Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to See Snowdrops in Devon

Ultimate Guide to the Best Places to See Snowdrops in Devon

In the depths of winter, when daylight feels as precious as gold, an extraordinary natural phenomenon begins to unfold across Britain, the emergence of snowdrops. Those resilient harbingers of spring offers not just spectacular displays, but an invitation that longer and warmer days and are just a few weeks away. You often see small patches of snowdrops but here’s some places to finding larger displays in Devon and Somerset. 

Chasing the Light – The appearance of Galanthus nivalis (common snowdrop) marks a crucial moment in nature’s calendar. These diminutive yet determined blooms push through frozen earth, demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of winter’s harsh conditions. For those struggling with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or the post-festive slump, snowdrop hunting provides a therapeutic combination of gentle exercise, mindful observation, and vital exposure to natural light.

Seasonal Timing Guide to Snowdrops in Devon

For optimal viewing, plan your visits between late January and early March. Most gardens peak in February, but exact timing varies with location and weather conditions. In recent years snowdrops have been earlier that usual.

Always check venue websites or social media for flowering updates and up to date entry details. Please note unless stated as free, most of the locations listed are private or National Trust and have an entry fee.

Snowdrops in North Devon

RHS Garden Rosemoor – Great Torrington

The perfect place to visit at the start of spring to admire these beautiful bulbs, on show  throughout the Winter Garden and Lake. On selected days join an expert on a free guided Snowdrop Walk through the garden or follow the fun family snowdrop trail to find the best displays in the garden in your own time.

Celebration of Snowdrops at RHS Garden Rosemoor, Great Torrington, 

Kinever Valley, Woolacombe

In North Devon near Woolacombe follows the free National Trust trail which starts at Mortehoe, EX34 7ET  heading through Kinever Valley to Bennett’s Mouth.

This 2 mile walk passes through a hidden wooded valley filled with snowdrops and brings you out at a delightful little cove by the sea. Parking in Mortehoe, charges apply.

Snowdrops In South Devon 

Saltram, Plympton

Carpets of snowdrops, fine displays of hellebores, and camellias are among the winter flowers you will find on this beautiful National Trust estate.

You can also take the Boundary Walk through Saltram Wood and permissive paths, a popular snowdrop spot along the beautiful River Plym estuary.  More info at Saltram Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1U.

The Mount, Delamore, Ivybridge

For a truly sensational snowdrop experience, the woodland walk boasts thousands of unusual varieties of snowdrops heralding the first signs of spring.  A carpet of snowdrops growing with other winter plants, some of which are unique to Delamore.

Visitors are welcome on specific weekends in February. Admission £7.50,  children free. To book and More details HERE.

The Garden House, Buckland Monachorum nr Yelverton

With more than 330 varieties, collected from far and wide, The Garden House on the edge of Dartmoor is just 10 miles from Plymouth. The gardens have been created over many years and The Garden House hosts special seasonal events all year round starting with the Snowdrop Festival. There is also a plant shop and café.

Winter Opening: 1st November to 31st March.  Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10.30am till 3.30pm.

Coleton Fishacre near Dartmouth

You can snowdrop spot at the lovely Coleton Fishacre  National Trust. Enjoy this fascinating 1920s house built in the art deco Arts and Crafts style with its RHS gardens with stunning sea views.

Dartington Estate, Totnes

Set in a delightful area of South Devon, the Grade II listed gardens at Dartington Hall are popular in the Spring when a host of nodding snowdrops emerge.  Check for free entry days and my guide to Totnes.

Greenway National Trust

Also near Totnes and Dartmouth,  from late winter to early spring visit for  snowdrops stretching all the way through the woodland garden as well as the front of the house at the former homer of Agatha Christie set on the banks of the River Dart.

Torbay

Cockington Country Park

A beautiful mix of garden landscapes, open parkland, countryside woodland spread over 450 acre. Discover ornamental lakes, an historic Manor House with craft center and studios, a chocolate box village, delightful thatched cottages and a quaint 11th Century church.

Discover snowdrops throughout Cockington Country Park. Entry is free but carparks charge.

Mid Devon / Dartmoor

Andrews Corner, Belstone, North Dartmoor

‘Mr Blobby’ and ‘Heffalump’ – just two of the usual varieties you’re likely to see in this Dartmoor plantsman’s garden, 1000ft above sea level but sheltered from the elements with clever planting. Enjoy over 60 different snowdrop cultivars, plus crocuses and lovely cyclamineus daffodils.

Open for ‘Snowdrop Sunday’ in aid of the Children’s Hospice South West. Details here.

Stone Lane Gardens, Chagford

Stone Lane Gardens is a 5-acre woodland garden and nursery is known for its stunning white bark birch trees is carpeted with snowdrops in spring, thanks to special planting days every March when volunteers show up to divide and replant the bulbs to help them spread through the woods.

Ashley Court, Tiverton

The grounds of a small Regency country house, Ashley Court has a walled kitchen garden, fruit trees, stable buildings, woodland walk, lawns and borders.

This enchanting Regency house invites you to escape from modern life and re-connect with nature both wild and tamed. Set in 19 acres overlooking the Exe Valley Ashley Court. Check website for open days.

Knightshayes National Trust

Knightshayes  near Tiverton has a lovely formal gardens as well as acres of parkland and woods to explore.

Follow the marked 2 mile trail taking in the area known as Impey Walk for snowdrop and hellebores spotting as well as early flowering camelias. Enjoy the dramatic Gothic style house and tearoom as well.

Higher Cherubeer, nr Winkleigh

Head to Higher Cherubeer to see over 400 varieties in a pretty country garden with an alpine house, orchard, and woodland beds brimming with cyclamen and spring treasures. The annual ‘whitewashing’ of the  woodland is a  joy through the dark winter months.

Pre-booking available but not essential.  Home made teas are available.  Adult admission is £6 and children free. 

St Raphael’s Chapel

St Raphael’s Chapel, Huccaby and Hexworthy, Dartmoor

You can see snowdrops in many places in the wild across Dartmoor.  However one of the prettiest and most romantic is St Raphael’s,  a small chapel in the remote village of Huccaby.

In February the grounds are transformed by a carpet of snowdrops, the spreading blooms are reputed to date back to a 15th century long-house, predating even the old chapel.  Located close to the West Dart River.

Dunsford Devon Nature Reserve

Dunsford Nature Reserve offers a popular riverside walk with level paths which lead you through the reserve. Part of Devon Wildlife Trust 

Exeter and East Devon

Killerton House, Broadclyst

Killerton House National Trust gardens and parks are lovely all year round.

At Killerton House, near Exeter you can spot the snowdrops around the gardens near the chapel, in the parkland in front of the house,  in Dane’s Wood and Ashclyst Forest. Many areas are free to visit but parking charges apply closest to the house.

Powderham Castle, Exeter

Snowdrops feature throughout the grounds and along the driveway of Powderham Castle. The magnificent entrance to Powderham’s 600 year-old castle is lined either side with snowdrops and then later daffodils.

The estate and deer park are usually closed in January, re-opening mid February. However you can enjoy the view on a visit to the Farm Shop for a local coffee and tasty cake. There are also lovely walks in the area around the Exe Estuary on public footpaths and via Kenton.

Otterhead Lakes

On the Devon / Somerset border these pretty lakes are set in woodland and are a lovely place to see Spring flowers such as snowdrops and later on bluebells. Free parking.

Most years guided walks are offered, this year it’s on Saturday 8th February,  but it is easy to walk around on your own. Take a look at this previous post here on Otterhead Lakes and check my events for walk details. 

Where to Find Snowdrops in Somerset

Just a few miles across an invisible border we can quickly be in Somerset. Equally as popular for hunting snowdrops there are a new significant locations to mention.

Snowdrop Valley, Wheddon Cross

Perhaps the most dramatic natural snowdrop display in Britain, this Exmoor valley transforms into a river of white each February. Unlike formal gardens, here nature choreographs the show, with millions of snowdrops carpeting the valley floor.

Know as Snowdrop Valley, the popularity of it’s display has meant that visitors numbers are now carefully controlled as this is privately owned land.

Essential Information:  Check all the details HERE before travel. There are charges for parking and the access road is closed. For those unable to make the walk (about 1 mile each way) and locally run taxi service operates during peak season booked in advance.

 Forde Abbey Gardens – South Somerset

Within the embrace of Forde Abbey’s ancient walls lies a garden that transcends time. This former Cistercian monastery, where monks once tended medicinal herbs, now hosts one of the region’s most spiritually uplifting snowdrop displays.

Visitors can experience 30-acre historic gardens, the Long Pond and Wilderness Garden displays. There ae wheelchair-accessible paths and an award-winning tearoom

Forde Abbey opens for Snowdrop days on the weekends in February. Entry charges apply £10 per adult

East Lambrook Manor Gardens – South Petherton

Created by the legendary Margery Fish, this intimate cottage garden setting offers a unique perspective on snowdrops, where they dance among winter-bare stems of heritage roses and rare hellebores.

Garden highlights include  historic cottage garden design a plant nursery and traditional tea room.

February Festival of Snowdrops open Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Mondays.
National Garden Scheme (NGS) Snowdrop open day.

Entry charges apply details here.

Finding Snowdrops in Devon and Somerset

Heading out on cold February day to search for snowdrops is  lovely way to enjoy the winter fresh air with family and friends.

As well as these lovely places look out in your local woods and hedgerows for snowdrops.  Wildlife Trust Woodlands are a good place to look.

Many snowdrop species are threatened in their natural habitats. When visiting never dig up wild bulbs and  support gardens that maintain heritage collections.

Understanding these remarkable plants adds another dimension to your winter wanderings. The common snowdrop belongs to a fascinating family of plants that have evolved remarkable adaptations for winter survival. 

They have antifreeze proteins in their cells prevent frost damage and special compounds make them unpalatable to wildlife. Underground bulbs store nutrients for early emergence and leaves are specially shaped to push through frozen soil.