There’s something very special about seeing the first snowdrops appear and knowing that spring is around the corner. Snowdrops usually flower from January through to the end of February depending on the weather. There are some fantastic places to go for a snowdrop walk in Surrey or venture a little further to Berkshire.
Painshill Park (Cobham, Surrey)
A filming location for Bridgerton, Painshill Park gardens are wonderful to exlore. The best snowdrop walk is to take a stroll around the Serpentine Lake and head for the Waterwheel finding snowdrops at the Mausoleum, Cascade and the Five Arch Bridge. Painshill Park review.
Winkworth Arboretum (Godaming, Surrey)
The best snowdrop displays at National Trust propery, Winkworth Arboretum, can be found outside the tea-room, where you can see a lawn of common snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis), and along the Upper Arboretum and Spring Walk. Find out more.
Magna Carta Island
Close to Runnymede wood and the just inside Berkshire on the border with Surrey. This small wood is steeped in history and contains one of the oldest trees in England, the 2000-year-old Ankerwycke Yew, as well as the ruins of a 12th-century Benedictine priory, St Mary’s. Other features include a magnificent avenue of lime trees and a spectacular display of snowdrops appearing from late January/early February. Access is via a gate located near to Ankerwycke Farm, in Magna Carta Lane, and then simply follow the signs. Find out more.
Polesden Lacey (near Dorking)
You’ll discover snowdrops across the National Trust Polesden Lacey gardens for the first three months of the year particularly in the Winter Garden and Lime Walk near the main Water Tower. Make sure you explore the whole garden to see how many different types you can spot.
Gatton Park (Reigate)
Gatton Park and gardens are open to view a spectacular display of snowdrops. Gatton Hall open for cake and refreshments, plus a small plant sale.
RHS Wisley (Woking)
At RHS Garden Wisley, enjoy generous drifts of Galanthus nivalis on Battleston Hill and in Oakwood. In recent years, the team have been lifting and dividing this favourite bulb to create carpets of white flowers that flow through the woodland areas. There are further patches of snowdrops to seek out around the Rock Garden and Winter Walk.
Winkworth Arboretum (near Godalming)
Early varieties of Daffodils start to appear from January all around the Upper Arboretum. And from February, snowdrops join in the party at Winkworth Arboretum.
