The first signs of spring are just beginning to emerge in the Cotswolds. Now is a great time to plan to visit some of the wonderful snowdrop collections that can be found in the Cotswolds. Here is our roundup of four of the best places to see wonderful snowdrops in the Cotswolds.
Painswick Rococo Garden
These gardens, a masterpiece of 18th Century landscape design are set in a hidden Cotswold Valley and, as well as being home to a fantastic display of snowdrops boast magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. The gardens are home to around 5 million snowdrops as well as cyclamen and hellabores. The gardens and are reporting that their snowdrops are looking gorgeous so now is the perfect time to head over and see them carpeting steep banks and wonderful woodland glades. Pre-booking is essential during January and February so pop across to the Rococo garden website for snowdrop updates and to book your visit. www.rococogarden.org.uk
Photo Credit: Alicearmy via TripadvisorBatsford Arboretum
Award winning Batsford Arboretum is not only home to the country’s largest private collection of trees and shrubs, it also has a fantastic display of snowdrops. Batsford are already reporting that a sea of snowdrops are appearing by their stream and their snowdrops, aconites, crocuses and hellibores will be at their best during February. Keep an eye out at www.batsarb.co.uk for up to date information.
Cerney House Gardens
Cerney House gardens is something of a ‘best kept secret’ in the Cotswolds where in the middle of winter, visitors are wowed by a carpet of snowdrops. The gardens are set around a Victorian walled garden and belong to Lady Angus and her family. In the words of Country Living, they have achieved ‘what most people aspire to in their gardens – and few achieve’. Take some time out to be wowed by these delightful gardens! Visit www.cerneygardens.com for more information and to check opening times. There is no need to book ahead and payment can be made by cash on arrival.
Photo credit: Kay RansomColesbourne Park
The snowdrop collection at Colesbourne Park in the beautiful Churn Valley in the heart of the Cotswolds was started nearly 150 years ago. The garden now boasts over 300 different snowdrop cultivars and has been called ‘England’s Greatest Snowdrop Garden’ by Country Life. Visitors can enjoy the snowdrops throughout the ten acres of private gardens with its woodland and lakeside paths. Visitors will also be wowed by t drifts of cyclamen, hellebores and other winter plants. The Gardens will be open for 5 weeks from the 28th of January to the 26th February at weekends for open days and during the weekdays for private guided tours. Visit www.colesbournegardens.org.uk for more information.
