The UK’s best snowdrop gardens

As the new year begins, so do the January Blues, but what better way to heal these than by visiting a stunning snowdrop garden near you? Snowdrops - known officially as Galanthus - herald the promise of Spring, creating carpets of beauty across gardens, woodlands and parks up and down the UK, proving year after year to be a popular attraction for wintery walks. 

Let’s take a look at some of the best snowdrop gardens to visit from January to March, helping you prepare for a great day out!

15 of the best snowdrop gardens to visit in 2025 and where to find them

Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

Nestled near Cambridge, Anglesey Abbey is renowned for its impressive winter garden, but it's the snowdrops that steal the show. With over 400 varieties spread across the National Trust estate, including the rare and unusual, the garden transforms into a magical white wonderland each year. For an added experience, why not try the Specialist Collection guided tour?

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/anglesey-abbey-gardens-and-lode-mill
Quy Road, Lode, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB25 9EJ
Opening dates: All year round

Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Dorset-based Kingston Lacy contains a fantastic set of gardens which can be enjoyed all year round, but their snowdrop collections prove to be a particularly popular attraction in the early months of each year. Head to the Fernery or Lime Avenue gardens in January and February to see the beautiful varieties of snowdrops in flower.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy
Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Opening dates: All year round

Shugborough Estate, Staffordshire

For those in and around Staffordshire, Shugborough Estate offers a rich blend of gardens, monuments and architecture. Featuring a walled garden, formal gardens, and an arboretum, this National Trust site is a great place to see a variety of different snowdrops from January to February with friends and family.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/shugborough-estate
Milford, near Stafford, Staffordshire, ST17 0UP
Opening dates: All year round

Rococo Garden, Gloucestershire

The Rococo Garden in Painswick is famous for its unique landscape design, and its snowdrop display is one of the best in the UK, featuring over 5 million snowdrops! Situated in the Cotswolds, the garden often hosts guided tours and events to celebrate these beautiful plants, which start to burst into flower in January but are at their stunning best in February.

https://www.rococogarden.org.uk/
Gloucester Road, Painswick, Stroud, GL6 6TH
Opening dates: All year round

Cambo Gardens, Fife

Cambo Gardens in Fife offers one of Scotland’s most extensive snowdrop collections, set within an idyllic estate by the sea. With over 200 varieties of snowdrops on display, Cambo Gardens is world-famous for its snowdrops and is home to the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, which traditionally starts at the end of January and ends at the beginning of March.

https://www.cambogardens.org.uk/
Kingsbarns, St Andrews, KY16 8QD
Opening dates: All year round

Hodsock Priory, Nottinghamshire

Hodsock Priory’s 800-acre estate, including five formal gardens, is renowned for its snowdrop festival, drawing visitors to its spectacular woodland and garden displays. With over 82 types of snowdrops on display, Hodsock Priory is not one to miss; although there is only a limited window to visit, as the estate is only open for public walks during February.

https://www.hodsockpriory.com/
Blyth, Worksop, S81 0TY
Opening dates: Public walks in February only

Forde Abbey, Dorset

Forde Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery, offers a picturesque backdrop for snowdrop viewing. The 30-acre garden comes alive with thousands of snowdrops during February when the gardens are open exclusively for these beautiful flowers on select weekends. The abbey’s historic architecture and tranquil surroundings make it quite the enchanting destination!

https://www.fordeabbey.co.uk/
Forde Abbey House and Gardens, Chard, TA20 4LU
Opening dates: March to October (Selected weekends in February for snowdrops)

The Laskett Garden, Herefordshire

Created by Sir Roy Strong and his late wife, Julia Trevelyan Oman, The Laskett Gardens is a personal and theatrical space filled with history and charm. In winter, thousands of snowdrops adorn the borders and woodland areas, adding a delicate touch to the garden’s unique design.

https://perennial.org.uk/gardens/gardens-menu/the-laskett-garden/
Laskett Lane, Much Birch, Herefordshire, HR2 8HZ
Opening dates: April - October (selected dates in February for spring flowers)

Welford Park, Berkshire

Many people associate Welford Park with The Great British Bake Off, but it is known for its sweeping displays of stunning snowdrops, making it one of the finest collections in the UK. The park’s ancient 5-acre beech woodlands create a stunning setting for these delicate little flowers, which attract thousands of visitors each year.

https://www.welfordpark.co.uk/
Lambourn Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8HY
Opening dates: 29th of January to 2nd of March (2025 dates)

Colesbourne Gardens, Gloucestershire

Often described as one of England’s finest snowdrop collections, Colesbourne Park is a must-visit for snowdrop enthusiasts. The 10-acre garden boasts an extraordinary collection of over 350 cultivars of snowdrops, as well as hellebores, cyclamen, and other early flowering shrubs.

https://www.colesbournegardens.org.uk/
Colesbourne Park, Colesbourne, Cheltenham, GL53 9NP
Opening dates: Every weekend between the 25th of January and the 23rd of February (Private weekday tours available)

Chippenham Park, Cambridgeshire

Chippenham Park is very much a hidden gem when it comes to the most well-known snowdrop locations; the park features lakes, woodlands, and formal gardens, but perhaps the most notable area during the early months of the year is the Snowdrop Walk, containing some of the most beautiful collections of Galanthus in the UK.

https://www.chippenhamparkgardens.info/
Chippenham Hall Chippenham Park, Newmarket, CB7 5PT
Opening dates: Only open on selected dates throughout the year - please check online.

York Gate Garden, Yorkshire

Located near Leeds, York Gate Garden boasts a magical one-acre garden which attracts visitors from all over the UK. Gifted generously to Perennial by the Spencer Family in 1994, York Gate offers a unique blend of design and horticultural excellence, which especially comes to life during January and February, when the charming snowdrop displays start to take shape!

https://perennial.org.uk/gardens/gardens-menu/york-gate/
Back Church Lane, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS16 8DW
Opening dates: April - October (selected dates in February for snowdrops)

Batsford Arboretum, Gloucestershire

Cotswold-based Batsford Arboretum promises a great day out for all the family, all year round. Featuring one of the UK’s largest private tree collections spread across 56 acres, Batsford starts each year the perfect way by displaying a blanket of snowdrops from late January onwards, some of which can even be bought at Batsford’s onsite garden centre!

https://batsarb.co.uk/
Batsford, Moreton-in-Marsh GL56 9AT
Opening dates: All year round

Chirk Castle and Garden, Wrexham

Chirk Castle, a magnificent 13th-century fortress set in the Welsh countryside, boasts beautiful snowdrop displays that add charm to its historic gardens, reminding visitors that spring is on the way! The collection includes rare species of snowdrops, such as Galanthus S. Arnott and Galanthus plicatus, with the best displays found in the Pleasure Ground Wood area.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chirk-castle
Chirk Castle, Chirk, Wrexham, LL14 5AF
Opening dates: All year round

Fullers Mill Garden, Suffolk

Home to over 100 varieties of snowdrops from all around the world, Fullers Mill is one of Suffolk’s top locations for winter walks. Set against the backdrop of the River Lark, the garden's charming woodland and riverside setting create a picturesque scene for snowdrop displays. Fullers Mill hosts Snowdrop Days throughout February, so keep an eye out for information about these.

https://perennial.org.uk/gardens/gardens-menu/fullers-mill/
Fullers Mill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6HD
Opening dates: April - October (selected dates in February for snowdrops)

Other snowdrop gardens to explore

Ormesby Hall, Yorkshire
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/ormesby-hall

Quarry Bank, Cheshire
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/cheshire-greater-manchester/quarry-bank

Maggie’s West London, Borough of Hammersmith
https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/maggies-west-london-w6/

Old Hall Farmhouse, Norfolk
https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/old-hall-farmhouse-nr24/

Doddington Hall & Gardens, Lincolnshire
https://www.doddingtonhall.com/

Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, Isle of Skye
https://www.dunvegancastle.com/

Fernhill Cottage & Gardens, County Down
https://www.fernhillcottagegardens.co.uk/

The Gibberd Garden, Essex
https://thegibberdgarden.co.uk/

Hever Castle & Gardens, Kent
https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/

Plas yn Rhiw, Gwynedd
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/plas-yn-rhiw

Please note that displays of snowdrops and other seasonal flowers are weather-dependent. Therefore, all opening times and days should be checked before travelling to avoid disappointment. Each website will give weather information and updates to inform visitors in advance where possible.

Why are snowdrops so significant?

Snowdrops are among the first flowers to bloom each year, symbolic of the upcoming arrival of spring and the end of the cold dark days of winter, giving many outdoor lovers a sense of hope and optimism. We often associate the presence of snowdrops with enjoyable walks spent with family and friends, and the fact they are such an attractive, resilient little flower is more than enough of a reason to want to visit them!
Snowdrops are not native to the UK, and it is still unclear as to how they were first introduced here. There are over 2,500 varieties of snowdrops; some of the most significant include Galanthus nivalis, Galanthus elwesii and Galanthus plicatus. If you choose to visit a snowdrop garden early next year, look out for these notable types of snowdrops!

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