Snowdrops bring great joy in the early months of the year, signifying the warmer weather ahead. We pick 9 of the most magical places to explore these beautiful flowers in the Cotswolds
Colesbourne Park
Nestled between Cirencester and Cheltenham in the Churn Valley, 'England's Greatest Snowdrop Garden' offers an impressive collection exceeding 200 cultivars.
Colesbourne Park's Snowdrop weekends will be taking place every weekend from 28th January until 26th February, with gates opening at 1pm. Guided tours are also available to book during the week. There will also be a snowdrop study day on Wednesday, February 15th.
www.colesbournegardens.org.uk
READ MORE: The spectacular display of snowdrops at Colesbourne Park
Rodmarton Manor
With an eight acre stretch of picturesque gardens to explore, interspersed with stunning Cotswold stone, during the spring you'll find over 150 variations of snowdrops - some with markings, some rare, and even yellow and green markings - at Rodmarton Manor.
The garden will be open for snowdrops on Wednesdays and Saturday in February on 1st, 4th, 8th, 11th, 15th and 18th in 2023.
rodmarton-manor.co.uk
Painswick Rococo Garden
The snowdrop collection at Rococo Garden in Painswick is one of England's largest naturalistic plantings, in fact over five million snowdrops pepper the ground, and is famous throughout Gloucestershire for its beauty at this time of year.
The magnificent display can be admired from the 21st January and throughout February. However, whenever you decide to visit, Painswick Rococo Garden is a beautiful backdrop to while away a couple of hours or so.
www.rococogarden.org.uk
Batsford Arboretum
After a spot of delicious afternoon tea on the Garden Terrace of Batsford Arboretum, enjoy a gentle stroll among the beautiful drifts of snowdrops that have appeared among the arboretum's grounds. And, in a couple of months' time, against the backdrop of the gorgeous blossom of magnolias and flowering cherries, you'll truly feel as though winter has been left behind.
The Arboretum and Garden Centre are open 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10am-5pm every Sunday.
www.batsarb.co.uk
Dyrham Park, near Bath
Home to several varieties of snowdrops which bloom early, eagle-eyed visitors may have already spotted a flurry of the pretty white flower at Dyrham Park. Over the coming weeks, expect to see more snowdrops in front of the 17th century house, terrace and garden.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park
Newark Park
Don your walking boots and get your camera ready as Newark Park boasts carpets of stunning snowdrops just waiting to be admired.
The House and Garden will open daily to spot the spectacular snowdrops from February 1. Estate walks are currently open as normal.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/newark-park
Cotswold Farm, near Cirencester
Beginning its collection in 1930, today visitors can now enjoy the view of over 60 different varieties of snowdrops at Cotswold Farm, nestled in the pretty village of Duntisbourne Abbots. Peeking from the bordered gardens and in swathes along the woodland paths, this family home and its gorgeous, manicured gardens are a must see at the beginning of spring.
Visitors can see the snowdrops at Cotswold Farm on Mondays during the month of February from 11am to 3pm, with the NGS Snowdrop Open Weekend –taking place on 18th - 19th February.
www.cotswoldfarmgardens.org.uk
Waterperry Gardens, near Wheatley
For a truly magical experience, make sure to pay a visit to Waterperry Gardens, just a short drive from Oxford and its neighbouring towns and villages.
See over 80 wonderful snowdrop varieties blanketing the ornamental gardens. Entry to the gardens is £9.95 and children under 16 can visit for free.
www.waterperrygardens.co.uk
Trench Hill, Sheepscombe
With roughly three acres nestled in a small woodland, Trench Hill in Sheepscombe boasts a beautiful blooming garden throughout the year. As the seasons change, visitors can admire herbaceous and mixed borders, roses and wild flowers, and by February, thousands of pretty snowdrops.
Trench Hill is open on various dates throughout the year, via the National Garden Scheme, including Sunday, February 12th and 19th, 11am-4.00pm to see the snowdrops. Homemade teas will be available with proceeds going to local or owner designated charities.
findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/14238/trench-hill
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Enchanting stately homes in the Cotswold
