If you’re looking for the best places to see snowdrops near me, I’ve put together all the top places where you can see snowdrops in Somerset and within an easy drive of Somerset this spring. There are some lovely snowdrop woods, snowdrop gardens with stunning displays and family walks all over Somerset and within an easy drive.
When do Snowdrops Flower?
Snowdrops are one of the first to flower in the UK and usually appear between January and March. But the exact timings depend on where you live and on the weather. Snowdrops are often the first sign that Spring is on the way but with milder winters, snowdrops may also be seen as early as December.
Where do Snowdrops grow in the UK?
Snowdrops thrive in damp, well drained soil and you usually find them growing in broadleaved woodland, along riverbanks and in meadows, parks and gardens. National Trust properties are usually a good place to start. There are a heap of places in Somerset to get your snowdrop fix!
The National Garden Scheme (NGS) opens privarely owned gardens in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on selected dates for Charity. Each year the National Garden Scheme starts the garden visiting season with its snowdrop gardens.
Here is our list of the Best Snowdrop Walks in Somerset and surrounding area, and the best (NGS) open gardens to visit this spring.
The Best Places To See Snowdrops In Somerset
Prior Park Landscape Garden, Bath (National Trust)
Ralph Allen Drive, Bath, BA2 5AH
Explore this 18th Century National Trust park where you can enjoy snowdrops around the landscaped gardens. Find them dotted along the footpaths and in the Summerhouse Glade. Discover stunning views over Bath and enjoy a walk over the impressive Palladian Bridge.
For little explorers you can borrow a Nature Explorer Pack containing binoculars, a bug pot and a seasonal guide. There’s also a Brass Rubbings Trail – ask at reception for paper and pencils.
Refreshments at The Tea Shed (seasonal) or Kiosk.
For opening times, prices and more information, click here.
National Trust Dunster Castle and Watermill
Dunster, Near Minehead, Somerset, TA24 6NY
The 28 acre grounds of Dunster Castle is the ideal location to find snowdrops scattered around the wooded riverbanks, parkland and terraced garden.
Event: On Valentine’s Day (14th February 2024) plant some snowdrop bulbs in the River Gardens for yourself or a loved one (included with admission price), between 10 am and 12.30 pm, and 1.30 pm and 3.00 pm. This event is suitable for children and no booking is required.
Several food and drink options from The Watermill Tearoom, The Tea Garden, Tenants’ Hall pop-up refreshments and The Camellia House. Or bring a hot picnic with you.
For opening times, prices and more information, click here.
Fyne Court, Bridgwater (National Trust)
Broomfield, Near Bridgwater, TA5 2EH
Set in the stunning Quantock Hills, Fyne Court and its wild gardens and woodland is home to a beautiful display of snowdrops every winter. Follow the Fyne Court Wildlife Walk (1.5 miles) which takes you through the woodland and meadow where you’ll see a carpet of snowdrops in early Spring.
The Courtyard Cafe serves hot and cold drinks and snacks.
For opening times, prices and more information, click here.
Yeo Valley Organic Garden, Blagdon
Blagdon, Somerset, BS40 7SQ
When: Friday 16th and Saturday 17th February 2024
Price: £7 Adult, £2 Child, Under 2’s go free (plus a small non-refundable booking fee).
The 6.5 acre organic gardens open their gates early for snowdrop season, as part of the Shepton Snowdrop Festival. Come and explore the garden, see the carpet of common snowdrops and other spring flowers before stopping at the cafe for refreshments. The garden store will also be open to visitors.
For more information, click here.
Snowdrop Valley, near Wheddon Cross, Exmoor
Somerset, TA24 7DT
When: Saturday 27th January to Sunday 25th February 2024
Discover this beautiful, secluded spot on Exmoor which, although privately-owned, is opened up to the public every year to witness the carpet of snowdrops in the valley. The Badgworthy Land Company allow visitors to walk through the area along the footpaths during snowdrop season. Parking is a 30 minute walk away in Wheddon Cross.
Refreshments from the Snowdrop Cafe in the Moorland Hall
Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, Wells
Somerset, BA5 2PD
February marks Snowdrop Month at the medieval Bishop’s Palace. You’ll find a spectacular snowdrop display around moat walk, in the gardens and arboretum.
Pick up a printed Snowdrop Walk to guide you round the snowdrop displays.
Plus each weekend youngsters can pick up a children’s trail from the palace ticket office with a small reward on completion.
Pay once and visit all year. For more information and admission prices here.
The Bishop’s Table Cafe serves homemade food, tea/coffee and cake.
Glastonbury Abbey, Glastonbury
Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, BA6 9EL
Explore the 45 acres of Glastonbury Abbey grounds where you’ll see a carpet of snowdrops and the historic Abbey.
For more information and admission prices click here. Booking online saves 10%, plus (2) children under 16 go free with every paying adult.
A seasonal Café is open during the Spring and Summer months and offers a range of snacks, drinks and ice cream. (You are also allowed to bring your own food and drink into the grounds).
East Lambrook Manor Gardens, near South Petherton
Silver Street, East Lambrook, Somerset, TA13 5HH
When: Festival of Snowdrops – Open Tuesday to Sunday. (Closed on Mondays).
National Garden Scheme (NGS) Snowdrop Open Day on Thursday 15th February.
The quintessential English cottage garden designed by the famous 20th century gardener and writer Margery Fish. This Grade 1 listed cottage garden opens to the public every year for its Festival of Snowdrops which you mustn’t miss, with a collection of over 150 named varieties. See “The Ditch” display.
Enjoy tea and cake in The Malthouse Cafe in the 17th century Malthouse, served between 10 am and 5 pm.
For more information and prices, click here.
The Newt in Somerset
Bruton, Somerset, BA7 7NG
The Newt country estate is a working farm with woodland, orchards and gardens. They have planted 10,000 snowdrops around the garden and woods which you can explore, along with the restaurant, Farm Shops and Cyder Cellar.
Garden visitors must have a valid Membership prior to entry. This offers unlimited access to the gardens and garden attractions for 12 months, as well as seasonal events. For prices and more information, click here.
Forde Abbey and Gardens, Chard
Somerset, TA20 4LU
When: Every weekend in February
Throughout February, discover the spectacular display of snowdrops and crocuses in the grounds of the Abbey’s 30 acre award-winning gardens. You’ll see a carpet of snowdrops heralding the start of spring, as well as the highest powered fountain in the country!
The Abbey Coffee Shop is open on weekends throughout February serving hot drinks, cakes and light bites.
More more information and prices, click here.
Hestercombe Gardens, near Taunton
Cheddon Fitzpaine, TA2 8LG
When: Gardens (winter opening hours) are 10 am to 5 pm, daily (last entry 3:30pm)
Visit Hestercombe between January and March to see the beautiful snowdrops on show in the 50 acre gardens. Enjoy the impressive display at Rook Wood and you’ll find the valley of the landscape garden is carpeted in them.
The Stables Restaurant serves homemade food for Brunch, Lunch, and Afternoon Tea.
For prices and more information, click here.
Elworthy Cottage, Taunton
Somerset, TA4 3PX
When: Thursday 1st, Tuesday 13th and Thursday 27th February 2024
Opening times: On NGS days 11.00am – 4.30pm.
Price: Admission to the garden is £5.00 for adults, children free; admission to the nursery is free.
This cottage and its one acre garden opens to the public every spring for the snowdrop season. There is a large collection growing in the garden and nursery which has been designed to attract wildlife.
When the garden is open for the NGS, teas will be available in aid of the Children’s Hospice South West.
For more information, click here.
Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival, Shepton Mallet
When: 12th – 18th February 2024
Shepton Mallet holds their annual snowdrop festival
Join in with all the activities including snowdrop walks, a snowdrop trail, snowdrop plant sales, craft stalls, talks and workshops. There will also be a photography competition. Click here for the festival programme.
As it’s February half term there will be lots of creative activities and workshops for children and families, and they’re all free.
The Best Places To See Snowdrops In Gloucestershire
Painswick Rococo Gardens, near Stroud
Gloucester Road, Painswick, GL6 6TH
When: From Saturday 20th January 2024, 10 am to 5 pm. Open daily during January and February.
The Rococo Garden has one of the largest naturalistic plantings of snowdrops in the country, about 5 million bulbs. The snowdrops are at their stunning best, carpeting steep banks and woodland glades in pure white and fresh green during February.
Perfect for families to explore, discover the amazing maze, rustic play area, fairytale castle and quirky follies.
Refreshements available – hot and cold drinks, cakes and light lunches. Or bring your own hot picnic and enjoy on one of the picnic tables
For prices, membership and more information, click here. You will need to pre-book tickets online during January and February during snowdrop season to manage visitor numbers.
Rodmarton Manor Gardens, near Cirencester
Gloucestershire, GL7 6PF
When: Wednesdays and Saturdays in February – 7th, 10th, 14th, 17th, 21st and 24th February 2024. The gardens are open from 1.30 pm. The house will not be open in February.
Rodmarton Manor gardens feature at least 150 different varieties of snowdrops including several rare ones. The 8 acre Cotswold garden is set in the glorious Gloucestershire countryside between Cirencester and Tetbury.
For prices and more information click here.
Dyrham Park (National Trust), near Bath
Chippenham, South Gloucestershire, SN14, 8HY
Explore the 17th Century stately home and gardens of Dyrham Park. Dyrham is home to more than half a dozen types of snowdrop. They sometimes pop up as early as Christmas and New Year and, by January, can be admired in front of the 17th-century house, in the terraces and in the garden.
For prices, opening times and more information click here.
Colesbourne Gardens, near Cheltenham
Colesbourne, Glos, GL53 9NP
When: Open Weekends on 27th/28th January, 3rd/4th, 10th/11th, 17th/18th, 24th/25th February 2024. From 1 pm to 4 pm.
Price: £10 Adults, FREE for children under 16.
Colesbourne Gardens has been described as one of “England’s greatest snowdrop garden”. In over 10 acres of gardens and woodland, Colesbourne Gardens is the premier place to see snowdrops in bloom. The collection is probably the most varied of any garden on display, with over three hundred varieties of spectacular snowdrops on show during the short season.
Walk through the woodlands and arboretum, around the house and lake, or book a guided tour.
Dogs are welcome on a short lead.
Cerney House Gardens, North Cerney
Cirencester, Glos, GL7 7BX
When: Open 7 days a week from 10 am to 7 pm (daylight hours in Winter).
Price: Adults £6 and Children £1
Cerney House Gardens are one of the Cotswolds hidden gems. This romantic garden sits high above the Churn Valley and is awash with masses of snowdrops during February and March. There is a 3.5 acre Victorian walled garden, a kitchen garden and herb garden. Don’t forget to check out the Woodland Trail.
There is a self-service tea room with hot and cold drinks and homemade cakes.
Dogs on leads are welcome.
Cotswold Farm Gardens, near Cirencester
Where: Duntisbourne Abbotts, Glos. GL7 7JS
When: February Snowdrop Open Days – Mondays 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th. From 11 am to 3 pm.
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th. From 11 am to 3 pm for NGS
Price: Adults £7.50; Children FREE
The beautiful garden, with spectacular views overlooking a quiet valley, has an established snowdrop collection which began in the 1930’s. There are over 80 varieties to see along the woodland paths and in the borders.
Refreshments: Homemade soup and roll, tea, coffee and cake/biscuits available.
Batsford Arboretum, near Morton on Marsh
Glos, GL56 9AT
When: Open 9.30 am to 5 pm Mon-Fri; and 10 am to 5 pm Sundays
You’ll see swathes of snowdrops among the countries finest private collection of trees at Batsford arboretum. Covering 60 acres, you’ll also discover a children’s trail, play area, a cafe and garden centre. There is beautiful streamside walk bordered by snowdrops.
For prices and further information click here.
Newark Park Gardens (NT), Wotton under Edge
Ozleworth, Wotton Under Edge, GL12 7PT
When: Gardens open at weekends in January from 10 am to 4 pm; the house and gardens are open daily from 3rd February 2024 from 10 am to 5 pm (house opens at 11 am).
In January and February, carpets of snowdrops cover the garden at Newark Park. They are real seasonal showstoppers that brighten up the winter months. As you walk around the tiered gardens and woodland paths through the valley, you’ll enjoy views cross the valley towards the Mendip Hills.
For prices and more information, click here. Dogs on a lead are welcome.
Upton Wold Garden, Moreton in Marsh
Northwick Estate, Blockley, Moreton-in-Marsh, GL56 9TR
When: Saturday 10th February to Sunday 3rd March 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm.
Price: Entry price for Snowdrop Walking is £5 per person.
Upton Wold Garden has an exceptional collection of trees, shrubs and plants. This hidden private garden in the Cotswolds is open for its Snowdrop displays and Snowdrop Walks.
The garden also has one of the largest collection of Walnut trees in Europe.
For more information, click here.
Snowdrop Visitor Day at Tortworth Arboretum
Tortworth Forest Centre, off Tortworth Road, Wotton-Under-Edge, GL12 8HH
When: Saturday 17th February 2024; From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Price: Adults £8.50, Concessions £5, Children £3, some early bird tickets available at £6.
Enjoy a self-guided walk around the private arboretum to see the carpet of snowdrops on the woodland floor. Follow a map of marked trails or go off grid and create your own.
Bring your own drinks/hot picnic as there are currently no refreshments available on site.
For more information, click here.
Stroud Snowdrop Celebration at the Museum
Where: Museum in the Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 4AF
When: Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th January 2024; From 11am to 4pm.
Price: FREE
The Musuem’s first Open Weekend of the year will be celebrating snowdrops. Visitors can see a collection of snowdrop varieties connected with the Giant Snowdrop Company in the Walled Garden. There will be a children’s Fairy Spy Trail along with drop in craft activities. You can visit a special plant stall from Avon Bulbs and enjoy tea and cake which will be on sale in the Garden Pavilion.
The Best Places To See Snowdrops In Wiltshire
Stourhead (National Trust), Wiltshire
Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6QD
When: Gardens Open Every Day between 9 am and 3 pm (January – February)
Stourhead Estate is right on the Wiltshire/Somerset border and is stunning all year round. Visit in January and February because it’s the ideal time to see the bright white blooms of several varieties of snowdrops. As you walk around the stunning landscape garden you’ll see snowdrops in many of the borders. Not only that you’ll be able to see the temple, grotto, lake and Gothic Cottage.
For prices, events and further information, click here.
Lacock Abbey, Lacock (National Trust)
Lacock, near Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2LG
Visit Lacock Abbey in February and early March to see the clusters of snowdrops blooming around the grounds. Lacock is also a must-visit location for all you Harry Potter fans, as some of the filming locations are here. Walk around Lacock Village where little has changed in 200 years, discover timber framed houses, a tithe barn, tearooms and independent shops.
For more information, click here.
Iforde Manor Garden, near Bath
Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 2BA
When: Last Thursday of every month (Winter Garden Tour)
Explore this Grade 1 listed garden in a stunning setting next to the river Avon on the Wiltshire/Somerset border. During the winter the garden is open for garden tours with the head gardener. You’ll see the snowdrops, and the private walled garden is also included. Price includes a hot drink in the cafe.
For tickets and more information click here.
The Best Places To See Snowdrops In Dorset
Shaftsbury Snowdrop Festival, Dorset
When: Saturday 10th to Sunday 18th February 2024
Hundreds of thousands of snowdrops were planted around the public open green spaces and along the pathways throughout the town in 2012, for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Since then the people of Shaftesbury decided to create a series of accessible snowdrop walks for all to enjoy.
There are family-friendly walks, craft activities and lantern-making workshops throughout the festival week. The snowdrop walks, including wheelchair and pushchair accessible routes, are free and can be enjoyed by all, including dogs. Download the walking routes here.
For Shaftsbury Snowdrop Festival events, click here.
Minterne House and Gardens
Minterne House, Minterne Magna, Dorchester, Dorset, DT2 7AU
When: Daily from 1st February between 10 am and 6 pm.
Minterne Gardens is open from 1st February for visitors to see the impressive display of snowdrops. Wander around the beautiful landscaped gardens which has many fine and rare trees, follow the trail and enjoy the series of small lakes, waterfalls and streams or sit back and enjoy the tranquility on one of the many benches dotted around the mile-long garden.
The Himalayan Tea Terrace is open mid March. So until then, bring along your own picnic.
For prices and more information, click here.
Kingston Lacy (National Trust), Wimborne
Wimborne Minster, Dorset, BH21 4EA
Kingston Lacy is a great place to see snowdrops this winter, you’ll find 40 different species and over six million snowdrops growing here. Head to the Victorian Fernery and along Lime Avenue, Ladys Walk, the woodland and along the banks of the Japanese Garden where snowdrops carpet the ground from late January to early March, followed by daffodils and bluebells. The 300 acres of formal gardens and parkland is one of Dorset’s finest places to visit this time of year.
Book an early morning snowdrop walk to get exclusive access, or there are other snowdrop related events going on. Click here for more information.
For prices, opening times and more information, click here.
Mapperton House and Gardens, near Beaminster
Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3NR
When: Sunday 21st January, Sunday 28th January and Sunday 4th February 2024, from 11 am to 4 pm.
Price: Admission to Snowdrop Sundays is £10.00 per person (half the price of normal garden entry fee) with under 16s free.
Visit Mapperton House for their Snowdrop Sundays.
Most of the snowdrops at Mapperton can be found in the arboretum, while other spring flowers have started to make an appearance in other parts of the garden, including crocuses and daffodils.
Afterwards, warm up in the recently renovated Coach House, serving coffees, teas, warming hot chocolate, and a range of yummy cakes.
For more information, click here.
Places To See Snowdrops In Bristol
Willsbridge Mill Nature Reserve, Willsbridge
Willsbridge Hill, Bristol, BS30 6EX
The woodland at Willsbridge Mill is a small part of the ancient Kingswood Forest which used to extend from The Severn to Landsdown in the South. The main road past the Queens Head was originally a Roman road through the forest. Walk the Valley Trail where you’ll see snowdrops along the way. View the map here.
Kids will love the Fairy Trail, download the map here. The fairy woodland has an activity trail, a fairy grotto with seating area, a Bluebell glade, Snowdrop & Primrose glade and Scilian Honey Garlic glade, an insect hotel, bird, bat and hedgehog boxes, and of course fairy doors amongst the trees!
Stop off at the cafe for hot and cold drinks, light bites and cream teas.
For more information about Willsbridge Mill, click here.
Hanham Court Gardens, Bristol
Ferry Road, Hanham Abbots, Bristol, BS15 3NT
Opening its doors again this year for snowdrop season, Hanham Park has 40 different varieties of snowdrops to see. Explore these stunning gardens which are a combination of formal elegance and natural beauty. Walking around the woodland Dell you’ll see snowdrops, magnolias and pools whilst beyond this a picturesque landscape of the Hanham countryside.
Places To See Snowdrops In North Devon
RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington
Great Torrington, North Devon, EX38 8PH
When: 1st to 11th February 2024; 10 am to 5 pm (last entry 4 pm)
Visit RHS Garden Rosemoor this spring to admire the beautiful snowdrops whose blooms mark the start of spring. Rosemoor is set in a beautiful valley in the heart of North Devon between two National Parks. The 65 acre gardens are a haven for biodiversity and wildlife. Join an expert on a free guided Snowdrop walk through the garden every day at noon to learn more about this species and other early spring-flowering bulbs. Or, follow the fun family trail to find the best Snowdrop displays in the garden in your own time.
For prices and more information, click here.
Are Snowdrops protected in the UK?
Snowdrops are listed as ‘Near Threatened’ on the global IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Wild Snowdrops are protected under UK law which means, like all wild flowers, you must not pick or uproot them.
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