Snowdrops are the first signs of the Spring, we take a look at some of the best spots in Yorkshire to view them.
Goldsborough Hall, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire
The spectacular display of snowdrops in 17th-century Goldsborough Hall’s 11-acre royal gardens are made up of two species – single snowdrops Galanthus nivalis and double Galanthus nivalis ‘flore pleno’. The Species Snowdrop Walk, created in 2012 with help from experts Mike Heagney and Della Kerr, both committed galanthophiles, features over 40 rare varieties of snowdrops in a newly cleared area of the woods – some so rare they haven’t yet been named. Snowdrop days are February 5th and 19th . Go to goldsboroughall.com for times and ticket prices
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Ripon, North Yorkshire
Walk on a white carpet of snowdrops as you explore the magnificent 12th-century abbey ruins and amble through the beautiful landscaped Georgian water garden of Studley Royal, complete with Neo-classical statues, follies and breathtaking views. This World Heritage Site, cared for by the National Trust, is set in 323 hectares of beautiful countryside and offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the range of England’s heritage and natural beauty. Go to fountainsabbey.org.uk for information about tickets and opening times
Burton Agnes Hall, Driffield, East Yorkshire
Every February, millions of hardy snowdrops push through the cold winter ground to create a magnificent white carpet across the woodland floor at Burton Agnes Hall, the Cunliffe-Lister’s Elizabethan family home. ‘Our snowdrop walk makes a truly memorable day out at the end of a long winter,’ says Simon Cunliffe-Lister. ‘The beautiful little flowers are such a welcome sight, and grow in numbers each year. This biblical symbol of hope reminds us that winter eventually gives way to spring, and announces the new season.’ The Snowdrop Spectacular runs from February 4th - 26th and the gardens are open from11am to 4pm every day. Go to burtonagnes.com for more details. information including ticket prices
Brodsworth Hall, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire
The snowdrops are a sight not to be missed at Brodsworth Hall. As well as over half a million of the little white flowers, over 200,000 aconites burst up through the frosty ground all around the garden in February. Discover more at english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/property/brodsworth-hall-and-gardens/events
Kiplin Hall, Richmond, North Yorkshire
Follow the Snowdrop Trail through the gardens and inspiring lakeside setting of Kiplin Hall near Scorton, Richmond. The swathes of snowdrops in February are soon joined by their yellow ‘fellows’, the aconites, throughout the spring. Kiplin Hall was built in 1620 by George Calvert, Secretary of State to James I and founder of the state of Maryland, USA. The 16-room hall is open to the public and the extensive gardens are undergoing restoration. Go to kiplinhall.co.uk for information about tickets and opening times
Mount Grace Priory, Northallerton, North Yorkshire
The woodland surrounding this unusual monastery is the ideal snowdrop setting. And it’s as good a reason to discover more about this lesser known English Heritage site. The crumbling masonry and open grassland have become home to a collection of wildlife that has taken advantage of what previous owners, including the monks, left behind. The priory stoats which inhabit the passages under Mount Grace are possibly the best-known colony of stoats in Yorkshire and even the British Isles. Go to english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/property/mount-grace-priory for more information
