As the new season blooms head to the region’s forests and country parks for a carpet of spring flowers. We’ve listed the best times and places to get your floral fix in the East of England.
Where to see snowdrops
Snowdrops signify the start of spring and pop up from January to March. Spot them at these locations on your travels in the East of England:
Sheringham Park
Sheringham, Norfolk
A great location to visit at any time of year, but during the spring the parkland comes alive with colour. You’ll find the Galanthus plicatus or ‘Upcher’ variety of the flower scattered in displays throughout the park.
Wimpole Estate
Royston, Cambridgeshire
Throughout February the Pleasure Grounds are covered in angelic snowdrops. Find out more.
Thornham Estate
Eye, Suffolk
Snowdrops cover the 2,000 acres of parkland that make up this grand estate. There are over 12 miles of public footpaths as well as a walled garden and café.
Grove Lodge
Saffron Walden, Essex
A dazzling display of snowdrops and crocus pop up at this large walled garden. It’s a short stroll from the town centre so be sure to warm up at one of the local cafes.
Benington Lordship Gardens
Stevenage, Hertfordshire
Opening every year in February, brighten up your day with a walk around the gardens that are carpeted in a beautiful display of snowdrops.
The Swiss Garden
Old Warden, Bedfordshire
Stop by in February for a prime peak at the clustered displays of snowdrops set amongst immaculate lawns and winding paths. With its Swiss Cottage, pond and trails, this enchanting garden is perfect for an early spring day out. Plan your visit.
The best places to see daffodils
Nothing brightens up a day quite like a daffodil. In bloom from February to April, here are the best locations to visit a sea of yellow.
Felbrigg Hall
Norwich, Norfolk
The stately home and gardens tick all the boxes for a spring day out. The estate and parkland are swathed in a golden display of daffodils, and new life can be spotted all around with chicks at the walled garden and lambs and calves on the estate.
Ickworth House
Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
Discover the classical Rotunda at the heart of the estate and wander through the heritage daffodils popping up throughout the pleasure grounds in front of the Italianate palace. Plan your visit.
Thriplow Village
Thriplow, Cambridgeshire
Every year the village hosts its popular Daffodil Weekend and Country Fair. The community comes together to showcase the village’s daffodil displays and residential gardens. There’s a country vibe with live music, a dog show, stalls, and plenty of street food. This year’s event takes place 19-20 March.
Warley Place Nature Reserve
Warley, Essex
This little natural haven outside the busy town of Brentwood is the site of a house and Edwardian gardens belonging to Ellen Willmott. Now maintained by Essex Wildlife Trust, the 25-acre reserve serves up a bright and colourful display of daffodils.
Cassiobury Park
Watford, Hertfordshire
A regular award winner, the park is a great day out for the whole family, and come spring, blooms with displays of a variety of daffodils.
Wrest Park
Silsoe, Bedfordshire
The walled garden blossoms with spring favourites planted among wildflowers and native daffodils brighten up the Pear Orchard too. There’s plenty to see and do with regular seasonal events too.
Where are the best bluebell forests
From mid-April to May, some of the region’s oldest woodlands and country parks show off with a carpet of bluebells. Here’s where to see the best bluebells displays in the East of England.
Foxley Woods
Dereham, Norfolk
Boost your mood with a wander through the carpet of bluebells which bloom from late April. Find out more.
Find the best bluebell woods in Norfolk.
Haughley Park
Stowmarket, Suffolk
Between mid-April and early May, the woodland floor blooms with bluebells. On the last Sunday of April and first Sunday of May, this private estate opens its gates to the public to share the beauty.
Thorpe Wood
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
Under a canopy of the ancient woodland, a beautiful display of bluebells emerges. Stop by to admire natures beauty of flora and fauna.
Blake’s Wood
Danbury, Essex
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Paths wind through the ancient woodland, taking visitors past trickling streams and stunning bluebells. Plan your visit.
Ashridge Estate
Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire
One of the most popular bluebells walks in the East, the spring flower has been present at the estate for 400 years. There are two waymarked routes to see the bluebells, which begin at the Visitor Centre.
Landpark Wood, Bedfordshire
Kensworth, Dunstable
A tranquil spot near Whipsnade with a carpet of vibrant bluebells in spring and birdsong in the canopy. Park at Whipsnade Heath and take the circular walk to the wood via Dunstable Downs.
Click here to discover more bluebells in Bedfordshire
