Best places to see snowdrops in the UK in the UK

There’s nothing like seeing the first snowdrops flowering, a sign that brighter times are ahead, that spring is coming – and as I’m very ready for brighter days, I’ve been working out some of the best places to see snowdrops in the UK.

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With plenty of options around the countryside, especially at various National Trust sites, you’re not short of choice – although with more than 270 different varieties at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire, that’s definitely on my radar for the future.

Depending on the weather, snowdrops usually start blooming from January into late February or early March, and there are often special snowdrop walks to spot the flowers, traditionally a symbol of hope. So if you’re wondering where’s the best places to see snowdrops near me, I’ve rounded up some of the top sites around the UK.

Best places to see snowdrops in England

Trengwainton Garden, Cornwall

These sheltered gardens near Penzance are better known for the more exotic flowers which bloom during the summer, but Trengwainton Garden is a perfect place to explore in early spring when they open specially during snowdrop season.

Wander the Drive and the Long Walk where you’ll find the white flowers sprinkled around the base of the trees. Open Sunday to Thursday from February 15.

For more ideas of places to visit in Cornwall with kids, check out my guide

RHS Garden Rosemoor, north Devon

Part of the winter gardens at RHS Rosemoor, there’s usually a special Celebration of Snowdrops in early February, celebrating the start of spring, including a snowdrop trail for families and guided walks. 2026 tbc

Included with entry to the gardens – you can get a small discount on tickets if you book through my link.

For more ideas of places to visit in Devon with kids, check out my guide

Killerton, Devon

With gorgeous woodland as well as the historic gardens, Killerton National Trust is a great place to wander with kids and look out for the first of the snowdrops – there are also regular family activities as a bonus.

Check out what we thought of a day out at Killerton with kids

To make a full day out, not far away from Killerton is Ashclyst Forest, where you can also see carpets of snowdrops in the spring.

Snowdrop Valley, Exmoor

January and February is one of the few times you can visit this privately owned valley in Exmoor, close to Wheddon Cross, purely to enjoy the snowdrops.

Open from January 24 to February 22, 2026, the carpet of snowdrops at Snowdrop Valley is one of the loveliest in the whole of the UK. There’s (paid) parking nearby although you do have to factor in a walk down to the valley itself unless you prebook one of the private transfers.

Kingston Lacy, Dorset

One of the most unusual settings for snowdrops, you’ll find them blooming between bamboo shoots in the Japanese garden, as well as along the twisty paths of the Victorian fernery and the Lime Avenue at Kingston Lacy.

The gardens here are open year-round, so if you’re close enough to visit regularly, you could make it a challenge and keep returning to see who spots the first snowdrops peeking through.

Special early morning snowdrop walks will be taking place (dates tbc) with a cost of £10 (entry to Kingston Lacy is separate), as well as other snowdrop-themed activities.

For more ideas of places to visit in Dorset with kids, check out my top picks

Forde Abbey, Somerset

There are 30 acres of award-winning gardens at Forde Abbey in Somerset, which opens specially for a series of special snowdrop weekends in February – otherwise the gardens are closed during the winter, so it’s the only chance to explore.

There’s also a letterboxing trail for kids to follow.

For more things to do in Somerset with kids, check out my top picks

Stourhead, Wiltshire

Stourhead has some of the most beautiful gardens and grounds anywhere in the UK (up against stiff competition) with 2,650 acres making up the estate including Britain’s tallest oak, classical temples and bridges reflecting in the lake, and trails winding around to help you explore.

And as spring rolls around, carpets of snowdrops start to flower, making it even more magical.

Check out my visit to Stourhead with a toddler

Mottisfont, Hampshire

We visited lovely Mottisfont in midsummer, when bees buzzed among the lavender but it’s a perfect place to see snowdrops as well with drifts of white in the river garden where the Font stream’s microclimate encourages the Mottisfont snowdrops to bloom. 

Around 16,000 bulbs were planted a couple of years ago to make the most of this: look out for them around the start of the river walk, as well as paths designed to lead you past the displays. There are self-guided snowdrop walks from January 17-February 22, 2026.

For more things to do in Hampshire with kids, check out my top picks

Nymans, West Sussex

The gardens at Nymans are famous for their rare plants, including camellias and magnolias – and in spring, they’re joined by swathes of snowdrops and the lesser-known taller ‘snowflakes’.

The best displays are found in the walled garden and top garden, as well as other lovely seasonal flowers on the Winter Walk.

Check out my review of a day out at Nymans with kids

Doddington Place Gardens, Kent

The 10 acres of gardens by the Victorian manor of Doddington Place are normally only open from Easter until the end of September, but there’s a chance to see inside on February 15 for the National Garden SCehem Snowdrop Festival, where you can also normally buy your own snowdrops.

Find inspiration for more things to do in Kent with kids

Ightham Mote, Kent

I love the reflection of the medieval manor house in its moat, as well as finding the secret garden in the grounds of Ightham Mote in Kent, but there’s an added temptation in early spring when around 5,000 snowdrops flower around the grounds.

One of several National Trust properties in Kent, we’ve also spotted snowdrops on a winter’s day at Scotney Castle.

Read more about our family day out at Ightham Mote

Welford Park, Berkshire

The snowdrops at Welford Park are said to have been planted by Norman monks looking to decorate their church but may have been blooming here since Roman times – either way, you can see carpets of the white flowers from late January to early March if you visit and wander through the five-acre beech wood alongside the River Lambourn.

In 2026, Welford Park’s snowdrop days run from January 28 to March 1 (closed Mondays and Tuesdays): prebooking tickets is advised at busy times, family tickets cost from £31.

Stowe, Buckinghamshire

Nicknamed ‘Stowedrop’ time, Stowe is another beautiful National Trust site that you’ll recognise from countless films and which is transformed by its snowdrops every spring.

Spot them blooming through the Elysian Fields, Sleeping Wood and Lamport Garden, and the snowdrop walk is back with special paths to show them off along the banks between the Lamport Garden and the Gothic temple, and the Stowedrop trail to follow.

The snowdrops are – inevitably – weather dependent but you can usually see them from late January and throughout February.

RHS Wisley, Surrey

Stroll around the gardens at RHS Wisley and you’ll spot clumps of snowdrops all over, especially on the Winter Walk on Seven Acres among other winter flowers in shades of red and orange, or at the Hilltop near the Herb Garden.

Chelsea Physic Garden, London

This historic little garden by the banks of the Thames might be small but there’s always plenty to discover in London’s oldest botanic gardens – including snowdrops in the springtime.

Closed during the winter, the snowdrops are one of the star attractions at Chelsea Physic Garden once it reopens, with events to herald spring during late January and early February as the flowers bloom.

Kew Gardens, London

With 300 acres to explore at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, there’s always something new to find – and in fact, Kew even discovered a new species of snowdrop in 2019.

Head to the Rock Garden in the north-east corner of the garden, as well as the Davies Alpine House, to get your best views of their snowdrop collections.

For more tips on visiting Kew with kids, check out my post

Myddelton House, Middlesex

Myddelton House near Enfield is known for its snowdrop sale, so if you fancy growing your own, it’s a great place to go – the eight acres of gardens are also perfect to see them in flower, especially in the Alpine Garden.

The sale takes place on January 31, 2026.

Audley End, Essex

The gardens at Audley End, near Saffron Walden, were created by Capability Brown, so they’re lovely to stroll in at any time of year.

Visit from late January and you can find snowdrops lining the paths from the Cedar of Lebanon and up the Lime Tree Walk towards the Temple of Concord.

Here’s what we thought of a visiting Audley End with kids during a weekend in Essex

RHS Hyde Hall, Essex

Around 15,000 snowdrops were planted at the RHS Hyde Hall gardens in Essex back in 2017 as part of the 1.3 acre Winter Garden, some set alone in huge drifts, others scattered among the other winter flowers with their white petals contrasting against the colours.

Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

Anglesey Abbey, just outside Cambridge, has one of the most impressive snowdrop collections in the country, with over 270 individual varieties on display in early spring. 

Wander through the Winter Garden, designed to look at its best during the coldest months, and you can enjoy a sea of white as you stroll along the path.

There are more to discover along the woodland path too, as well as in the specialist collection, although these are only available to view on a guided tour, taking place daily – except Saturdays – from January 26 to February 27.

Ickworth, Suffolk

The Italianate palace of Ickworth in Suffolk sits in 1,800 acres of parkland and gardens – head there in winter and you’ll see carpets of snowdrops in several spots across the grounds.

Stroll along Lady Geraldine’s walk, the Albana Walk and Trim Trail for the best views.

Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk

There are 70 acres of gardens and woodlands around the moated Oxburgh Hall, and the snowdrops you’ll find here have grown naturally rather than being cultivated by design.

Spot them blooming in the Wilderness, My Lady’s Wood and along the north terrace, often alongside golden aconites. There are special gardener-led snowdrop tours here as well, on selected dates from January 29-March 2.

For more ideas of places to visit in Norfolk with kids, check out my top picks

Belton House, Lincolnshire

You can sometimes see snowdrops blooming as early as late December, depending on the weather – but go at the season’s height and there are around 20,000 in drifts throughout the Pleasure Gardens and around the estate’s Gothic ruin at Belton House.

If you fancy adding to next year’s display, there are often special planting events in April where you can help add more bulbs under the guidance of Belton’s Head Gardener.

Easton Walled Gardens, Lincolnshire

Known as Lincolnshire’s lost garden, Easton Walled Garden in Grantham is a great place to visit if you’re looking for snowdrops. Over 20 years since its restoration began, the 400-year-old gardens are a sea of white from January on.

Snowdrop Season starts on February 11, 2026 – look out for some of the best on the banks down to the River Witham, in the Cedar Meadow, and the path from the White Space Garden through the Woodland Walk.

Colesbourne Park, Gloucestershire

Called ‘England’s Greatest Snowdrop Garden’, Colesbourne Park opens for special snowdrop days at wekends from January 31 until March 1 for visitors to see its 200+ types of snowdrop.

Bonus fact: Naturalist and botanist Henry John Elwes was born at Colesbourne Park, and the large snowdrop he discovered in the mountains of Turkey, Galanthus elwesii, is named after him.

Painswick Rococo Garden, Gloucestershire

Gloucestershire is also home to another impressive spot for snowdrop spotters – over five million are dotted across the grounds of the Rococo Garden in Painswick, one of England’s largest naturalistic plantings.

The first flowers often appear during January, with the garden reopening on January 17 2026, with regular snowdrop updates on the garden’s social media.

For more Gloucestershire snowdrops, Batsford Arboretum and Westonbirt Arboretum are also worth a visit

Baddesley Clinton, Warwickshire

With its medieval and Tudor history, Baddesley Clinton is a lovely spot to indulge in some history as well as discovering the snowdrops in the gardens and by the church. 

While you’re there, head down the road to check on any Packwood House snowdrops too – where we also enjoyed spotting the bears picnicking in the gardens

Hill Close Gardens, Warwick

It’s not just historic sites and stately homes which have an impressive collection of snowdrops – head to Warwick, and Hill Close Gardens has more then 130 different types to enjoy.

The Victorian leisure garden has an annual Snowdrop Weekend, taking place on January 31-February 1, 2026 with a guided walking route to discover the best of this year’s blooms.

Attingham Park, Shropshire

There are 200 acres of parkland around this Regency Mansion, where they hold an annual snowdrop watch to find the first flower – usually in mid January.

You’ll see some by the entrance gates on the front drive of Attingham Park as well as flowering in the orchard, and by February there are some of the best displays in the woodland around the Mile Walk.

For more ideas of places to visit in Shropshire with kids, check out my top picks

Rode Hall, Cheshire

One of the finest snowdrop walks in the north-west, Rode Hall has more than 70 varieties in the Old Wood with special winter opening for snowdrop walks, on Thursdays to Sundays from February 1 to March 1 this year.

Stroll past the Old Pool and the boathouse and you’ll spot them blooming along the way. The first ones were planted back in 1833 and the carpet of flowers has grown over the generations.

There are often trails and activities for kids as well – check out this review of Mini Travellers’ day out at Rode Hall’s snowdrop walk.

Dunham Massey, Cheshire

Home to Britain’s largest winter garden, Dunham Massey has almost 700 different species here with over 100,000 double and single snowdrops blooming among the trees along with narcissi.

Dalemain House, Cumbria

The 18th century Georgian manor house is famous for its marmalade, but Dalemain House’s valley location also makes it a great place to spot snowdrops in the north west, reopening on February 2, 2026 to see the flowers around the grounds, including in the sheltered wood.

Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire

At Hardwick Hall, the snowdrops planted in the south court originally spelled out the names of the 6^th Duke of Devonshire’s nieces – Blanche, Anne, Dorothy and Maud. And while they’ve spread out from this design over the years, it’s still fun to see if you can make out any letters.

As you wander under the yew and lime trees, you’ll see plenty of the white flowers in the shade, and they often appear relatively early in the new year.

Harry Potter fans will also recognise the exterior as Malfoy Manor – for more days out in the UK for Harry Potter fans, check out my top picks

Hodsock Priory, Nottinghamshire

EDIT: CURRENTLY CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC This beautiful country house on the borders of Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire sits in 800 acres of countryside, but it’s the woodland that’s the big attraction for snowdrop fans at Hodsock Priory.

Left undisturbed for centuries, the flowers bloom across the 12 acres under the ancient trees with a signposted walk through Horse Pasture Wood and its carpets of snowdrops.

Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire

There’s never a time when these ruins look less than lovely but as the Fountains Abbey snowdrops carpet the Georgian water garden, the World Heritage site becomes even more spectacular.

It’s all thanks to Earl de Grey who had the flowers planted to spell out his name along the banks of the river Skell in the 19th century. 

While you’re in Yorkshire, follow in our footsteps to another National Trust property to see the Nostell Priory snowdrops as you walk over Druid’s Bridge, or for more ideas of more things to do in Yorkshire with kids, check out my top picks

RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Yorkshire

As you wander the woodlands in the RHS’s garden near Harrogate, Harlow Carr, you can enjoy around 90,000 snowdrops flowering. For now, there are also around 80 different varieties in the Sandstone area of the gardens – many of which helped stock the new RHS Garden Bridgewater, which opened in 2021 in Salford. 

It’s also one of the best places to start a snowdrop hunt, as one variety – Galanthus Castlegar – flowers from early December on.

Wallington, Northumberland

If you want more variety, look out for a few less common varieties of snowdrop at Wallington, including one with sulphur yellow markings and another with double flowers, plus purple iris dotted among the white flowers.

Over the past few years, visiting families have been encouraged to help plant more of the flowers, with a million added in the north and east woods, the woodland near the clocktower, the walled garden and elsewhere but the last Snowdrop planting took place in 2025. Happily you can see the results this year instead.

For more things to do in Northumberland with kids, check out this post

Belsay Hall Garden, Northumberland

Along with Belsay Hall’s medieval architecture and Grecian buildings, you can see swathes of snowdrops in the 30 acres of gardens every spring – look out for some near the hall itself as well as in the woodland.

Best places to see snowdrops in Wales

Chirk Castle, Wrexham

Playing spot the snowdrops is the perfect way to explore the gardens and woodland at Chirk Castle, with flowers dotted between the clipped yews, on the forest floor and throughout the rock gardens.

Bodnant Garden, Conwy

Bodnant Garden is somewhere you could visit again and again, with a big annual planting initiative to add more snowdrops year after year – around 20,000 common snowdrops have been planted in the Old Park meadow for the past few years, creating a carpet of white flowers in early spring.

You can also see the flowers in Furnace Wood and Meadow, with plans eventually to create a snowdrop walk through the gardens, along with more exotic varieties in the winter garden.

Penryhn Castle, Gwynedd

The grounds of Penrhyn Castle near Bangor are home to sweeping drifts of white flowers at the start of spring – while the castle dates from the 19th century, the walled garden is older.

From the bottom, you can see one of the castle’s best displays on the far banks of the Lady Sybil’s Water Garden, and there are plans for more visitor planting days in February to boost the numbers next year.

National Botanic Garden of Wales, Carmarthen

There’s a whole mile of snowdrops at the National Botanic Garden of Wales, stretching from Lower Broadwalk along the lakeside.

Keep your eyes peeled for the heart shaped display of snowdrops along the Broadwalk as you go – it’s grown somewhat out of shape but it’s fun trying to spot.

Best places to see snowdrops in Scotland

Dawyck Botanic Garden, near Peebles

The 65-acre Dawyck Botanic Garden in the Scottish borders has the kind of climate where snowdrops flourish – head to the banks of the Scrape Burn once the gardens reopen in February to see them bloom.

Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh

Edinburgh’s botanic gardens celebrated their 350th anniversary recently and among the spectacular 72 acres, you’ll find carpets of snowdrops from January – head towards the Alpine House for some of the best displays.

For more ideas of things to do in Edinburgh with kids, check out my pick of the best

Cambo Country House, Fife

The gardens on the Cambo Estate hold Scotland’s National Collection of snowdrops, with over 350 different varieties – and if you wander the grounds of the country house, you can spot stunning displays of snowdrops and snowflake flowers across the 70 acres of woodland and in the gardens.

There are various snowdrop-related events running on select dates from January 31 until March 7 including tours.

Scone Palace, Perthshire

Scone Palace is home to one of the most important places in Scottish history, with 38 kings crowned here in centuries past – and there’s as much to tempt those seeking snowdrops as tales of ancient royalty.

You’ll find the flowers lining the Lime Avenue and blooming in the shadow of conifers in the woodland.

Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire

This 800-year-old fortress has played host to kings, but it’s another place that’s as tempting if you’re seeking snowdrops.

 Fyvie Castle, on Scotland’s Castle Trail, has some fantastic displays from late January until early March – head to the woodland to see the best snowdrops.

Castle Kennedy, near Stranraer

One of Scotland’s most important historical landscaped gardens, Castle Kennedy in Galloway opens for the Scottish snowdrop festival on weekends during February and March, including access to parts that visitors can’t normally see.

You can head around the Black Loch to see the snowdrops in the gardens here (not usually open to visitors) as well as more of the flowers near the ruins of the 16th century castle, and inside the Walled Garden.

Best places to see snowdrops in Northern Ireland

Springhill, County Londonderry

You can often take home your own snowdrop plant after a snowdrop walk around the 17th century house’s estate at Springhill, where kids will also love the natural play trail.

Around half an hour away, there’s another snowdrop walk to discover at The Argory too

Rowallane Garden, County Down

An impressive 130,000 snowdrop bulbs have been planted in the gardens at Rowallane over the past 10 years, and you can stroll past carpets of white flowers as you wander the grounds here.

Castle Coole, County Fermanagh

Early spring is one of the loveliest times to explore the grounds at this 18th century mansion, as the Beech Walk at Castle Coole transforms into a sea of white – you can spot more snowdrops under the oaks on the main drive too.

*First published 2016, updated 2026*

PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST PLACES TO SEE SNOWDROPS IN THE UK

Main image/Stowe/Baddesley Clinton/Chirk/Edinburgh Botanic Gardens/Fyvie Castle courtesy of Depositphotos, National Trust images as credited above, all other images copyright MummyTravels

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