One of the earliest spring flowers to bloom, snowdrops are always a welcome sight. Pushing their way through the frosted soil, these delicate little flowers are the first signs of a new season.
You will start to see the first signs of snowdrops as early as January, but they will continue to bloom through to March. Partial to damp wooded areas, they tend to grow in huge swathes, transforming entire landscapes with their pretty white flowers.
Although you can find plenty of snowdrops blossoming in the wild, there are a number of dedicated snowdrops walks in Lincolnshire. These picturesque trails will allow you the best opportunity to see these impressive flowers in all their glory – alongside plenty of other spring blooms too.
Brightwater Gardens
Situated in the village of Saxby, close to Market Rasen, Brightwater Gardens has over 8 acres of beautiful grounds to explore.
Over the past 17 years, 190,000 snowdrops, 45,000 crocus, winter irises, and a selection of other bulbs have been planted to create a quarter-mile winter walk leading through the garden and woodland.
Alongside the colourful blooms, you will discover banks of willows, dogwoods and winter flowering shrubs, a grove of gleaming white Himalayan birch and pleached red-twigged limes.
Snowdrop walks at Brightwater Gardens are on from 16– 26 February, find out more here.
Doddington Hall and Gardens
The Spring Bulb Pageant at Doddington Hall features one of the most popular snowdrop walks in Lincolnshire. The event first started in the 1950s, and the tradition has been kept in the family ever since. It is thought that 150,000 bulbs have been planted or moved over the last 25 years, and 5000 new snowdrops were added to the gardens in 2005.
The pageant officially starts on the 5th of February, when the garden will be brought to life with snowdrops, winter aconites and crocuses. As the months go on, the gardens at Doddington will showcase even more seasonal blooms, as drifts of Lent lilies, snake’s head fritillaries and Heritage Daffodils replace the more wintery flora.
Doddington Hall’s Spring Bulb Pageant is on from 4 February – 28 March, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and BH Monday only.
Uncle Henry’s
Situated in Grayingham, near Gainsborough, Uncle Henry’s is part of a working family farm. The farm is an integral part of Uncle Henry’s and provides customers with a real ‘farm to fork’ experience. There is an award-winning farm shop, butchery and café on-site, as well as plenty of outdoor activities for children.
From 10 - 18 February, Uncle Henry’s will be hosting their annual Snowdrop Trail. A great option for children, this picturesque walk will take you through their beautiful walled garden and adjoining woodland, with some activities to take part in along the way. Complete your experience with a drink in the café, or a visit to the farm shop for some tasty Lincolnshire treats!
Uncle Henry’s Snowdrop Trail will take place from 10 - 18 February, 10am - 4pm. Advance booking recommended.
Easton Walled Gardens
Nestled in the heart of the Lincolnshire countryside, Easton Walled Gardens are just a short drive from Grantham. The gardens here are over 400 years old and are considered to be some of the finest in the UK.
Easton are famous for their breathtaking collection of snowdrops, which can be enjoyed on the estate’s Woodland Walk. Designed to make the most of the dappled sunlight through the trees, this scenic trail also features hellebores, aquilegia, hyacinths and epicedium. Visit in early spring to make the most of the snowdrops, as they blanket the ground and fill the air with their subtle honey scent.
Easton Walled Gardens will be open from 14 February, Wednesdays to Sundays.
Gunby Hall & Gardens
Spread over 8 acres, the gardens surrounding Gunby Hall are full of breathtaking blooms all year round. Bands of snowdrops start to appear during the cold winter months, although the peak of flowering tends to be mid-February. There are several different types of snowdrops here, so it is worth taking a closer look as you explore.
As they can withstand most environments, you will find snowdrops scattered across the Gunby Estate, so it is worth spending a good few hours exploring the grounds. The Spring Flower Walk is a good place to start, as the large trees here provide the perfect amount of shade for the snowdrops to thrive. The Orchard and St Peter’s Church Yard also have a fantastic collection.
Follow the Wildflower Walk around the East Lawn and you will also discover winter aconites, crocuses and primroses – all of which add a beautiful splash of colour to a cold winter’s day.
To celebrate their seasonal blooms this year, Gunby will also be hosting ‘Cake and Snowdrop Walks’. On from 10 - 16 February, these exclusive guided walks will take you around the gardens, finishing off at the Gunby tea room for a hot drink and a delicious piece of cake.
Gardens open 7 days a week. Guided Cake and Snowdrop walks on from 10 - 16 February, at 10.30am and 1.00pm.
Burghley House
From 16 March - 14 April, Burghley House will be offering visitors the chance to explore their South Gardens. As these private gardens are only open to the public a few times a year, this is a fantastic opportunity to admire Burghley’s beautiful blooms.
Designed by Capability Brown in the 18th century, the South Gardens at Burghley are full of magnificent seasonal displays, including swathes of spring snowdrops and daffodils. As you explore the gardens, you can also enjoy wonderful views of the lake, the Lion Bridge and the parkland beyond.
Ahead of the garden opening, Burghley will also be hosting a special snowdrops preview, with Head Gardener, Joe Whitehead. Taking place on 14 February, this exclusive event will include a tour of the private South Gardens and Sculpture Garden with Joe, giving you the chance to see all the newly planted areas ahead of the open season. As Joe talks you through the undulating landscapes of Burghley, you will also be able to find out what the team has been working on over winter - and what their plans are for the future!
Open daily from 16 March - 14 April, booking required.
Belton House
Located just outside Grantham, Belton House is a Grade I listed National Trust property. There are 1300 acres of grounds to explore here, from formal gardens to ancient wooded parkland.
On a cold day, there are few places more magical than Belton House. With its frosty pathways, beautifully stark trees and resident deer silhouetted in the bright sunshine, the Belton Estate has an almost ethereal beauty about it.
There are some amazing walking trails around Belton, and almost 20,000 snowdrops to discover. These little signs of spring can be found throughout the Pleasure Gardens and around the Gothic ruin. Like Gunby Hall, there are several different species to spot, including Flore Pleno, the double snowdrop.
Gardens open 7 days a week.
