​Snowdrops are the perfect antidote to winter, and remind us that spring is on the way. Pull on your wellies and banish the gloom of winter as you enjoy carpets of white in woodlands, rare snowdrop varieties, hellebores and early spring flowers.

Flowering from January through to March, the latin name for the snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, literally translates as “milk flower of the snow.” We’ve teamed up with VisitWiltshire to discover the best places to see them across the county.

Lydiard Park

  • Within the churchyard of St Mary’s Church, which sits on the edge of Lydiard Park, you’ll find snowdrops emerging from frozen soil in January, flowering until March.
  • Lydiard Park’s walled garden and the land near the coach house tea room becomes carpeted in snowdrops.
  • Set in 260 acres of parkland near Swindon, Lydiard Park is open throughout the year to walk the grounds.

Lacock Abbey

  • Set in the beautiful village of Lacock, the grounds of Lacock Abbey come to life with clusters of snowdrops.
  • Explore the abbey grounds and woodland gardens, where as well as snowdrops, you can find aconite’s, anemones, daffodils, snakeshead fritillaries and one of the best displays of crocus vernus in the country.
  • There are also a number of walking trails and guides on spotting birds and flowers in the grounds.

The Woodford Valley

  • Between Amesbury and Salisbury lies the picturesque Woodford valley. Drive, walk or cycle along the routes here and you will most likely find snowdrops along the roadsides and edges of footpaths.
  • Heale Gardens, in Middle Woodford usually plays host to ‘Snowdrop Sundays’ during selected dates in February too.

Stourhead

  • The grounds and gardens of the National Trust’s Stourhead are world-famous. The grasslands surrounding the lake are covered in snowdrops and winding paths promise surprises round every corner.

Lucknam Park

  • Parts of the 500 acre estate that lies on the edge of the village of Colerne are adorned with snowdrops in the early spring and you don’t have to be a hotel guest to see the spread of snowdrops in areas of the park.

Please do check the latest government guidelines and visitor information before visiting.

The National Garden Scheme lists a number of unique locations across the south west giving visitors access to private gardens open to visit during snowdrop season. • To book your ticket visit ngs.org.uk/


This article originally appeared in the February 2021 issue of Wiltshire Life. To subscribe please click here.

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