Did you know that those who are passionate about those dainty, delightful flowers we call Snowdrops are known as “galanthophiles” – after their Greek name, Galanthus?

If you’re a galanthophile (or even just enjoy seeing these much-loved plants in bloom) you’ll be keen to spot them when they make their appearance at the end of January and into February – the first flowers to appear in the new year.

What’s not to love about these little waxy white, bell-shaped flowers that come in hundreds of varieties, most standing no more than around six inches (15cm) tall, carpeting woodlands, riverbanks and meadows even when the soil is still frozen.

We’re fortunate here at our inn in the village of Edge, Gloucestershire, to overlook the spectacular countryside of the Painswick Valley, and we’re close to several idyllic locations for Snowdrop spotting. So, if you’re a snowdrop enthusiast looking for a treat, start planning a visit to our part of the world.

We’ve put together some recommendations for the best places to see and experience snowdrops near us, from late January. Don’t forget to call at our Inn for a warm welcome, delicious home-cooked meal and a local brew when you’re in the neighbourhood ….

Stroud Snowdrop Celebration

Our nearest main town, where the famous “five valleys” meet, is Stroud. It may be urban rather than rural, but its still a great place for snowdrop spotting. In fact, the Museum in the Park (Stratford Park that is) has organised a special snowdrop inspired event on January 25th & 26th (2025) to celebrate its reopening for a new season after being closed for essential maintenance.

The snowdrops at the Museum can be found in its lovely traditional Walled Garden, but there’s lots more to discover about snowdrops at this event besides just seeing them. You can meet the gardeners, buy snowdrops for your own garden, enjoy tea and cake in the pavilion, take part in craft activities and take the kids along a “Snowdrop Fairy” trail.

Click here for more details and directions.

Colesbourne Gardens Snowdrop Spectacular

The gardens on the private estate of Colesbourne near Cheltenham are open on just a few days a year to showcase about 10 acres of spectacular snowdrops, spread across the garden and woodland walks.

Purists truly appreciate the very special nature of this snowdrop collection, which has been built up over many years and carefully curated by the greatest British galanthophiles.

Whether you’re an expert come to root out (not literally we hope!) the 350 different cultivars on display here, or just want to lose yourself in a magical and peaceful haven awash with blossoms, you’ll have a fabulous time at Colesbourne open weekends, from January 25th/26th through to February 22nd/23rd. You can also opt for guided group weekday tours, or a snowdrop study day on February 11th.

Booking is required for tours, but you can just turn up for open days between 1pm and 4pm.

Visit the Colesbourne Gardens website to find out everything you need to know to plan a visit – it’s definitely worth doing!

Cerney House Snowdrop Trail

The gardens at Cerney House were all but lost to history until the house was bought by Sir Michael and Lady Angus in 1983 and underwent extensive renovations. The gardens, in particular, were returned to their Victorian glory by Lady Angus and her daughter, Barbara, and live on as a lovely legacy to their efforts.

The gardens, just off of the A435, are open every day all year round between 10am and dusk, but are particularly popular from late January during the snowdrop season, and on into spring when bright bulbs erupt into bloom from all quarters.

You can enjoy the Cerney House Gardens Snowdrop Trail between January 25th and March 1st this year. Wander the woodland walk to admire the carpet of snowdrops, and seek out some special cultivars in the borders in the walled garden. There are usually some plants for sale at the entrance hut so you can take some snowdrops home and grow your own.

Rodmarton House Snowdrop Display

Still occupied by descendants of the family that built it in the 1920s, Rodmarton Manor is famously “the supreme example” of a house built and furnished according to Arts & Crafts ideals, with everything made by hand in local materials.

In addition, the glorious eight acre gardens around this house off the A433 between Cirencester and Tetbury are considered among the finest in the Cotswolds, designed as a series of outdoor rooms, each with its own character.

Ubiquitous in this garden though are the snowdrops that appear mainly in January and February. There are at least 150 different types of snowdrops to spot here, some rare.

The garden at Rodmartin will be open for snowdrop season in 2025 on February 1st, 5th, 8th, 12th, 15th and 19th  from 1.30pm. You can pre-book or just turn up and pay on the day.

Newark Park’s Seasonal Showstopper Snowdrops

A little further afield, situated in the green hills overlooking the valley of the River Severn, the gardens at the National Trust’s Newark Park are beautiful any time of year. They come into their own though in late January and February when carpets of snowdrops cover the grounds, along the Glade Walk and romantic lakeside garden.

The gardens and estate will be open for snowdrop spotting from February 1st onwards from 10am to 4pm each day.