The simple pleasure of walking through snowdrops.

If you are like me, when yet another winter seems to be dragging on, walking through snowdrops can be highly uplifting. A reminder that Spring is coming and change is on the way. A form of winter blues therapy. Having just found my first dainty white flower of 2026 in a sheltered spot near the churchyard it jolted me to share some local snowdrop havens with you, in time for the peak season just around the corner.

At this time of the year, for a seasonal walk, you may need your welly boots as pathways can be a little muddy. It needn’t be strenuous. Just a steady walk for half an hour through parkland or woodland is enough to lift the spirits.

For stunning displays of snowdrops you won’t need to travel far from The Huddle, but some venues only open on specific days.

Lexham Hall, just a couple of villages away, is open on 8th and 15th February 2026 under the n.g.s scheme. You can wander through woodlands carpeted with snowdrops and aconites, or opt to go further through the parkland with lakes and river walks.

Over 100 varieties of snowdrops, along with a good show of aconites, can be seen at Chestnut Farm, West Beckham. Their open days are the first in Norfolk to kick off, on 25th January followed by 22nd February.

A treat awaits at Bagthorpe Hall, nr Bircham on 22nd February. Surrounded by farmland, this is a delightful circular walk meandering through a stunning display of snowdrops naturally carpeting a woodland floor, and then returning through a walled garden. One that I’m hoping to do this year.

Horstead House, Horstead on 14th February, has a stunning display of beautiful snowdrops which carpet the woodland setting along with winter flowering shrubs. Another beautiful feature is the dogwoods growing on a small island in the River Bure, which flows through the garden.

All the above ngs venues open 11 am to 4 pm, cost £6, and offer some light refreshments.

Brinton Hall, nr Melton Constable on 15th February offers something slightly different. A guided walk with the owners. Starting by looking at the many snowdrop cultivars, the walk then crosses over a meadow to the lake, where there are specimen trees and shrubs planted for winter interest and scent. Paths lead up the hillside through woods with large drifts of snowdrops returning downhill towards the house and a home made tea. Times are 10.30 am – 3 pm, cost £15 and pre-booking essential.

The historic Walsingham Abbey, an easy 20 minute drive away, has revealed that it will reopen on 26th January, 2026, in time for snowdrop season as the first shoots start to appear. Walsingham Abbey is between Fakenham and Wells-next-the-Sea and an easy 20 minute drive away. Famous for vast carpets of snowdrops across 18 acres of grounds and woodland, by the packhorse bridge and under the Dell Gate, it is a top spot for photographers and walkers.

The Guardian named this historic site among the 10 best spots to see snowdrops.

Free to visit is Sheringham Park, nr Holt (National Trust). It offers beautiful parkland walks, deer spotting, and views from the tower amidst the white blooms. Open dawn til dusk.

Blickling Estate (National Trust) features snowdrops in the parkland and a variety of trails to follow.

In addition some local churchyards can offer some beautiful displays. First and foremost I must mention ‘ours’ ! In view of The Huddle, the church of St Bartholomew’s, Brisley, has a display which has been much admired and treasured over the years I’ve known it.

Other local churches, such as St Margaret’s in Thorpe Market, have lovely displays which draw visitors year after year.