From witch hazel and snowdrops to hellebores and daffodils, as the country prepares to bloom, we discover the finest of the season’s initial displays
Dartington, Devon
The gardening team at this estate near Totnes takes the early months of the year seriously, with spidery yellow witch hazel flowers and snowdrops heralding the arrival of daffodils and bluebells. Trails are available for exploring the expansive 800 acres (Tramper mobility scooters can be arranged). Accommodation options cater to various budgets, including hostel rooms and those within the original 14th-century building. Dartington approaches things uniquely, offering an Alice in Wonderland-themed light show from 8 March to 3 April, unlike most gardens that host light shows in winter. Food options range from pub fare to bagels baked on the estate.
Chippenham Park, Cambridgeshire
Chippenham Park near Newmarket is one of the premier spring destinations in East Anglia, offering 40 acres of gardens open until 29 March. The season begins with snowdrops and aconites, followed by hellebores and daffodils, showcased across a variety of landscapes that feature lakes, canals, and woodland walks. The spring festivities culminate in an Easter egg hunt. Recently converted potting sheds now offer charming accommodations, and a tea room is available when the gardens are open, serving soups, cakes, and, if the weather permits, chilled rosé wine.
Wallington, Northumberland
In the last couple of years, numerous volunteers have planted snowdrops at Wallington, including the Northumbrian Sandersii variety with distinctive yellow markings instead of the usual green. This National Trust estate near Morpeth boasts a breathtaking display of approximately 900,000 snowdrops carpeting the woodland. As spring progresses, the grounds will be adorned with crocuses and daffodils. Nearby in Whalton, the Beresford Arms is a charming pub offering accommodation, conveniently located near Bolam Lake Country Park.
Cambo Estate, Fife
For generations, the Erskine family has been planting snowdrops at this location just outside St Andrews. The annual display lasts well into March, and some of the walking trails are accessible for those with mobility impairments. Live music is featured on select evenings, along with night walks and comforting food options. Consider including a visit while walking the coastal trail from either St Andrews or Crail, as other spring flowers can be seen along the way. In the nearby village, the Inn at Kingsbarns offers five bedrooms and a restaurant called the Scranhoose, serving delightful homemade dishes.
Lang Craigs, Dunbartonshire
Located twelve miles from Glasgow in the Kilpatrick Hills, Lang Craigs provides a serene experience for bulb enthusiasts, free from the distractions of cafes or shops (though there are several benches where you can relax and enjoy a thermos of tea). The area offers four walking trails, and in addition to the snowdrops and bluebells, visitors may be fortunate enough to spot otters, cuckoos, woodpeckers, and, as evening approaches, tawny owls. All of this is just a 30-minute drive from the food-focused, sophisticated allure of the Hotel du Vin in Glasgow’s West End.
Castle Ward, County Down
In addition to the many Game of Thrones enthusiasts seeking out their Winterfell, visitors come to this National Trust property to witness the unfolding of spring across its woodland and terraces. Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the area surrounding the mansion has been colonized by daffodils. For those who arrive a bit later, there are nearly five miles of trails to explore, adorned with bluebells. Nearby, the newly renovated Cuan is a gastropub located at the mouth of Strangford Lough, offering nine comfortable rooms.
Caldbeck, Lake District
In the Lake District, almost every picturesque village, especially those associated with Wordsworth, boasts a splendid display of daffodils in spring. However, Caldbeck, located at the northern edge of Cumbria near Hadrian’s Wall, offers a quieter alternative with excellent tea rooms and pubs. One such establishment is Oddfellows, operated by the Whitesmith family, which features 12 rooms and an all-day bar serving local Jennings ale. These amenities provide the perfect fuel for walks around the fells and to the ruins of a bobbin mill at Howk. For bluebell enthusiasts, Watersmeet is a top destination, typically blooming in March and April.
Bodnant Garden, Conwy
The daffodils at this renowned National Trust garden in Wales typically reach their peak bloom by St. David’s Day on 1 March. These daffodils have been cultivated here for over a century, a tradition that continues today with both fully grown and dwarf varieties. The daffodil season here spans from February to April, transitioning into bluebells and magnolia trees, which mark the next phase of spring. Situated just across the Conwy river, the Groes Inn provides a convenient base for exploring Bodnant and other nearby walking trails.
Chawton, Hampshire
Although Jane Austen did not write about daffodils, she would have undoubtedly seen them at her home in Hampshire. In close proximity to the cottage where she resided and Chawton House, where her brother and his family lived, are some of England’s most charming spring walks. One such walk features quotes from Austen’s works interspersed throughout. Chawton House boasts a tea room, which the author would likely have approved of, as well as a new tea shed for takeaways, which may not have been to her liking. The Anchor Inn in Lower Froyle, just a 10-minute drive away on the edge of the South Downs, offers weatherboarded charm, board games, bloody Marys, and timeless views over meadows and farmland.
Kew Gardens, London
As the rest of the gardens at Kew lay dormant, snowdrops herald the arrival of spring by peeking through the ground. Across Kew’s expansive 300 acres, these delicate flowers can be found clustered around trees and lawns. Daffodils, on the other hand, are concentrated around the Great Broad Walk and the Temple Aeolus, while bluebells carpet the woodland floors. Another perk of visiting Kew is the abundance of conservatories and cafes where you can warm up. To fully appreciate everything Kew has to offer, it is advisable to dedicate at least a day, if not two. The Orange Tree is an elegant pub with rooms located a short walk from Kew’s entrance.
