SNOWDROP OPEN DAYS – Norfolk – National Garden Scheme
The snowdrops are piercing their way through the frozen ground and the press is full of good advice encouraging us to get outside and enjoy nature. From the end of January and throughout February the National Garden Scheme will have several gardens on show with some firm favourites opening their gates once more and we are thrilled to include the historic garden at Brinton Hall, opening for the first time.
The National Garden Scheme has plenty of choice when it comes to Snowdrop Openings this year. With free entry for children and dogs generally welcome on leads, openings at Lexham Hall, Horstead House, Bagthorpe Hall and Chestnut Farm all make for wonderful winter outings. Brinton Hall is making its debut with pre-booked only entry and owner guided walks around this historic garden. With warming refreshments available in all gardens, the humble snowdrop has never been more appealing so wrap up and venture out.
Throughout the year, many gardens will open by arrangement, including Chestnut Farm, so you can plan your own bespoke visits with friends and family direct with the owners. Full details in the Garden Visitors’ Handbook and online.
CHESTNUT FARM, Sunday 25th January and Sunday 22nd February. 11.00am – 4.00pm. Church Road, West Beckham NR25 6NX. Entry£6 Chd free.. Pre-booking online or cash only on the day. A mature 3 acre garden developed over 60 years with collections of many rare and unusual plants. With a good show of aconites, 100+ varieties of snowdrops, drifts of crocus and seasonal flowering shrubs. Also open by arrangement.
LEXHAM HALL, Sunday 8th February and Sunday 15th February. 11.00am-4.00pm. PE32 2QJ, near Litcham. Entry £6. Chd free. Pre-booking online, card or cash on the day. Parkland with lake and river walks surround C17 Hall. Woodlands and borders carpeted with snowdrops. www.lexhamestate.co.uk
HORSTEAD HOUSE Saturday 14th February. 11.00am-4.00pm. Mill Road, Horstead, NR12 7AU. Entry £6. Chd free. Pre-booking online, card or cash on the day. Stunning display of beautiful snowdrops with winter flowering shrubs. Another beautiful feature is the dogwoods growing on a small island in the River Bure, which flows through the garden.
BRINTON HALL Sunday 15th February. 10.30am-3.00pm. Stody Road, Brinton, NR24 2QH (near Melton Constable). Entry £15. Chd free. No dogs. Pre-book online essential. A guided walk with the owners in the historic garden developed over 40 years. With large drifts of snowdrops and numerous cultivars, the walk crosses over a meadow to the lake, where there are specimen trees and shrubs planted for winter interest and scent.
BAGTHORPE HALL. Sunday 22nd February. 11.00am – 4.00pm. Bircham, PE31 6QY. Entry £6. Chd free. Pre-booking online, card or cash on the day. Surrounded by farmland, this is a delightful circular walk which meanders through a stunning display of snowdrops naturally carpeting a woodland floor
Before visiting a garden, it is advisable to check the website for up to date information at www.ngs.org.uk.
