Kent


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/snowdrops-hever-castle.jpeg" alt="hever castle snowdrops" class="wp-image-121523" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/snowdrops-hever-castle.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/snowdrops-hever-castle-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/snowdrops-hever-castle-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/snowdrops-hever-castle-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/snowdrops-hever-castle-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Who doesn’t get a spring in their step at the first sight of a snowdrop? And here in Kent we’re lucky to have some seriously spectacular shows of the best snowdrops. Gardeners report that the 2026 snowdrop season is likely to be a magnificent nature show thanks to spot-on weather conditions. Here are the prettiest spots to catch snowdrops in Kent.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-muddy-pick-hever-castle-nr-edenbridge">MUDDY PICK: <a aria-label="Hever Castle (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/snowdrops/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hever Castle</a>, nr Edenbridge</h3>



<p>Celebrate the beauty of early spring at&nbsp;Hever Castle&nbsp;as the grounds emerge back into life for&nbsp;their <a href="https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/first-signs-of-spring/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First Signs of Spring event</a>. Wander through award-winning grounds as they awaken for the season and witness the 160,000 snowdrops that blanket the estate. Delicate crocuses and other early-flowering plants will create a beautiful start to the season. Discover the blossoms of camellia, quince, hellebores and early daffodils such as ‘Early Sensation’.</p>



<p>Take the self-guided spring trail through areas including the Outer Moat, Sunday Walk and Church Gill, where you&#8217;ll spot the first blooms of the year. Or for deeper insight, join gardener Felix Green (11:30am on <strong>23 &#8211; 25 Feb</strong>)&nbsp;for a Winter Garden Tour exploring the planting of the snowdrops and the craft behind Hever’s seasonal displays.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-penshurst-place-nr-tonbridge"><a href="https://www.penshurstplace.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penshurst Place</a>, nr Tonbridge</h3>



<p>February signals the start of a new gardening year at&nbsp;Penshurst Place, as the first hints of spring begin to appear across its 11 acres of historic formal gardens. From&nbsp;<strong>Sat 14 – Sun 22 Feb</strong>, enjoy snowdrops in bloom, explore the garden trail, let off steam in the Adventure Playground (weather permitting), wander the parkland and visit the much-loved Toy Museum. The Porcupine Pantry and Gift Shop remain open year-round for refreshments and browsing.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ightham-mote-nr-sevenoaks"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/ightham-mote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ightham Mote</a>, nr Sevenoaks</h3>



<p>The gardens of this medieval moated manor house are a hot spot for snowdrops &#8211; home to an estimated 5,000 of the white beauties no less. They look stunning scattered around the gardens in clumps as you embark on a self-led tour. So go soak up the fantastic views back to the house &#8211; but remember the house is now closed and will reopen on 1 March.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/chartwell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chartwell</a>, Westerham</h3>



<p>Famously the much-loved home of Winston Churchill and his family, the picturesque gardens and estate are open for winter walks. Look out for snowdrops, including the special Summer Snowflake snowdrops around the Gavin Jones waterfalls. The gardens, café, and exhibition room are all open.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shipbourne-walk-nr-sevenoaks"><a aria-label="Shipbourne Walk (opens in a new tab)" href="https://explorekent.org/activities/shipbourne-walk-as-pretty-as-a-picture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shipbourne Walk</a>, nr Sevenoaks</h3>



<p>Enjoy a lovely stroll through the countryside surrounding Plaxtol and visit Ightham Mote to soak up the snowdrops. This circular route of 5 miles also includes the chance to see beautiful woodland surrounding High Beeches and the magnificent 17th-century Fairlawne Estate both with excellent views. This walk is called picture-perfect for a reason!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-westerham-walk-westerham"><a aria-label="Westerham Walk (opens in a new tab)" href="https://explorekent.org/activities/westerham-walk-wonderfully-wild-woodland/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westerham Walk</a>, Westerham</h3>



<p>This walks leads uphill to dramatic views over rolling hills, historic houses and farms. You&#8217;ll pass through Chartwell, former home of Sir Winston and Lady Churchill, where you&#8217;ll get your snowdrops fix. Peering through trees you&#8217;ll find the 17th century Manor House sat in Squerryes Park as well. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saltwood-saunter-nr-hythe"><a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Saltwood Saunter (opens in a new tab)" href="https://explorekent.org/activities/saltwood-saunter-walk/" target="_blank">Saltwood Saunter</a>, nr Hythe</h3>



<p>Starting from the beautiful Brockhill Country Park to Willow Wood this short circular walk promises snowdrops-a-plenty. The route passes through the quaint village of Saltwood where you can admire the 12th-century parish church plus Saltwood Castle where in December 1170, 4 knights stayed before riding to Canterbury to murder Archbishop Thomas Becket.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-goodnestone-walk-canterbury"><a aria-label="Goodnestone Walk (opens in a new tab)" href="https://explorekent.org/activities/goodnestone-walk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goodnestone Walk</a>, Canterbury</h3>



<p>This short circular walk of 4.5 miles is the perfect chance to see some snowdrops at the gorgeous Goodnestone Park sitting on 15 acres of land and manicured gardens that are open to the public. Did you know that Jane Austen was a regular visitor here? She began writing Pride and Prejudice immediately after staying on the Goodnestone estate in 1796.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-have-camera-will-travel">HAVE CAMERA, WILL TRAVEL?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/snowdrops-1.jpg" alt="snowdrops" class="wp-image-110585" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/snowdrops-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/snowdrops-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/snowdrops-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/snowdrops-1-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/kent/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/02/snowdrops-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wakehurst-haywards-heath"><a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wakehurst" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wakehurst</a>, Haywards Heath</h3>



<p>Well worth a visit, not just for the snowdrops which appear in lovely carpets around Kew’s Sussex sister site, but also for the rare plants and noteworthy trees, the walled and water gardens, and the wetlands boardwalk. If you’ve not yet ducked into the seed bank, do – it’s one of just a handful around the world, and its work is ever more vital. And did we mention the RHS shop?</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nymans-near-haywards-heath"><a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nymans</a>, near Haywards Heath</h3>



<p>More than 1,000 snowdrop bulbs have been planted around this gorgeous garden and woodland, whose architecture makes a striking backdrop. Look out, too, for the snowdrop’s taller cousin, whose green-tipped flowers resemble little lanterns. Witch hazel, dogwood and hellebores also bring bright cheer before the blossom finally bursts into bloom.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gatton-park-reigate"><a href="https://gattonpark.co.uk/whats-on/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gatton Park</a>, Reigate</h3>



<p>Catch the Surrey snowdrop displays in these Edwardian gardens, designed by Capability Brown, on dedicated ‘Snowdrop Days’ this year – Sun 16 &amp; 23 Feb. For the best displays head to the rock garden and the Japanese Garden. Dogs on leads are welcome. You’ll need to book.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-polesden-lacey-near-dorking"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey/features/snowdrops-a-ray-of-winter-sunshine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polesden Lacey</a>, near Dorking</h3>



<p>Arguably one of the prettiest places to spot these Surrey snowdrops&nbsp;is Polesden Lacey at Great Bookham, near Dorking. White drifts of the winter flowers line the Lime Walk down to the formal gardens.&nbsp;In&nbsp;the formal garden you’ll get more than just snowdrops though, with the white blooms mixing in with yellow winter aconites to create a stunning display. Clutches of these beauties have also sprung up across other parts of the estate so it’s worth a good wander. And – interesting fact alert – did you know that traditionally snowdrops were used as a painkiller? Nope, me either. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-painshill-cobham"><a href="https://www.painshill.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Painshill</a>, Cobham</h3>



<p>And there you were thinking Painshill couldn’t get any more picturesque. The gorgeous 18th-century landscape garden originally created by Charles Hamilton in Cobham, Surrey loves its snowdrops, their cheery heads brightening up even the dullest of winter days. You’ll also find cyclamen as well as some early daffodils&nbsp;unfurling their pretty petals. Dogs on leads are welcome.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-claremont-landscape-garden-esher"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/claremont-landscape-garden/features/winter-at-claremont-landscape-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Claremont Landscape Garden</a>, Esher</h3>



<p>Claremont’s historic royal landscape sees&nbsp;clusters of Galanthus peeking through in the small woodland area of the garden. In addition to the pretty bulbous perennials, you might also be lucky enough to spot the newborn goslings making their first tentative laps of the lake.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rhs-wisley-woking"><a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">RHS Wisley</a>, Woking</h3>



<p>As you’d expect from the Royal Horticultural Society show gardens, there are plenty&nbsp;of snowdrops to be found&nbsp;all around Wisley in Surrey, but for the most dramatic displays head to Oakwood and Battleston Hill. While you’re there, take in the Winter Walk to see the other&nbsp;stars of the winter season including winter-flowering honeysuckle, hellebores and the fire-coloured stems of the Cornus.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kew-gardens-richmond"><a href="https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kew Gardens</a>, Richmond</h3>



<p>The&nbsp;botanical garden&nbsp;is the obvious place to get your snowdrop fix — almost all of the 20 known varieties can be seen here. You’ll find most of Kew’s snowdrop collection in the Rock Garden, and neighbouring Davies Alpine House in the north-east corner of the gardens.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ham-house-richmond"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house-and-garden/features/spring-at-ham-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ham House</a>, Richmond</h3>



<p>Known more for its displays of spring bulbs (more than 500,000&nbsp;crocus, tulips and muscari were planted in 2018), the swathes of snowdrops at Ham House are still a pretty sight.&nbsp;You’ll find snowdrops in the formal gardens, under the acacia trees.</p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more"><em>IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</em></h2>



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<li><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/cosy-pubs-with-walks-kent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">18 winter walks across Kent with warming pitstops</a></li>



<li><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/february-half-term-whats-on-kent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Half term saviour! The 20 best things to do with kids this February</a></li>



<li><a href="https://kent.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/latest-news/local-news-kent-pubs-restaurants/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hot pub goss! Free cocktails, new openings &amp; the hottest tables in town</a></li>
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The best snowdrop walks in Kent

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