A photo of snowdrops in Norfolk
| |

Where to Find The Nearby Snowdrops in Norfolk and Suffolk

Snowdrops, with their ornate and fragile white blooms, herald the arrival of a new spring and offer a breathtaking sight across the countryside. To find the best snowdrops Norfolk and Suffolk boast, we’ve compiled a list of numerous nearby locations where you can enjoy the magic of these seasonal flowers. Whether you’re seeking tranquil woodland snowdrop walks and things to do with the kids or historic garden trails, these venues promise a memorable experience. Here’s our guide to the best places to enjoy snowdrop walks in Norfolk and Suffolk, along with their unique features and visitor tips.

Walsingham Abbey Snowdrops Norfolk

Walsingham Abbey offers one of the most iconic snowdrop walks in Norfolk, with swathes of snowdrops sharing soil with aconites throughout its 18-acre grounds and woodland. The blooms stretch along the banks of the River Stiffkey, creating a magical setting steeped in history. Snowdrops here usually begin to emerge in early January, reaching full bloom by mid-February and lasting until early March.

The snowdrops at Walsingham are primarily Galanthus nivalis, with some areas featuring the double variety, Galanthus nivalis ‘Flore Pleno.’ The Abbey is also developing a collection of less common types, including ‘Colossus,’ ‘Mighty Atom,’ and the miniature ‘Tiny Tim.’

Walsingham’s snowdrops have a rich history, possibly dating back to Roman times. During the 20th century, when the railway reached Walsingham, snowdrops became a cottage industry, with bunches sent to London’s Covent Garden Flower Market. Today, the Abbey grounds’ ideal conditions of deciduous woodland with chalky, humus-rich soil, ensure the continued proliferation of these beloved flowers.

Visitors can explore the Abbey daily from January 27th to March 2nd, 2025, between 10 am and 4 pm. Dogs on leads are welcome, and admission includes access to the Shirehall Museum. Parking is available nearby and we highly recommend checking out the village deli with its wide range of local produce, the local cafe and  the shrine of pilgrimage in Walsingham Village. A truly special place. (walsinghamabbey.com)

Oxburgh Hall, Norfolk

Oxburgh Hall, a Norfolk National Trust property, is another truly stunning location nearby for snowdrops in Norfolk. The estate features naturalised displays of snowdrops across its beautiful grounds. Guided snowdrop walks are offered as part of the National Trust’s seasonal events, giving visitors a chance to learn about the estate’s history and flora.

This moated manor house is surrounded by gorgeous expanses of woodlands and parkland, offering the perfect backdrop for snowdrop spotting. After your walk, you can relax in the on-site café, which serves hot drinks and light meals, or explore the charming gift shop. Oxburgh Hall provides ample parking, and its dog-friendly policy makes it a great choice for families. For 2025, check their website for event-specific dates and times and don’t forget to check out the latest National Trust Membership offers for discounts on entry to all NT properties. (nationaltrust.org.uk)

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, Norfolk

Spanning 130 acres, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is a real jewel in the Norfolk Broads’ crown and ideal for snowdrop enthusiasts. The garden features nearly four miles of accessible woodland pathways, with snowdrops adding to its winter charm. Visitors can enjoy the serene surroundings, a tearoom, and even boat trips. Open daily from 9 am, Fairhaven provides a perfect setting for families and nature lovers. (fairhavengarden.co.uk)

snowdrop walks in Norfolk

Bagthorpe Hall Snowdrops Norfolk

Bagthorpe Hall offers enchanting snowdrop walks through its woodlands and a delightful walled garden. As part of the National Garden Scheme, the gardens will open on Sunday, February 23rd, 2025, from 11 am to 4 pm. This is a unique opportunity to explore a private estate while enjoying the beauty of snowdrops. Check out the NGS website for more details on this site that is only open as part of the Open Gardens scheme. (ngs.org.uk)

Raveningham Hall, Norfolk

The snowdrops at Raveningham Hall are a sight to behold, with naturally contoured and built-up displays set against a historic backdrop. Visitors can explore a 10-acre garden that features not only snowdrops but also herbaceous borders, a working walled kitchen garden, and an arboretum. The gardens’ Edwardian origins are evident with the thoughtful planting enhanced in the 1960s by Priscilla Bacon, a dedicated plantswoman who collected rare species from around the world. Over an astounding 50 years, she transformed the gardens, including restoring the late 19th-century Boulton and Paul glasshouses, conservatory, and melon pits, which remain in working order today.

The walled kitchen garden was brought back to full working order in the past two decades, now producing fruit, vegetables, and flowers for the house. The blend of history and horticulture on show here creates a captivating experience for snowdrop visitors from Norfolk, Suffolk and afar.

The gardens are open daily throughout February from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission fees apply, and refreshments are available, making it a delightful spot for an early spring stroll. (raveningham.com)

Sheringham Park, Norfolk

Managed by the National Trust, Sheringham Park is known for its scenic coastal views and landscaped gardens. Snowdrops are not the park’s biggest claim to floral fame (that’s reserved for their azaleas), but they do add a delicate touch to its winter scenery. Open year-round, the park features a visitor building, tea room, and trails for all abilities. (nationaltrust.org.uk)

East Ruston Old Vicarage Snowdrops Norfolk

East Ruston Old Vicarage combines artful planting with an expansive collection of snowdrops Norfolk visitors will adore. Viewers can admire the flowers amid the gardens’ eclectic design, which blends formality and wildness. The gardens are typically open seasonally; check their website for updated 2025 opening times. (eastrustonoldvicarage.co.uk)

Nowton Park, Suffolk

Nowton Park offers a snowdrop trail set in 200 acres of Suffolk countryside, featuring meadows, woodland, and a lime avenue. The park provides family-friendly facilities, including play areas and a café. Open from dawn to dusk, it’s an ideal location for a day out. (suffolk.gov.uk)

Ickworth, Suffolk

Ickworth’s extensive gardens and woodland walks are adorned with snowdrops each winter. This National Trust property also features a café, children’s play area, and ample parking, ensuring a comfortable visit for all ages. (nationaltrust.org.uk)

Fuller’s Mill Garden, Suffolk

Located on the River Lark, Fuller’s Mill Garden is a reasonably secluded retreat featuring rare plants and seasonal snowdrop displays. While the garden typically opens in April, special events may allow for earlier visits. Check their website for updates. Only assistance dogs are permitted here and readers will need to check their site for up to date admission costs. (fullersmillgarden.org.uk)

Thornham Walks, Suffolk

Thornham Walks, part of the Thornham Estate, offers a unique opportunity to enjoy snowdrops amidst beautiful woodland paths and parkland. The 12 miles of waymarked walks include a dedicated snowdrop trail, showcasing these delicate blooms in their natural habitat. The estate also features a walled garden, a Victorian folly, and plenty of wildlife to observe.

The estate’s facilities include a tearoom, a visitor centre, and a play area for children, making it a family-friendly destination. Open year-round, Thornham Walks is perfect for a peaceful day out in Suffolk. Dogs are welcome on leads, and parking is available on-site. (thornhamestate.com)

Whether you’re a seasoned “galanthophile” or simply seeking a peaceful winter walk, hopefully you’ll find a suitable place nearby to go on a snowdrop walk in Norfolk or Suffolk. For more seasonal walks and gardening insinspiration, explore our guides to circular dog-friendly walks and the fantastic Norfolk’s Plantation Garden.

 

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *