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Top places to spot snowdrops in Wales

Children running past snowdrops at Chirk Castle, Wrexham, Wales
Exploring the snowdrops at Chirk Castle | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Spotting snowdrops is a beautiful way to mark the changing seasons, and National Trust Cymru properties across Wales offer some of the best places to see these delicate flowers from January to March. Wander through gardens, woodlands, and parklands for a glimpse of these early blooms. Admission charges apply, but National Trust members and under-5s can enjoy free entry. Be sure to check opening times before visiting.

Spot snowdrops in North Wales

Children walking through woodland filled with snowdrops in winter at Chirk Castle estate in Wrexham, Wales
Walking in the woodland at Chirk Castle estate, Wrexham | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Chirk Castle and Gardens, Wrexham

Chirk Castle’s award-winning garden boasts one of the finest snowdrop displays in Wales. The Pleasure Ground Wood offers a stunning show in February, where two acres of snowdrops create a breathtaking scene. Wander peaceful paths through a sea of white blooms and vibrant green leaves. In the castle’s gardens, delicate snowdrops can be found amid yew hedges, borders, and rock gardens. There are also three dog-friendly trails for snowdrop spotting. Accessible pathways are available, with a map to guide visitors to the best routes.

The red and orange stems of a dogwood shrub with the white flowers of snowdrops peeking through in the Winter Garden at Bodnant, North Wales
Cornus and snowdrops in the Winter Garden at Bodnant, North Wales | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Bodnant Garden, Conwy

At Bodnant Garden, snowdrops begin to appear in the Winter Garden from early January, and by February’s end, thousands blanket the Old Park. Thanks to the annual tradition of planting new bulbs, the display grows more impressive each year. Visitors can participate in this tradition during February half-term, from 15 February to 2 March. Follow the snowdrop trail from the Winter Garden gate, through the Old Park, Yew Dell, and Far End area, to see a variety of native snowdrop species. Dogs on short leads are welcome until the end of March. Note: the garden features steep paths and steps, but there are some accessible routes.

Plas yn Rhiw Snowdrops
Snowdrops at Plas yn Rhiw | © Clwb Camera Dwyfor

Plas yn Rhiw, Pwllheli, Gwynedd

Plas yn Rhiw hosts a special snowdrop event on the first two weekends of February (1-2 and 8-9 February). The garden and ancient woodland come alive with clusters of delicate white snowdrops, offering a magical winter display. No booking is required—simply arrive and enjoy the show! Dogs on leads are welcome to explore the lower woodland, though only assistance dogs are allowed in the garden. Please note, the garden and woodland have steps, gravel paths, and uneven, narrow trails.

Erddig, Wrexham

At Erddig, the first snowdrops appear on the elevated west front of the house, with drifts of white covering the West Front bank by early February. Snowdrop clusters can also be found in the tea garden, along Moss Walk, in the Rose Garden, and throughout the woodlands. Pick up a map and explore the 1,200-acre estate on one of four dog-friendly walking routes to enjoy the blooms. The parkland is open and free to access, with waymarked paths suitable for all. The garden has level access, except for two small sets of steps.

Places to spot snowdrops in Mid Wales

Powis Castle and Gardens, Welshpool

Powis Castle is a must-visit for snowdrop enthusiasts, with swathes of these delicate blooms scattered throughout the terraced garden. From the banks of the Edwardian Formal Garden to the Daffodil Paddock and the enchanting scenes in the Wilderness woodland, the displays create a fairy-tale atmosphere. An additional 8,000 bulbs planted in the woodland will enhance the 2025 snowdrop displays. Dogs on short leads are welcome in the gardens until 28 February and in the Courtyard year-round. The garden is mostly step-free, though there are steep slopes and unfenced terraces.

Top places to spot snowdrops in South Wales

Snowdrops at Dyffryn Gardens
Snowdrops at Dyffryn Gardens | © James Beck

Dyffryn Gardens, near Cardiff

Thousands of bulbs have been planted along the south front beds at Dyffryn Gardens, in front of the mansion house. Keep a look out for the season’s first snowdrops under the trees too. Pick up a Winter Wander leaflet from the Welcome Centre on arrival which will help you find the season’s highlights. Access:  A largely accessible site with a mobility scooter and wheelchairs available for hire free of charge (pre-booking recommended). 

Tredegar House, Newport

While the house and gardens at Tredegar House are closed until February 8th, the parkland remains open for visitors to enjoy the early signs of spring, including the beautiful snowdrops. The parkland provides a perfect setting for these delicate blooms, with clusters of snowdrops scattered across the open, grassy areas and beneath the trees. It's a peaceful place to take a walk and admire the first flowers of the season, offering a tranquil escape even while the house itself is closed. Don't forget to check the opening times for the gardens when they reopen in February!

A close-up of snowdrops growing among brown leaf litter and bright green bracken at Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire.
Snowdrops at Colby Woodland Garden in Pembrokeshire, Wales | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

Colby Woodland Garden, Pembrokeshire

At Colby, nestled in a hidden wooded valley, you can discover charming pockets of snowdrops blooming from mid to late February. These delicate white flowers can be found dotting the edges of the stream, along the banks, and at the bottom of the wildflower meadow. The peaceful setting adds to the magic of these early blooms, creating a tranquil and picturesque spot to enjoy the beauty of winter’s fleeting flowers.