Swathes of delicate white snowdrops bring joy to many by signifying the end of winter and the beginning of spring. We pick 6 of Somerset’s prettiest locations to admire the beautiful flower
East Lambrook Manor Gardens, South Petherton
One of England's best-loved privately owned gardens, East Lambrook Manor Gardens will be open from Tuesday to Sunday during February for visitors to marvel at the specialist collection of snowdrops. The pretty white flowers will be nestled among hellabores and geraniums, and other blooming flora in the bordered garden and winding pathways. The garden was created by the late Margery Fish, celebrated plantswoman and gardening writer.
Snowdrop Valley Exmoor
Wrap up warm and don those walking boots for the footpaths trailing through Exmoor's hidden, privately-owned Snowdrop Valley.
From Tuesday, February 1st to Sunday, February 27th, The Badgworthy Land Company will kindly allow visitors to ramble through the area that is beautifully carpeted in snowdrops. Take a look at the website for details on car parking and the Land Rover service.
Forde Abbey and Gardens, Chard
Rich in history and culture, the stately home of Forde Abbey and its surrounding 30 acres of perfectly manicured greenery and lakes, still operate as a family home and a working estate.
During February, the gardens will be open for visitors to admire thousands of snowdrops, which will rise from the ground to signal the beginning of spring. As in previous years, head gardener, Joshua Sparkes, will hopefully be leading a tour of the grounds.
Fyne Court, Bridgwater
Nestled in the heart of the Quantock Hills, explore the wild garden of the National Trust's Fyne Court where you will discover swathes of pretty snowdrops which adorn the woodland floor among the pops of colour from primroses, yellow archangel and bluebells.
Fyne Court makes the ideal starting point for a stroll through the Somerset countryside and mesmerising views can be enjoyed from the top of the Quantocks.
Prior Park Landscape Garden, near Bath
Bath's stunning and intimate 18th century landscape garden, boasting the beautiful Palladian bridge, is a wonder to see all year round. Set in a valley, visitors can soak in jaw dropping views of Bath's cityscape and surrounding countryside.
Enjoy a walk through the summerhouse glade and over the iconic bridge, where during the spring delicate snowdrops can be spotted amongst daffodils, fritillaries and wild garlic. On selected dates in February, March and April, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the gardens to find out more about the damns project; a multi-million pound works to restore and future-proof the Georgian dams at the bottom of Prior Park Landscape Garden.
Elworthy Cottage, Taunton
The specialist nursery by a devoted plantsman, Elworthy Cottage is an acre garden filled with herbaceous perennials, ornamental trees and shrubs, and more than 350 varieties of snowdrops.
As well as opening for snowdrop spotting on February 4th and 27th, The National Garden Scheme will host open days throughout the year with proceeds from homemade teas served going to the Children's Hospice South West.
Wait! There's plenty more pretty places to explore in Somerset this spring...
