Celebrate snowdrop season with the National Trust  in Lincolnshire

Strolling along frosty pathways framed by snowdrops is one the great pleasures of visiting National Trust gardens during the winter months.   

From the first glimpse of dainty white blooms emerging from the ground to magnificent drifts that carpet the landscape, snowdrops brighten the winter months and signal that spring days are on the horizon. Despite the cold, snowdrops can be found thriving in pastures, woods, gardens and orchards across the UK in January and February.  

But how much do you know about these little flowers? There are more than 2,500 varieties of snowdrop and its Greek name ‘Galanthus’, translates as the ‘milk flower’. They’re also incredibly clever, as they contain a natural antifreeze. When temperatures reach 10ᵒC and above, the outer petals open-up revealing the nectar inside. When the temperature drops, the petals close. This is perfect for bumblebees, which come out of hibernation when the temperature rises above 10ᵒC and rely on these early flowers as a vital nectar source.    

Here are some of the best spots to enjoy a snowdrop walk in Lincolnshire:

Belton Estate, near Grantham, Lincolnshire – snowdrop displays can be found right across the Belton Estate late January and through February, particularly around the Pleasure Grounds. There are benches dotted throughout the grounds, complete with blankets, so that visitors can stay warm whilst sitting and enjoying the views of the grounds and the impressive Belton House.

The house, which was built in the 17th century, is surrounded by an historic deer park, pleasure grounds, and gardens of Dutch and Italian design, which includes a conservatory within the Italian Garden. For visitors who want to know more about the gardens at Belton, there are guided tours of the formal gardens on 7and 21 February.

The tours, which include information about the history of the Italian and Dutch gardens, are free but normal National Trust admission charges apply to Belton Estate. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/belton

Gunby Hall, near Spilsby, Lincolnshire – Gunby is well known for its Victorian gardens and its colourful floral borders in the summer, but in the early part of year it can be seen a whole new light. Snowdrops and early spring flowers can be found in the gardens and across the estate.

Gunby Hall, which dates back to 1700, will be hosting Cake and Snowdrop Walks Week in its gardens between 15 and 21 February.

The week will include a series of guided snowdrop walks. The guided tours around the hall’s gardens finish at the tearoom, with tickets for the snowdrop walks including a warming drink and piece of cake afterwards. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gunby