They're coming out! The loveliest places to catch winter snowdrops across Northants and beyond 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 Northants and beyond. If you know a secret spot, please let us know in the comments below.

Evenley Wood Garden, Evenley

This hidden gem on the Bucks/Northants border is one of our 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, and the bijou cafe is a great spot to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Coton Manor Garden, Coton

The ten-acre garden of this 17th century manor house may be smaller than other walks on this list, but good lord it’s pretty. The garden’s special Snowdrop and Hellebore fortnight takes place from Saturday 15 February until Sunday 1 March, so now’s the perfect time to visit. Take a peek in the garden shop and the Stableyard Cafe on your way out.

Deene Park, Corby

A gorgeous manor house and garden that’s worth a visit any time of year, Deene Park hold Snowdrop Sunday guided walks every week to show off their abundance of the white bloomers and explain more about them – you can even pick up a couple of the local species for sale there.

 

Have a camera, will travel?

Stowe Gardens, Bucks 

And there we were thinking Stowe 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.

Thenford Arboretum, nr Banbury

This privately owned arboretum is home to over 5000 trees and shrubs including an impressive display of snowdrops weaved amongst the 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 – get in quick if you want to make their snowdrop walk on 22 Feb.

Compton Verney, Warks

Wrap up warm, pack a picnic and head to Compton Verney this weekend for their special snowdrop walks. There will be family-friendly, outdoor activities at the Forest School and playground and plenty to explore throughout the park, with an opportunity to try a new history trail.

Walkern Hall, Herts 

This stunning Georgian manor house set in a medieval hunting park is also a wedding venue and popular filming location. Eight acres of snowdrops and aconites to admire as well as homemade cakes inside. Go see the gardens in all their glory as part of the National Open Garden Scheme.

Hedgehog Hall, Leicestershire

Half an acre of an organically managed plant lover’s garden. Visit Hedgehog Hall and enjoy a lavender walk, herb border, beautiful spring garden, colour themed herbaceous borders and a snowdrop collection.