Snowdrops at Anglesey Abbey

A close up images of a cluster of white snowdrops — Snowdrops in bloom at Anglesey Abbey in Cambridgeshire | © National Trust Images/Ray Dale

Anglesey Abbey has one of the finest snowdrop collections in the country, with over 500 varieties of these delicate white flowers, many of which are rare. Take in their beauty amongst a collection of classical statues and wander through the Winter Garden, also in its prime at this time of year.

The snowdrop collection at Anglesey Abbey

The snowdrop collection here at Anglesey Abbey hosts over 500 individual varieties of snowdrop, with some found right here in our gardens and as such, are named after people and places with links to Anglesey Abbey.

Galanthus nivalis 'Anglesey Abbey'

Taking its name from its place of origin, this snowdrop was discovered at Anglesey Abbey. It is the green v-shape mark on the tips of the inner petals which gives this single snowdrop its recognisable features, and it often flowers around the middle of January.

Galanthus 'Richard Ayres'

‘Richard Ayres’ was named by the National Trust after a former Head Gardener. Its flowers can range from three to six petals, meaning it can be described as irregular, and it has been known to grow to heights of up to 30cm.

Galanthus 'Hobson's Choice'

Made up from singular flowers, this snowdrop has a distinctive v-shape mark on the inner petals. Named after Thomas Hobson, who purchased Anglesey Abbey in 1627 and converted it from a derelict priory to the country house you see today, and who is also known for his ‘take that one or none’ approach.

The Specialist Collection Tours 2025

The specialist collection contains some of the snowdrops that are directly linked with Anglesey Abbey, and is only accessible as part of a guided tour. Join one of our knowledgeable garden team to discover our private collection of snowdrops, not usually accessible to visitors.

Snowdrop tours will run from Monday 27 January to Friday 28 February 2025, every day of the week apart from Saturdays. Tours will take place at 11am and 13.30pm on these days and there is no need to pre-book this year. Instead, please tell a member of the welcome team in the Visitor Centre on the day that you would like to join a tour and you will be given a ticket.

Our snowdrop tours are always really popular so we recommend that you arrive early to collect your ticket from the visitor centre. Tickets will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. The tours are free, but we would gratefully receive a £5 donation to help care for the collections at Anglesey Abbey. We look forward to welcoming you.

snowdrops in the morning sunlight in front of the house at Anglesey Abbey — Snowdrops in the morning sunlight at Anglesey Abbey | © Justin Minns

When to see the Anglesey Abbey snowdrops

Late January and early February is the best time to come and see the snowdrops around the gardens. Look out for the 'snowdrop hotspot' signs and don't miss the Woodland Path, Jubilee Avenue and the Winter Garden.

Where to find our snowdrops

Snowdrops can be found across the gardens and you do not need to book a tour to see them. Here are some of the best spots:

The Winter Garden

The first snowdrops to appear are usually found beneath the splendor of the Winter Garden. Generally visible from the start of January, this is a favourite pathway to spot several different varieties of the delicate white flowers whilst also enjoying the sensory planting surrounding them.

The Woodland Path

Along with daffodils and hellebores, the Woodland Path and Woodland Play Area access path provide a natural setting for small clumps of some of our more common snowdrops. If you're heading through either of these paths, keep an eye out for them as they can often spread with each passing year.