Best Places to See Snowdrops in Norfolk

The best places to see the snowdrops in Norfolk include some truly magical spots, especially when the first delicate blooms begin pushing through the ground, a quiet promise that spring is nearly here!

Norfolk has so many places to see the snowdrops in all their glory, offering a mix of historic ruins, private estates, and peaceful woodland paths.

This local guide shares nine of the best places to see snowdrops in Norfolk, each offering something a little different, whether it’s historic ruins, rare varieties, riverside paths or family friendly days out.

• Private Houses
• National Trust Properties

Private Gardens and Snowdrop Walks in Norfolk

Walsingham Abbey: A Magical Carpet of Snowdrops

Walsingham Abbey is often considered one of the best places to see snowdrops in Norfolk - and for good reason. Millions of snowdrops carpet the woodland floor beneath the ancient stone ruins, creating a truly unforgettable winter scene.

Located in the medieval pilgrimage village of Little Walsingham, this historic site offers more than just flowers, it provides an unforgettable winter experience that keeps visitors returning year after year.  Trust me when I say it really is a magical place to see a carpet of snowdrops – literally!

Visitor Info:  Snowdrop season at Walsingham Abbey typically runs from late January through early March, with peak blooming usually in mid-February.  Check out the Walsingham Abbey website here for more information on the snowdrops

Admission:  to see the snowdrops is usually around £7.50 for adults; children are £3 and children under 6 free with an adult.  

Facilities:  there are in the village and include a tearoom, pubs, gift shops. Dogs on leads welcome.  Parking is in the main Mill Car park with a pay and display machine

Local tip:  Combine your visit with lunch or coffee in the village, either at The Black Lion or The Bull, or one of the tea shops.

Lexham Hall: One Of The Best Places To See Snowdrops

Lexham Hall is a private family estate offering visitors a rare chance to experience a classic countryside snowdrop walk. Unlike public gardens, Lexham Hall opens its gates for just a few days each winter, making it a real hidden gem.  Snowdrops and yellow aconites carpet the Winter Garden and surrounding woods.

Lexham Hall stands out among one of the best places to see snowdrops in Norfolk by catering exceptionally well to families. Children can take part in a treasure hunt complete with prizes, turning their visit into an adventure rather than merely a garden tour!

Four-legged family members aren’t forgotten either - dogs are welcome throughout the grounds, provided they remain on leads.

Visitor Info: Open select February days, 11am–4pm. Family treasure hunts, dog-friendly grounds, and homemade refreshments add to the day out. Pre-booking advised.

Website info:  for all events at Lexham Hall, click here

• The Winter Garden with its carefully designed structure
• Groom’s Wood adjacent to the historic round tower St Andrew’s Church
• The American Gardens situated on the far side of the lake

Horstead House: Accessible Snowdrops by the River Bure

Set beside the River Bure in the Norfolk Broads, Horstead House stands out for its wheelchair-accessible snowdrop walks.  The wide paths allow for visitors of all abilities to enjoy the displays without missing out.

Snowdrops line the front drive before spreading into woodland, offering variety without steep or uneven terrain.

Visitor Info: Open for National Garden Scheme days. Admission £6 adults; children free. Dogs on leads welcome.

Website info:  Check out the details of Horstead House snowdrop opening times here on the NGS website.

Why visit:

• One of the most accessible snowdrop displays in Norfolk
• Quiet, riverside setting

Tip: Make the most of your Horstead House snowdrop visit by taking a look at Hall Farm Cottages for a place to stay in the Norfolk Broads.

Chestnut Farm, Holt

Chestnut Farm near Holt is a labour of love, boasting over 100 different snowdrop varieties. The garden has been under the same ownership for six decades, allowing trees and shrubs ample time to grow and mature naturally.

Rather than mass displays alone, this garden celebrates the subtle differences between snowdrops, perfect for anyone wanting to learn more about these winter flowers.

Visitor Info: Open select winter days, 11am–4pm. Admission £5 adults; children free. Light refreshments, plant sales, and dogs on leads welcome.

Pre-booking essential which you can do here.

Brinton Hall: Snowdrop Theatre Meets Historic Elegance

Brinton Hall offers a more curated snowdrop experience, with guided walks through a specially designed “snowdrop theatre,” followed by tours of the house and a homemade lunch.

Visitor Info: Select February dates, 11am–2:30pm. Tickets £30, including lunch and tours. Suitable footwear and house shoes required. 

Why visit:

• Personal, small-group experience
• Fascinating insights from knowledgeable hosts

Read more about the historic Brinton Hall here.

Raveningham Hall: Expert-Led Snowdrop Walks

Join Sir Nicholas Bacon, former RHS president, for an intimate guided snowdrop walk through his estate focusing on rare varieties, planting history and expert insight, followed by homemade teas in the hall.

Visitor info:

• Seasonal guided walks
• Pre-booking essential
• Homemade teas included

Why visit:

• Learn directly from a leading snowdrop expert
• Relaxed, welcoming atmosphere

Where to find more information:

• Take a look at the Raveningham Hall website here for more information on their snowdrops

Stow Hall Gardens: Snowdrops Steeped in History

Although the grand house of Stow Bardolph has disappeared, the gardens remain and each February they are transformed by carpets of snowdrops.

Visitor info:

• Selected Sundays in February
• Admission varies
• Dogs on leads usually welcome

Find out about all the Stow Hall Gardens events here.

Tip:  Planning on bringing your dog and need somewhere to stay?  Check out our Norfolk accommodation options here

National Trust Snowdrop Gardens in Norfolk

Blickling Hall: Jacobean Grandeur and Woodland Snowdrops

Blickling Hall is one of Norfolk’s standout National Trust estates, and it really comes into its own in late winter when snowdrops, hellebores and early flowering daffodils come out, particularly around the Orangery in the Dell. The Jacobean house and its formal gardens make a beautiful backdrop for a gentle seasonal walk.

To see the snowdrops, you need to enter the property rather than wandering around the woodlands and parkland.

• Visitor info: Open daily, though it’s worth checking National Trust opening times in advance. Admission charges apply.
• Why visit: Snowdrops and centuries-old parkland are a lovely combination, and Blickling’s setting makes it especially memorable at this time of year.

Tip:  If you're visiting Blickling Hall you could spend a cosy night or two a few steps away from Sheringham's promenade at Smugglers.

Oxburgh Hall And Its Beautiful Winter Snowdrops

Oxburgh Hall, a moated Tudor manor house managed by the National Trust, offers a unique snowdrop experience. The gardens and parkland surrounding the hall are carpeted with snowdrops each winter, set against the backdrop of the grand medieval towers and a picturesque moat.

• Visitor Info: Open daily (seasonal hours on National Trust website). Admission fees apply.
• Highlights: Tudor architecture, walled gardens, riverside walks, and a tearoom.
• Why Visit: The combination of historic architecture and delicate snowdrop displays makes Oxburgh Hall worth a winter day out!

Tip:  Planning on visiting Oxburgh Hall?  Check out The Old Chapel in Pentney for a relaxing place to stay.

Why Snowdrops Are So Special in Norfolk

Snowdrops are more than just pretty flowers, they’re a symbol of resilience and hope. After the coldest months, these delicate white blooms push through frozen earth, reminding us that spring is on its way. Norfolk’s gardens and estates have embraced snowdrops for generations and that's why these are some of the best places to see snowdrops in Norfolk.

Whether you’re planning a gentle weekend walk, a dog-friendly outing or a specialist garden visit, these snowdrop walks in Norfolk offer beauty, history and calm in equal measure.

Snowdrop season is short, so it’s worth planning ahead. Which one will you visit first?