In English gardens and woodlands, snowdrops are one of the earliest signs of the coming spring. Each year, these small white flowers bloom as early as January, chasing away the gloom of winter and making us think of warmer days to come. If you’re heading out for a winter walk through the English countryside, you'll likely spot them growing in brilliant white clumps in the dappled shade on the edge of woodlands. Keep an eye out for snowdrops as you explore the Great West Way by foot or bike in January, February and March.
Here are ten places on the Great West Way to go for a walk in early spring to see white carpets of snowdrops; we recommend visiting in February for the best displays.
Snowdrops at Dyrham Park, Somerset
Looked after by the National Trust, Dyrham Park is a 17th-century mansion set in a dramatic park only 8 miles away from the city of Bath. Dyrham is home to more than half a dozen types of snowdrop, which can be admired in front of the house, in the terraces and in the garden throughout January and February. The snowdrops here include some early-blooming varieties and can sometimes be seen as early as Christmas! Please note that in 2022, the parkland at Dyrham will be closed until mid February, however the gardens remain open.
Snowdrops at Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire
Admire extensive displays of snowdrops in the grounds at Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire. Located in a chocolate-box English village, Lacock Abbey is a quirky country house set in spacious wooded grounds. Visit in the early spring to avoid the crowds and to enjoy the snowdrops, crocuses, aconites and other spring flowers.
The National Garden Scheme’s Snowdrop Festival
Every year in February, the National Garden Scheme runs its Snowdrop Festival, with over 100 private gardens across the UK opening for visitors to admire the displays of snowdrops alongside other early spring flowers like hellebores. In 2022, a number of gardens along the Great West Way will be taking part in the festival including Greystones near Bristol, Welford Park in Berkshire and Stubbings House near Maidenhead.
Snowdrops at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire
With easy reach of the Great West Way route, Waddesdon Manor is a spectacular French Renaissance chateau surrounded by acres of landscaped gardens. There are a number of walks you can take to explore the grounds; Baron’s walk takes around thirty minutes and is a good place to look for drifts of snowdrops. Waddedson also often organises special ticketed visits to their private parkland at Eythrope to see the inspiring and impressive displays of snowdrops there.
Snowdrops at Stourhead Gardens, Wiltshire
Described as ‘a living work of art’ when first opened in the 1740s, Stourhead is a spectacular garden where meandering paths lead you on a magical journey with classical temples, rocky grottos and lakeside views. Located just to the south of the main Great West Way route, Stourhead feels very welcoming in early spring, when you can see carpets of brilliant white snowdrops surrounding the lake.
Snowdrops on the Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath
Meandering between Reading and Bristol, the Kennet and Avon Canal (looked after by the Canal & River Trust) is a haven for wildlife. You might spot kingfishers, cormorants, swans, water voles or dragonflies, plus all kinds of plantlife. In February, patches of snowdrops grace the towpath at intervals along the route. Take a look at our Kennet & Avon Canal Map for help planning a visit to the canal.
Snowdrops at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Located just to the north of the main Great West Way route, the gardens at Blenheim Palace are well worth a visit at any time of year. The palace itself is a World Heritage Site and is surrounded by over 2000 acres of parkland, as well as formal gardens. Walk through the gardens to the Grand Cascade at the end of the lake to see thousands of the snowdrops in January and February.
Snowdrops at Prior Park, on the edge of Bath
Set on a hillside overlooking the Georgian city of Bath, Prior Park Garden is a stunning 18th century landscape garden looked after by the National Trust. The woodland paths here are a great spot for snowdrops. If you visit in March, you may be lucky enough to see a mixed carpet of white snowdrops and brilliant yellow daffodils in the gardens.
Snowdrops at University of Bristol Botanic Gardens
If you love flowers and plants, make sure you stop off at Bristol Botanic Garden during your trip along the Great West Way. The five-acre site is home to some 4,500 plant species from over 200 plant families from around the world. Visit in February to spot pretty snowdrops - as well as many, many other plants of all kinds.
Snowdrops at Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire
Home to 15,000 trees from all over the globe, Westonbirt is an enchanting tree garden that covers 600 acres. The shady woodland landscapes of the arboretum make this the perfect habitat for jolly snowdrops to appear in the early spring.
Planning a late winter or early spring trip along the Great West Way? Take a look at the lovely places to stay, from cosy cottages to grand hotels. And start planning things to see and do as you travel along the route.
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