With so many parks and gardens peppered across the county, it should come as no surprise that you will find plenty of snowdrop walks in Lincolnshire. Read on to find out some of the best spots to enjoy the emergence of these beautiful spring blooms.
One of the earliest spring flowers to return, 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 snowdrop 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.
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.
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 5 February – 5 April, Wednesday - Sunday only.
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.
Snowdrop Season at Easton Walled Gardens will run from 12 February, Wednesday to Sunday.
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 15 - 21 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 will take place from 15 - 21 February, at 10.30am and 1.00pm.
Burghley House
On 7 February, the Gardening Team at Burghley House will be hosting a guided tour around their South Gardens and Sculpture Garden. 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.
Admire the swathes of snowdrops across Capability Brown's undulating landscapes, see all the newly planted areas ready for the open season and find out what the team has been working on over the winter season.
If you can't make the tour, Burghley will also be hosting a hands-on snowdrop planting experience during February half term. Guided by the Gardening Team, you will have the chance to plant your very own snowdrop bulb in the Burghley Gardens. By taking part, you'll contribute to next year's stunning display of snowdrops – a magical sight you can return to see each spring.
Access to Burghley's drop-in snowdrop planting sessions are included with admission. The team will provide everything you need, from bulbs to expert guidance.
Burghley's snowdrop planting sessions will run from 15 - 21 February, 10.30am - 11am, no booking required.
Belton Estate
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.
South Ormsby Estate
Located in Louth, the South Ormsby Estate is a huge farming estate. Spread over 3,000 acres, the estate encompasses some of the most picturesque countryside in the Lincolnshire Wolds.
As well as being a working farm, South Ormsby is also home to the award-winning Massingberd-Mundy Distillery and the 18th century South Ormsby Hall. Parts of the estate are open to the public and there are walking, cycling and horse riding routes which will allow you to explore the beautiful landscape of the Lincolnshire Wolds. With woodland, parkland and walled gardens to explore, the estate is said to offer some of the best views in the county.
As spring approaches, visitors are invited to join a scenic guided tour exploring several small copses of trees and the 18th-century landscaped parkland surrounding South Ormsby Hall. The tour will also take you to the Lime Walk, where you will find glorious drifts of snowdrops under the trees and along the banks of a picturesque stream.
Taking place on selected dates in February, booking is essential. Admission costs £17.00 per person, and all tours include refreshments – including samples of the estate’s award-winning gins!
Snowdrop walks at South Ormsby will run from 10am to 12:30pm on the 9th, 12th and 16th February.
Hackthorn Hall
Situated just 5 miles from Lincoln, Hackthorn Hall is one of Lincolnshire's many hidden gems. Dating back to the 18th century, this incredible private residence is surrounded by 100 acres of landscaped parkland and beautiful formal gardens.
The history of the Hackthorn Estate stretches back over hundreds of years, and the incredible gardens reflect this. Laid out around the Hall and church, the varied gardens here extend to around 15 acres. There are formal and ornamental gardens to explore, as well as a vast woodland. Close to the house, you will also find a 400-year walled garden, where an abundance of fruit, vegetables and flowers are still grown today. This impressive garden is also home to several glasshouses - one of which contains the largest privately owned and second-oldest grapevine in Britain, which was planted in 1868.
The gardens at Hackthorn Hall are open to the public three times a year, so it is a real treat to visit. The estate hosts a snowdrop event every year, the profits of which are donated to the local church. This event will allow you the chance to explore these historic gardens at your leisure - and even purchase your own spring bulbs to recreate the magic at home.
Snowdrop Sunday at Hackthorn Hall will take place on Sunday 16 February, from 12pm - 4pm. No booking required.
Plan your visit
Belton Estate
- Historic House / Palace
The Belton Estate is home to Belton House, a Grade-I listed country house in the parish of Belton…
Gunby Estate, Hall and Gardens
- Historic House / Palace
Dating back to 1700, Gunby Hall is set within Victorian walled gardens, at the foot of the…
Doddington Hall & Gardens
- Formal Garden
Discover the history and heritage of Doddington Hall, an Elizabethan mansion situated just outside…
Belvoir Castle
- Historic House / Palace
Immerse yourself in the splendour of Belvoir Castle. An extraordinary 11th-century stately home…
Uncle Henry's
- Farm Shop
Farming heritage combined with a love for great food, provenance and interest in the local community…