Snowdrop Gardens and Walks: Where to See Them in Late Winter

By late January, when winter feels endless, snowdrops start to appear. In some old gardens and woods they have spread over centuries into carpets of white, and a number of estates open specially in January and February to show them. A snowdrop walk followed by a pub lunch is one of the gentlest and most rewarding winter days out there is.

At a glance

Season: late January to early March, peaking in mid February. Where: old gardens, churchyards and woodland across the country. Cost: many specialist gardens charge entry; woodland walks are free. Booking: some gardens sell tickets online only.

Gardens famous for snowdrops

Colesbourne Park, Gloucestershire

Often described as England's greatest snowdrop garden, with a collection of hundreds of varieties built up over generations. It opens on weekends through the snowdrop season, and in 2026 tickets were sold online only. It is between Cirencester and Cheltenham.

Painswick Rococo Garden, Gloucestershire

A rare surviving eighteenth-century Rococo garden above Painswick, whose woodland fills with naturalised snowdrops. In 2026 it opened for the season from mid January to the start of March.

Easton Walled Gardens, Lincolnshire

Restored gardens near Grantham with long drifts of snowdrops along the river and woodland, opening for a snowdrop season from mid February.

Forde Abbey, Somerset

The gardens around this former Cistercian monastery near Chard are carpeted with snowdrops through February.

Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire

The National Trust garden at Lode, near Cambridge, is known for its winter garden and its large snowdrop collection.

In Scotland

Scotland runs a national snowdrop festival each year, with gardens across the country opening for the season. The Cambo Estate near Crail in Fife is one of the best known, with a large snowdrop collection in its woodland.

Timing a visit

Mid February is usually the peak

Snowdrops respond to the weather. A mild winter brings them forward; a cold January holds them back. Most gardens post updates on how the display is looking, and it is worth checking before a long journey.

Go on a sunny day

Snowdrop flowers close up in dull, cold weather and open in sunshine, when they look completely different. A bright, still day is ideal.

Check the dates each year

Opening days vary from season to season, and several gardens open on limited days only, so confirm the current year's dates before you set off.

Making a weekend of it

Most of the best snowdrop gardens are in the Cotswolds and the countryside around it, which is quiet and good value in February. A cottage with a fire, a snowdrop garden and a long lunch is a fine way to reach the end of winter.

For more, see our guides to winter gardens and spring staycations.