Snowdrops bring cheer to a wintry day and they are one of the few British flowers that bloom during February.
The team at the National Trust have shared which of their properties are the best places to see snowdrops this spring.
Britons might have to move fast as the snowdrop season generally runs until early March, disappearing as the warmer weather arrives.
Several of the National Trust’s properties are even hosting special snowdrop-themed events so make sure to check the website for any exciting news before travelling.
So where are the best National Trust sites in the UK to see snowdrops?
Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire
The National Trust says: “Anglesey Abbey has one of the finest snowdrop collections in the country, with 400 varieties of these delicate white flowers, many of which are rare. Take in their beauty amongst a collection of classical statues and wander through the Winter Garden, also in its prime at this time of year.”
Wallington, Northumberland
The National Trust says: “Over the last few years, visitors have planted more than 800,000 snowdrops at Wallington, and its display includes a few special varieties of snowdrop too, including the Northumbrian ‘Sandersii’ group which has sulphur-yellow markings instead of green, and the pretty ‘Flore Pleno’ with double the usual number of petals.”
Canons Ashby, Northamptonshire
The National Trust says: “Snowdrops bring the hope of spring, looking ahead to light and warmth whilst it’s still cold outside – but some people believed these flowers have powers. Wander through Canons Ashby on the special snowdrop stories trail and discover what people have believed about these delicate and beautiful blooms through the years.”
Dunster Castle and Watermill, Somerset
The National Trust says: “The 28 acres of parkland around Dunster Castle is the perfect setting for an idyllic winter walk, with patches of snowdrops dotted all around the area, as well as growing in the garden borders.”
Kingston Lacy, Dorset
The National Trust says: “To enjoy Kingston Lacy’s snowdrops stroll through the Japanese Garden or along the Lime Avenue to see a glorious mass of delicate white blooms, naturalised under trees and the contrasting yellow stems of bamboo.”
Attingham Park, Shropshire
The National Trust says: “As snowdrop season begins and the woodland floor transforms, why not wrap up warm and take a refreshing stroll to Attingham’s magical carpet of snowdrops. The best displays are in the woodland around the Mile Walk, flourishing in the damp areas with partial shade.”
Ickworth Estate, Sussex
The National Trust says: “Take a crisp winter walk through Ickworth to discover carpets of snowdrops along Lady Geraldine’s walk, as well as The Albana Walk and Trim Trail.”
Belton Estate, Lincolnshire
The National Trust says: “Belton is home to a number of species of snowdrop including Galanthus Nivalis, the common snowdrop and Flore Pleno, the double snowdrop. In late winter visitors to Belton can admire a white blanket of snowdrops on seasonal walks around the estate.”
Bodnant Garden, Conwy
The National Trust says: “The Old Park is one of the oldest parts of the garden, dating back to the Georgian era, and the team have been planting snowdrops there in recent years as part of an annual tradition to keep growing the display into the future.”