Enchanting Snowdrop Walks in the South West
With their bowed hoods and pure white blooms, snowdrop clusters are one of the cheeriest sights to behold this time of the year.
This early rising flower forms enchanting snowy blankets on wooded glades, parklands, meadows and along river banks, making it one of the most beautiful of our ground covering perennials.
In celebration of these winter wonders, we’ve put together a list of some of the loveliest snowdrop walks in the West Country…
Trengwainton Garden, near Penzance
Spring is said to arrive earliest in the far west reaches of Cornwall and the stunning blooms at Trengwainton Garden are no exception. Helping to herald the changing of the seasons and nestled along the ancient boughs of the Drive and Long Walk are masses of milk-white snowdrops.
Trelissick Garden, near Truro
Follow the snowdrop trail to the famous gardens of Trelissick and enjoy exceptional maritime views and a myriad of colours, textures and scents. The landscape this time of year is particularly ethereal with the bare trees inviting the winter sunlight through their canopies.
Lanhydrock, near Bodmin
February at Lanhydrock is always a magical time of the year with the cheery scatterings of snowdrops marking the coming of Spring. Enjoy the hill walks and woodland trails, and the glorious fragrance of the daphne shrubs in the higher garden.
Tregoose, near Truro
Home to many rare and wonderful plants, Tregoose country house gardens have been lovingly restored over the past twenty years. Discover the sunken walled garden and kitchen garden potager and enjoy the dazzling snowdrop clusters.
The Lost Gardens of Heligan, near St Austell
February brings with it the promise of new growth and all around The Lost Gardens of Heligan the budding signs of life are happening. The daffodils are looking resplendent, the camellias and crocuses are in bloom, and quilts of pure white snowdrops announce the returning of Spring.
“The snowdrop
and primrose our
woodlands adorn,
and violets bathe
in the wet
o’ the morn.”
– Robert Burns
St. Raphael’s Chapel, near Huccaby, Dartmoor
Set in the delightful moorland hamlet of Huccaby, St. Raphael’s Chapel dates back to 1868. It is the only Anglican chapel in the country dedicated to the Archangel St. Raphael whose name means ‘God’s Healing’ and who is also the patron saint of travellers. The chapel grounds can be found bathed in pretty snowdrops.
The River Yealm, near Yealmpton
Enjoy a leisurely snowdrop walk along the banks of the River Yealm stopping to watch the variety of wading birds that thrive on these peaceful backwaters. Discover one of the most stunning stretches of the South West Coast Path where you’ll see such iconic landmarks as The Great Mewstone and Wembury Point.
The Mount, Delamore, near Ivybridge
Follow the meandering paths through a sea of gorgeous snowdrops of many varieties. The Mount, Delamore, is one of hundreds of private gardens opening their gates in support of worthy causes as part of The National Garden Scheme.
The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum, near Yelverton
Bequeathed to the Fortescue Garden Trust, The Garden House occupies ten acres of beautifully maintained gardens – viewed as one of the finest in Britain. Spend an afternoon strolling around the grounds of this flourishing estate and enjoy the heart-warming sight of snowdrops, February’s ‘fair-maids’.
Saltram, near Plympton
The secret gardens of Saltram form a much-loved part of this handsome estate which was originally developed in the 18th century. You’ll find plenty of peaceful spots to sit and enjoy these splendid surroundings which this time of year hosts a pretty groundcover of wild snowdrops, also known as ‘the flowers of hope.’
Kingston Lacy, near Wimborne Minster
A delightful snowdrop walk through the forty-acres at Kingston Lacy. The first snowdrops were planted on the Lady’s Walk in the early 1900s, and today there are more than thirty different varieties to be admired all around the estate, forming mesmeric snow-white carpets.
Lawsbrook, near Shillingstone
Lawsbrook garden was founded in 1959 and for the past ten years has been part of the National Garden Scheme. The grounds are adored for their native species and unusual specimens, and, at this time of the year, for being a haven for pockets of beautiful snowdrops.
Forde Abbey, near Chard
The award-winning gardens at Forde Abbey are adorned by snowdrops throughout the Winter month of February, most of which are the ‘common’ snowdrop or Galanthus nivalis. You’ll also be able to enjoy the fabulous crocus blooms on the south lawn and in the rock garden.
The Snowdrop By Alfred Lord Tennyson
“Many, many welcomes,
February fair-maid,
Ever as of old time,
Solitary firstling,
Coming in the cold time,
Prophet of the gay time,
Prophet of the May time,
Prophet of the roses,
Many, many welcomes,
February fair-maid!”