Where to see Snowdrops in Essex

Snowdrop season takes place each year between January and March, and these beautiful white flowers can be found blooming in several spots across Essex. So, wrap up warm – make sure you have your phone or camera at the ready to take some beautiful shots – and head out to one of the following places to catch a glimpse of snowdrops in Essex.

Beth Chatto's Plants & Gardens

The beautiful Beth Chatto Gardens are often abundant with snowdrops this time of year. Their gardens consist of five distinct areas – the Gravel Garden, the Scree Garden, the Water Garden, the Woodland Garden, and the Reservoir Garden. All you need is a ticket to enter the wonderland of wonderful wildlife and plants, where you are bound to spot the white seasonal flower amongst many other species.

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RHS Garden Hyde Hall, Chelmsford

You’d be mistaken if you think that visiting gardens is just for the warmer months of spring and summer. At RHS Garden Hyde Hall, one of the first things you will see when you enter is their magnificent Winter Garden, where you can admire the beautiful colours of the changing bark, willow tree sculptures and other winter plants. Snowdrops crop up throughout the gardens from January to March, adding a lovely pop of pure white to the already stunning scenery.

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Markshall, Coggeshall

Welcome the beginning of spring with a visit to Markshall to take in the beautiful snowdrops during a weekend in February. Explore their beautiful Winter Walk and Robins Grove, where you will be able to admire a stunning carpet of snowdrops covering the ground around you. As well as the white petals, enjoy the scent of the season from the Sarcococca Hookeriana, also known as the sweet box due to the fragrance, and the wonderful Hamamelis Mollis, otherwise known as Witch Hazel. Once you have finished your stroll through the gardens be sure to warm yourself up with an indulgent hot chocolate or hearty lunch from the Orchard Kitchen Café.

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Hedingham Castle, Halstead

One of our favourite ways to enjoy snowdrops in Essex would have to be the Snowdrop Walks at Hedingham Castle, taking place each year on selected dates during February and March. Tickets to the walks include entry to both the gardens and the Castle, so once you have snapped your pictures of the snowdrops that have begun peeking out to mark the beginning of spring, you can roam the historic structure before having a warm drink and bite to eat at the tearooms.

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Gibberd Garden, Harlow

Whilst it is closed outside of its seasonal months from April to October, The Gibberd Garden opens up the gates in February for visitors to enjoy their Snowdrops & Hellebores Days. Take in the seasonal plants against their lush botanical oasis backdrop – The Gibberd Garden is the ideal place to really immerse yourself in the wonder and beauty of both nature and art.

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Warley Place, Brentwood

The 25-acre Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserve Warley Place is guaranteed to meet your expectations when it comes to finding snowdrops in Essex. During the early spring, they grow in large quantities throughout the reserve, which is just a stones throw away from London. The Spring Bulb Spectacular at Warley Place is the ideal time to visit to see snowdrops and other spring plants blooming such as daffodils, crocuses, and bluebells. 

Get your walking boots on and be sure to visit one of these amazing locations to get your fill of snowdrops in Essex before the season is over. If you get any good snaps of the snowdrops in Essex, be sure to tag us in your posts on Instagram, Facebook and X, and use our hashtag #VisitEssex. For more nature and wildlife activities, click here.