Snowdrops – the first sign of life during winter, and always so welcome after months of leafless trees and bare borders. Up in North Yorkshire a few locations are fantastic for spotting these dainty white flowers, and make a great day out at the same time. Over the next couple of months why not head to one of the following?
1. Fountains Abbey
Located in Ripon, this beautiful Cistercian abbey is one of the best preserved in England and dates from the 12th century. Snowdrops decorate the banks of the river Skell where they were first planted in the 19th century. Wander the deer park and enjoy atmospheric grounds and gardens complete with lakes, statues and views.
Image: Gordon Hatton http://www.geograph.org.uk
2. Kiplin Hall
Slightly further north in Richmond, Kiplin Hall is a Jacobean building with a lovely lakeside setting. If you follow the Snowdrop Trail through the woods and grounds around the hall you'll see great displays of these flowers along with yellow aconites. It's thought they were first planted in the 19th century and have been flourishing ever since. February is the best time to see them.
3. Mount Grace Priory
This is another elegant ruin. It dates from the early 15th century and provides an insight into the quiet, isolated life of the Carthusian monks who inhabited its cells. Its woodland setting is ideal for snowdrops and, for nature lovers, the passages under the crumbling walls are home to a famous colony of stoats!
Image: Mick Garratt http://www.geograph.org.uk
4. Goldsborough Hall
Goldsborough Hall lies to the west of York in Knaresborough and, though the gardens aren't usually open to the public, it opens its doors to visitors every February for the lovely displays of rare snowdrops that grow in the grounds. This 17th century stately home features a recently created Snowdrop Walk in a cleared area of the woods and displays 40 rare varieties of these pretty plants.
5. Burton Agnes Hall
This Elizabethan stately house is home to award winning gardens and a large variety of plants. It actually lies just outside of North Yorkshire, but is certainly worth a mention. Every year between early February and early March the lovely Woodland Walk bursts into life with carpets of snowdrops which create a magnificent sight weaving their way between the trees.
Image: Richard Needham https://commons.wikimedia.org
Visit any or all of these places while you're staying at Bell End Farm in Rosedale Abbey. Find out how by following the link below.
