They're coming out! Wrap up warm and head outside to one of these lovely local places to catch winter snowdrops across Northants over the next few weeks.

Shorts and sandals at the ready, spring is here. Er, okay maybe not, but the snowdrops are! If you’ve thawed out enough to venture outside and see them, here are the best snowdrop hotspots in our ‘hood. If you know a secret spot, please let us know in the comments below.

Boughton House, nr. Kettering

Opening under the National Garden Scheme for one day only on 27 Feb, the spectacular grounds at the country home of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch boast a historic walled garden and herbaceous borders filled with spring bulbs. Head to the Wilderness Woodland for drifts of snowdrops. Advance booking is a must.

Lamport Hall, nr Northampton

A whopping Grade I listed stately pile that also manages to feel like a welcoming home as you swing into the gracious tree-lined driveway past swathes of gorgeous spring bulbs popping up through the pretty lawns. You can also enjoy a display of local art in the Carriage House whilst you’re here, as well as artists getting creative in the gardens. Open 19 & 20 Feb.

Rockingham Castle, Nr Corby

This magnificently situated Norman stronghold is usually extolled for its incredible views across five counties, but visit on 13 & 20 Feb this year and you’ll have the chance to enjoy the gorgeous snowdrops in bloom through the gardens and woodland, along with a trail for children. The castle itself won’t be open to visitors on these dates.

Deene Park, nr Corby

At Deene Park swathes of these delicate flowers begin to shake off the winter blues. The spectacular display includes ‘Pusey Green Tip’ and ‘Blewbury Tart’; two among a cast of thousands and both in abundance in the grounds and gardens alongside a variety of other early flowering plants and shrubs such as hellebores and crocus. Open 20 & 27 Feb.

Coton Manor Garden, nr Northampton

This gorgeous garden is opening for three weekends to show off it’s always fantastic display of snowdrops and hellebores (19 & 20 Feb, 26 & 27 Feb and 5 & 6 Mar) and the lovely stableyard cafe will be open too. Always a bonus in chilly weather.

Thenford Arboretum, nr Banbury

This privately owned arboretum, (home to Lord and Lady Heseltine, FYI) is home to over 5000 trees and shrubs including an impressive display of snowdrops woven throughout the impressive sculpture gardens, water gardens and medieval fish ponds. The gardens are only open to the public for a few dates each year with snowdrop season prime time to have a wander around for a few hours. Open days are on 9, 16, 19 & 22 Feb.

Evenley Wood Garden, nr Brackley

One of our all time favourites for spotting snowdrops, as there’s plenty of space for little ones to run around and enjoy the carpets of white. You can spot over 80 varieties of snowdrop in this 60-acre woodland, including local variety the Evenley Double. Open every day from 1 Feb.

National Trust Canons Ashby, nr Towcester

You can expect a flurry of snowdrops and crocuses to be gracing the pretty flowerbeds and wooded glades at Canons Ashby, a delightfully tranquil spot to enjoy the fresh air and signs of spring popping up through the soil.

67-69 High Street Finedon, National Gardens Scheme

The lovely gardens of this 17th century cottage in Finedon span a third of an acre and are at their peak in early spring as a riot of snowdrops and hellebores jostle for position. You will need to book your visit in advance. Open on Sunday 27 Feb.

National Trust Stowe, Bucks 

And there we were thinking Stowe Landscape Gardens, just over the border in Bucks, couldn’t get any more picturesque. Stowe loves its snowdrops, or should I say Stowedrops (their pun, not mine!), with the vast landscape gardens usually carpeted until the end of Feb. Hit up the Elysian Fields, Sleeping Wood and Lamport Garden to see the best of them.