The National Trust has revealed its best Norfolk sites to see stunning snowdrops in 2024.
Despite the cold weather, snowdrops can be found thriving in pastures, woods, gardens and orchards across the UK in January and February.
There are more than 2,500 varieties and its Greek name ‘Galanthus’ translates as the ‘milk flower’.
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Snowdrops first became fashionable in the Victorian era, but no one knows for sure when they were first introduced to the UK.
Oxburgh Estate
Late winter and early spring at the Oxburgh Estate, near Swaffham, is a natural wonder.
Thousands of snowdrops and winter aconites put on a memorable display each year in the Wilderness, My Lady’s Wood and on the North Terrace.
The plants are allowed to self-seed, creating a beautiful, natural scene.
The Wilderness was created in deliberate contrast to the more formal gardens and showcases a beautiful carpet of snowdrops, followed by aconites and finally bluebells across the woodland floor.
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Scented shrubs, evergreen planting and mature lime trees surround the space and create a romantic illusion of an untamed landscape.
There are gardener-led guided tours every Sunday and Monday in February with a suggested donation of £5 - book on the National Trust website. Normal admission applies.
Blickling Estate
The parkland at Blickling looks different in winter, with striking shapes and silhouettes creating magical landscapes in every direction.
Enjoy a wander around the dell and in the magical winter garden, tucked away behind the Orangery, as the snowdrops, hellebores and early daffodils begin to appear.
Once you have finished exploring, warm up with a steaming cup of coffee, a hot chocolate or a bowl of soup at one of the cafés.
Normal admission applies for entry into the house and garden.
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