castle<\/strong>\nThe castle\u2019s winter gardens are possibly the most romantic in the East of England, with at least 13 varieties of snowdrops covering the steep slopes of the motte and bailey and setting off the trees and lakes in front of the Georgian Mansion House. Open for snowdrop walks on selected dates in February and March.Dates TBC<\/b>Bayley Street, Castle Hedingham, Halstead, Essex, CO9 3DJ<\/span>. Tel 01787 460261; hedinghamcastle.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Hever Castle & Gardens<\/strong>Around 100,000 snowdrop bulbs have been planted in the gardens of Anne Boleyn\u2019s childhood home over the past few years, including some unusual varieties such as the yellow tipped \u2018Wendy\u2019s Gold\u2019, the giant \u2018Colossus\u2019 (one of the tallest snowdrops you can find) and Galanthus<\/em> \u2018Green Brush\u2019, with unusual green-tipped flowers. You can also enjoy camellia, quince, daphnes, hellebores and early daffodils in bloom.Garden open daily from 8 February<\/strong>\nHever Road, Hever, Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG. Tel 01732 865224; hevercastle.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

National Gardens Scheme<\/strong>100 local gardens are opening their gates for charity in 2022 for the National Garden Scheme Snowdrop Festival, so there\u2019s sure to be one open near you. Many notable gardens are opening, including Higher Cherubeer<\/a> in Devon, Knowle Hill Farm in Kent and specialist snowdrop nursery, Elworthy Cottage. Key your postcode into the website to find your nearest open garden.1-28 February; check website for individual opening times<\/strong>ngs.org.uk\/snowdrops<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Painswick Rococo Gardens<\/b><\/p>\n

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Snowdrops at Rococo Gardens in January. Photo: Paul Nicholls \/ Barcroft Media \/ Barcroft Media via Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Painswick Rococo Garden is famed for one of the largest naturalistic plantings of snowdrops in the country. There are 15 varieties in the garden, the most famous being Galanthus<\/em> \u2018Atkinsii\u2019. Pre-booking is essential; the garden recommends bagging an early spot when the gardens are more quiet. Check when the snowdrops are at their peak via the website and social media.January to February <\/strong>\nPainswick, Gloucestershire GL6 6TH. Tel 01452 813204; rococogarden.org.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Raveningham Hall<\/strong>Enjoy around 150 named snowdrop cultivars throughout the delightful garden, as well as many un-named ones throughout the garden. Every Sunday in February will raise funds for the Priscilla Bacon Hospice.Opening times TBC<\/strong>Raveningham, Norwich, NR14 6NS. Tel <\/span>01508 548152; raveningham.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Rode Hall and Gardens<\/strong>\nExperience one of the UK\u2019s finest snowdrop walks at Rode Hall and Gardens, which has over 70 types of snowdrop in the Old Wood, by the Pool and through Sir Richard\u2019s Walk. Homemade light lunches and cream teas available; local artists will be exhibiting in the barns.4 February \u2013 4 March<\/strong>\nChurch Lane, Scholar Green, Cheshire ST7 3QP. Tel 01270 873237; rodehall.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Rodmarton Manor<\/b>A vast snowdrop collection of 150 varieties is spread across this eight-acre Cotswold garden. Also on display are other winter flowers including hellebores, cyclamen and aconites.1, 4, 8, 11, 15 & 18 February (afternoons)<\/strong>\nRodmarton, Cirencester GL7 6PF. Tel 01285 841442; rodmarton-manor.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival<\/strong>Shepton Mallet was once home to the famous 18th-century horticulturist James Allen, known as the \u2018Snowdrop King\u2019 and the first hybridiser of snowdrops. Nowadays the town proudly celebrates its famous son with an annual Snowdrop Festival. This year there will be a three-day programme of events, ranging from kokedama, winter foraging and floristry workshops, specialist sales of snowdrops and spring plants, poetry and photography competitions and much more. Garden designer Dan Pearson is the event\u2019s new patron.13-29 February<\/strong>Shepton Mallet, Somerset. sheptonsnowdrops.org.uk<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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The first sign spring is on its way. Snowdrops appear through frost covered ground. Photo: Jason Ingram.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Scottish Snowdrop Festival<\/strong>This year, as snowdrop season begins, a whole host of venues and gardens throughout Scotland are taking place in the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, which runs from 25 January to 11 March. Cost of entry to the gardens vary \u2013 some are free \u2013 but there are over 70 events to choose from, including walks at Dawyck Botanic Garden and guided tours at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Many gardens are open under the Scotland\u2019s Gardens Scheme, too.Dates TBC<\/strong>\nHead to discoverscottishgardens.org<\/a> and scotlandsgardens.org<\/a> for full details.<\/p>\n

Waterperry Garden<\/strong>This renowned Oxfordshire garden is home to more than 60 different snowdrop varieties in the ornamental gardens and along the walk by the River Thame. A selection of varieties will be available to buy and staff will be on hand to offer advice on snowdrop planting.Daily from 1 to 28 February<\/strong><\/span>Nr Wheatley, Oxfordshire OX33 1JZ. Tel 01844 339254; waterperrygardens.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Welford Park<\/strong>\nVenture down to the heart of the Lambourn Valley to cast your eye over a spectacular seven-acre drift of snowdrops. The views are particularly stunning in the early morning when the sun is low in the sky and the glow from the bloom and the frost mingle. A gentle wander around the Beech Woods takes up to an hour. There are always pots of Galanthus<\/em> cultivars and \u201cthinings\u201d to buy and on Thursdays there are specialist Plant Markets, featuring specialist snowdrop nurseries.<\/span>1 February to 5 March, Wednesday to Sunday<\/strong>\nNewbury, Berkshire RG20 8HU. Tel 01488 608691; welfordpark.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Wye Valley Sculpture Gardens<\/strong>\nA three-acre south facing garden nestled in the picturesque lower Wye Valley. The family have been passionately collecting snowdrops since the 1970s, and in February there\u2019ll be 70 varieties on display and 28 of those will be for sale. Wooden sculptures by resident artist Gemma Kate Wood are sensitively placed throughout the garden.2 \u2013 19 February, with some days for pre-booking only\u00a0<\/strong>\nTintern NP16 7NX, wyevalleysculpturegarden.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

As displays of snowdrops and other spring flowers are weather dependent, please double check all opening days and times before travelling.<\/em><\/p>\n

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