It’s ‘snow white’ in 2025…

Experts say this could be a bumper year for one of the highlights of the gardening calendar for many… the welcome appearance of the first flowers of the season. Because of a mild winter, the banks of snowdrops could be better than ever. And in some places the snowdrops are peeking through a little earlier than usual. For a fix of the white stuff, here are a few suggestions for top snowdrop spotting.

The Whitest of all walks in the country

Hampshire’s Gilbert White’s House is one of five gardens mentioned in a BBC Gardeners’ World magazine round-up of this year’s upcoming Snowdrop Spectacular. Thousands of snowdrops cover the 17-acre meadow at the home of 18th century pioneering naturalist, who is often described as the father of ecology. The gardens also still contain many of the features described in White’s writings. The House’s Snowdrop Weekend takes place over the weekend of 15-16 February with admission costing £9.75 for adults, and £3.75 children.

Stroll a ‘lost garden’ 

A 450-year-old garden abandoned to nature for 50 years before being restored over the last two decades, Lincolnshire’s Easton Walled Gardens are famed for its drifts of snowdrops. Once described by former US president Franklin D Roosevelt as “A dream of Nirvana…almost too good to be true”, the restored historic garden has become a visitor favourite for its snowdrop displays during February and March, which this year opens early for one weekend, 8 and 9 February, before officially starting 12 February. Admission costs £12 adults and £5 for children.

Plant your own at this Elizabethan splendour

Burghley House’s Gardens provide stunning snowdrop displays, showcasing a diverse array of varieties, with visitors treated to vibrant bursts of colour from emerging spring flowers along with wintry lakeside views. Between 15 and 21 February, seasonal activities include Family Snowdrop Planting, a hands-on opportunity to add to next year’s display, and Daily Garden Tours, led by Burghley’s expert Gardens Team focusing on seasonal highlights, including Burghley’s abundant snowdrop displays. Included with normal admission (from £10 adult and £8 child).

Less is more in East Yorkshire

Visitors to Burnby Hall Gardens in February might not be treated to huge swathes of snowdrops, but the country estate is promising a chance to learn more about these fascinating flowers. A new collection of aomost 100 individual varieties of snowdrops have been planted over the last couple of years, mainly in the Rock Garden and Walled Garden, and each is subtly different and labelled accordingly. During the snowdrop event (10 – 19 February) information boards and talks will reveal more. Included with normal winter admission (£4 adults and £3 children).

Britain’s best snowdrop walk?

The gardens of 18th century country house Rode Hall, near Stoke-on Trent in Staffordshire, come alive each February with more than 70 varieties of snowdrops. In fact, Rode’s Snowdrop Walks have earned a national reputation as among the best in the UK. From 1 February until 1 March, visitors can walk along paths along a mile-long route, with options for longer or shorter walks. As well as cascading snowdrops in the Old Wood and drifts of snowdrops in the borders of the formal garden, the Colonel’s Walk is where some of the rarest varieties can be seen. Admission costs £7.50 for adults and £3 for children.

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    Burghley House and Gardens

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    Snowdrop Weekend at Gilbert White's House and Gardens

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    Easton Walled Gardens