Welcome to our guide to the breathtaking Snowdrop Trails of Cornwall! Each winter, Cornwall's stunning gardens and countryside transform into a sea of delicate white blooms, offering a serene and magical escape for nature lovers. The snowdrop, a symbol of hope and renewal, signals the start of spring and draws visitors from near and far to walk amidst these beautiful displays. Whether you're wandering through historic estates, hidden gardens, or picturesque woodlands, our guide will help you find the best snowdrop trails to explore this season. Discover the
beauty and tranquillity of Cornwall’s snowdrop season and make unforgettable memories surrounded by nature’s winter wonders!
Snowdrops, otherwise known as Galanthus, are often regarded as being the first sign of spring, even though they can start to be seen from late December into January. What is for certain, however, is that walking through the snowdrops and enjoying trails carpeted with them is a lovely activity for families. We have put together some of our favourite locations for family snowdrop walks and trails in Cornwall. If you know any that your family love and that we have missed, please send us an email at editorial@writeplacemedia.co.uk
If you would like to look at growing your own snowdrops at home as a family project, then see this article from the Gardeners World website with tips on how to plant and care for them as well as information on different varieties.
Antony Woodland Garden, near Torpoint - situated adjacent to the National Trust property - from January onwards, snowdrops start to appear on the floor of the garden. Also, enjoy the Broomhill Tearoom situated within the Woodland Gardens of Antony Estate, just before Jupiter Point.
Bodinel, near Bodmin - snowdrops can typically be found around this group of small settlements overlooking the River Camel valley
Cotehele, near Saltash the National Trust site has an abundance of snowdrops at this time of year throughout the gardens but particularly in the Upper Garden, under trees, in the borders and peeking through the black grass on the pond.
Ethy Woods, near Lerryn - snowdrops can be found in this small mixed woodland, which lies adjacent to the estuary of the River Fowey
Glendurgan, near Falmouth - the cherry orchard at this National Trust site is a highlight when visiting during February and March
Helford River - displays of snowdrops near the chapel and also at the top of Frenchman's Creek
Hidden Valley, near Launceston, during the snowdrop season, this award-winning three-acre garden and specialist plant nursery near Par has a beautiful display for visitors to see; however for the 2026 season, the garden will not be opening until 3rd April
Lanhydrock Gardens, near Bodmin - the wooded gardens throughout this vast National Trust site have an abundance of snowdrops during the winter, with guides to walks and what you might see available upon arrival
Lost Gardens of Heligan, Pentewan, near St Austell - every winter, the Gardens are lined with drifts of white snowdrops and hellebores, with the first snowdrops of the year tending to make an appearance in the Ornamental Garden from January.
Nanstallon, near Wadebridge - walking along the Camel Trail from Dunmere to Grogley Halt you can spot snowdrops in Nanstallon, along the lane to Ruthernbridge and by the river at Grogley Holt
Pencarrow, near Bodmin, will be hosting its Snowdrop weekend on 7th and 8th February to help support two chosen local charities
Pentillie Castle, St Mellion, nr Saltash- many paths around the estate are covered in blankets of snowdrops throughout the season. Check the website to find out more about access
Pinetum Gardens near St Austell has an approach road to the main garden, which is planted with thousands of snowdrops alongside many other seasonal flowers
St Nectan's Glennear Tintagel - visitors walking in the paths around this sacred waterfall near Tintagel will be able to spot plenty of snowdrops on their trek
Trebah Gardens - snowdrops grow across the grassy banks of the garden
Tregoose, Grampound, nr Truro - these gardens, which are open to the public, and you can see the flowering of approximately 70 varieties of snowdrop, many of which are planted in the woodland garden between November and March.
Trelissick, the National Trust site near Truro, has borders scattered with hellebores, snowdrops and primroses, and the river views are framed and silhouetted by the budding branches in the canopies
Trengwainton, near Penzance - another National Trust location, has displays of snowdrops to see as you wander the winding paths with hundreds nestling at the base of the trees lining the Drive and Long Walk.
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