Snowdrops at Cambo Estate. PIc credit: Sir Peter Erskine.
Where better to see snowdrops in all their fabulous glory than against a backdrop of gorgeous Scottish countryside? Scotland’s snowdrop displays last throughout February and March so now is the ideal time to take a campervan or motorhome on a snowdrop viewing road trip.
Cambo Estate, St Andrews, Fife
Combine a woodland walk on the 70-acre Cambo Estate, which is home to the national collection of snowdrops.
Open 10am to 5pm. Adults £5.50, children free.
Castle Kennedy and Gardens, Stranraer
Tucked away in the quiet south-west of Scotland is Castle Kennedy Gardens, where you can enjoy annual snowdrop walks. The garden also includes sculpted landforms, stunning fauna, popular bird hides and a family fun programme of events.
Open 10am to 5pm. Adults £5.50, concession £4.50, children £2.
Snowdrop Scones served at Cringletie House.
Cringletie House, Peebles,
Feast your eyes on millions of the Genus Galanthus Snowdrops, which are believed to have been planted and grown wildly at Cringletie since the days of the Crimean War.
The snowdrops create a stunning blanket of beauty throughout the woods and valley beside a waterfall.
And feast your taste buds on delicious Snowdrop Scones. Nom, nom!
Visit the snowdrops daily from dawn to dusk. Free. Teas are served in Cringletie House.
Dawyck Botanic Gardens, Stobo
Dawyck is acclaimed as one of the world’s finest arboreta. During the Scottish Snowdrop Festival, visitors can enjoy views of the gorgeous white bloom via trails and walks. The Garden also has a visitor centre.
Visit 10am to 5om. Adults £6, under 16s free.
Dunninald Gardens, Aberdeenshire
A gorgeous carpet of snowdrops can be seen in the woods and wild garden of Dunninald.
Open in March on 1, 7 and 8, noon to 5pm. Adults £4, children free.
Finlaystone Country Estate, Renfrewshire
Picture a scene of snowdrifts of snowdrops with flowing burns and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can follow the self-led snowdrop stroll, discover formal gardens, woodland trails and enjoy imaginative children’s play areas.
Open 10am to 5pm. Adults £4, children £3.
Glenwhan Gardens, Dunragit, Dumfries and Galloway. Pic credit:
Paul Tomkins/ VisitScotland/ Scottish Viewpoint
Glenwhan Garden, Dunragit, near Stranraer
Described as “one of the best newly created gardens in recent times”, Glenwhan boasts wonderful displays of snowdrops. Thirty years ago, there was nothing but bracken, gorse and willows but careful planting has created a 12-acre garden filled with glorious collections of plants from around the world. Winding paths, seats, sculptures and water all add to the tranquil atmosphere.
Adult £5, Concession £4, Children £1.50.
10 Pilmuir Road West, Forres
In early spring you might expect to see around 150 named snowdrops, some of which are very rare, at this beautiful small town garden. The garden is also managed without any use of artificial fertilisers or chemicals and the owner encourages hedgehogs, toads and wild birds to control the slugs.
Viewing is by appointment only on 01309 674634. Cost £3.
Snowdrops and a dusting of snow. Pic credit:
Paul Tomkins/ VisitScotland/ Scottish Viewpoint
The Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
Founded in the 17th century as a physic garden, the botanic garden now it extends to four gardens each boasting a rich living collection of plants.
During the Scottish Snowdrop Festival guided tours will showcase the Royal Botanic Garden’s collection of specialist snowdrops.
Tours run until March 8, between 10am and 6pm. Tickets cost £5.
West Plean House, near Stirling
Visitors can stroll into the Walled Garden and take a walk through the newly developed Azalea and Rhododendron plantings. There are also woodland walks with snowdrops and a panoramic view over seven counties. West Plean House also offers accommodation, and an excellent home produced and locally sourced breakfast, for those wishing to stay longer.
Open: 13:00 – 16:00
Cost: Adults £4, children free.