Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-derbyshire">DERBYSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-calke-abbey-ticknall">Calke Abbey, Ticknall</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Calke-Abbey.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3036" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Calke-Abbey.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Calke-Abbey-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Calke-Abbey-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Calke-Abbey-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Snowdrops at Calked Abbey ©National Trust Images/Gillian Day</figcaption></figure>



There are swathes of pretty snowdrops to take in on the lovely 4km<a href="https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/england/leicestershire/calke-abbey-and-dimminsdale-nature-reserve-circular" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> circular walk</a> from <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/calke-abbey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Calke Abbey </a>to Dimminsdale Nature Reserve. An easy and beautiful route, this a great one to do with kids.



When: Throughout February.



How much: Entrance to the park and gardens is £7 (£3.50 kids).



Where to go afterwards: Insatiable snowdrop appetite? Head to The Dower House (below) in Melbourne and have an explore round the pretty village.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hopton-hall-hopton">Hopton Hall, Hopton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/Snowdrops-at-Hopton-Hall.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3003" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/Snowdrops-at-Hopton-Hall.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/Snowdrops-at-Hopton-Hall-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/Snowdrops-at-Hopton-Hall-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/Snowdrops-at-Hopton-Hall-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The Snowdrop Walk at <a href="https://www.hoptonhall.co.uk/snowdrop-walk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hopton Hall</a> is a gorgeous little plod that’s particularly lovely with small children. I’ve been going to this much-loved private garden every year (barring the pandemic) since my own kids were toddling and its gentle paths with masses of snowdrops has become a February family favourite.



When: The grounds open from Thurs 1 Feb to Thurs 29 Feb (10.30am-4pm, last entry 3pm).



How much: Entrance is £5 for adults, free for under 6s and £2.50 for children aged 6-16. Free parking.



Where to go afterwards: Carsington Water, with its big adventure playground, lakeside walk and visitor centre is five minutes away. You can also hop on the <a href="https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/trails/high-peak-trail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High Peak Trail</a> just a couple of miles from Hopton.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hardwick-hall-chesterfield">Hardwick Hall, Chesterfield</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-Hardwick-Hall-NT-Images.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3034" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-Hardwick-Hall-NT-Images.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-Hardwick-Hall-NT-Images-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-Hardwick-Hall-NT-Images-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-Hardwick-Hall-NT-Images-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hardwick Hall ©National Trust Images/Robert Morris</figcaption></figure>



Clustered beneath yew and lime trees, the snowdrops at the Elizabethan <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/hardwick" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hardwick Hall </a>were originally planted to spell out the names of the 6th Duke’s nieces. Now they’re spread to create stunning carpets of white, you can’t make the names out, but it’s a sweet story eh?



When: The gardens are open from 9.30am to 4.30pm throughout February.



How much: A family ticket for non-members costs £42.50.



Where to go afterwards: Right next the the south gate on your way out you&#8217;ll find <a href="https://www.hardwickinn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hardwick Inn</a>, a cosy 16th century pub that serves traditional home-cooked fare.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-dower-house-melbourne">The Dower House, Melbourne</h2>



Opening for one weekend as part of the National Garden Scheme <a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/20945/the-dower-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dower House</a> in Melbourne has a gorgeous view of Melbourne Pool and a lovely garden and woodland with plenty of glades of pretty snowdrops.



When: Sat 10 and Sun 11 Feb.



How much: £8 adults (kids free).



Where to go afterwards: Lovely Melbourne (one of Muddy&#8217;s <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/derbyshire/melbourne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best Places to Live</a>) is quaint and quirky and well worth a mooch around. Refuel on the best pizzas around in <a href="https://harpursofmelbourne.co.uk/">Harpur&#8217;s.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kedleston-hall-derby">Kedleston Hall, Derby</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Kedleston.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3035" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Kedleston.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Kedleston-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Kedleston-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Kedleston-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Snowdrops at Kedleston ©National Trust Images/Robert Morris</figcaption></figure>



There are lovely, family-friendly walks through the grounds and parkland at <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/peak-district-derbyshire/kedleston-hall" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kedleston Hall </a>(which looks just like a mini Chatsworth) and you&#8217;ll be treated to plenty of snowdrops along the way.



When: The gardens are open from 9am to 4pm throughout February.



How much: £15 adults, £7.50 kids.



Where to go afterwards: Muddy loves the scrumptious soups at Kedleston&#8217;s Great Kitchen restaurant.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-thornbridge-hall-bakewell">Thornbridge Hall, Bakewell</h2>



Surrounded by 13.5 acres of quirky and quintessentially English gardens, <a href="https://www.thornbridgehall.co.uk/estategardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thornbridge Hall</a> has stacks of snowdrops to marvel at.



When: If snowdrops make an early appearance this year, get there fast as it&#8217;s a bargain £3 in January. 



How much: Entry is £3 throughout January. Check the website for when it opens after January.



Where to go afterwards: Beautiful Bakewell (a Muddy <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/bakewell/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best Place to Live</a>) has oodles of charm and quairk and is a fun place to while a day away. There&#8217;s a great adventure playground by the pretty river, the shops are always tempting and a pudd at <a href="https://www.bakewellpuddingshop.co.uk/">The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop</a>&nbsp;is a must.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nottinghamshire">NOTTINGHAMSHIRE</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-holme-pierrepont-hall-nottingham">Holme Pierrepont Hall, Nottingham</h2>



<a href="https://www.holmepierreponthall.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holme Pierrepont</a> is famous for its spectacular displays of snowdrops. Yep, snowdrops are its thang. You’ll also catch a gorgeous display of other winter-flowering plants including hellebores, aconites, cyclamen, cornus and winter flowering irises.



When: Between 11am and 3pm, Sunday to Friday, from Mon 5 February to Fri 8 March. How much: £6 per adult, kids (and Historic House members) go free. If you fancy a nose (and defrost) inside the house too, it&#8217;s £14. Make sure you stop at a cashpoint en route &#8211; it&#8217;s cash only on the door this year.&nbsp;Free parking Where to go afterwards: You may not fancy getting wet, but the nearby <a href="https://www.nwscnotts.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Watersports Centre</a> is well worth a visit. Holme Pierrepont Country Park is set in 270 acres of beautiful parkland, surrounded by lakes and has cycle routes that are lovely for walking or pedalling.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-felley-priory-garden-underwood">Felley Priory Garden, Underwood</h2>



With drifts of 60 varieties of delicate snowdrops, you’ll be in snowdrop heaven at <a href="https://www.felleypriory.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Felley Priory</a>. As well as the bog standard white, you’ll find some rarer&nbsp;yellow snowdrops, including&nbsp;Wendy’s Gold, Primrose Warburg and Spindleson Surprise. The garden’s topiary is magnificent too, with bushes shaped into swans, castles and peacocks.



When: Open Tues-Fri, 9am-4pm.



How much: £6.50 per person (until 29 Feb). 



Where to afterwards: If you’re visiting at the weekend or half term, pop to nearby <a href="https://newsteadabbey.org.uk/house-admissions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newstead Abbey’s Historic House </a>for a warm-up tour. Hungry? Head over the road to <a href="https://www.chefandbrewer.com/pubs/nottinghamshire/hutt/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hutt</a>, a beautiful 15th century country pub with great, family-friendly food.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clumber-park-worksop">Clumber Park, Worksop</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Clumber-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3037" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Clumber-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Clumber-200x300.jpg 200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Clumber-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Clumber-350x525.jpg 350w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/NT-snowdrops-Clumber.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Early snowdrops at Clumber ©National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor</figcaption></figure>



With more than 3,800 acres of parkland, peaceful woods and open heath, there are stacks of snowdrop opps at<a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/nottinghamshire-lincolnshire/clumber-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Clumber Park</a>.



When: As soon as snowdrops start to appear.



How much: £5 adults, £2.50 kids.



Where to go afterwards: Make a day of it at Clumber &#8211; there&#8217;s so much to see and do. Take (or hire) bikes for the 20 miles of bike trails, walk round the Serpentine lake or scoff some scones in the <a href="http://é" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Turning Yard Café</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-church-farm-retford">Church Farm, Retford</h2>



A gorgeous spring garden with a woodland area that&#8217;s completely carpeted with snowdrops (as well as aconites and cyclamen) which have seeded into the adjoining churchyard. <a href="https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/34309/church-farm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Church Farm&#8217;s </a>private garden, open as part of NGS, boasts an amazing 180 named snowdrops. Fancy some for your own patch? There should be plenty for sale too.



When: Sun 18 Feb.



How much: £4 adults, kids free.



Where to go afterwards: &nbsp;Muddy loves the cute and cosy <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g1930082-d3961177-Reviews-Ollerton_Watermill_Teashop-Ollerton_Nottinghamshire_England.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ollerton Watermill Tea shop</a>. <a href="https://www.thechequersatranby.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Chequers Inn</a> at Ranby is also nice for a pub lunch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hodsock-priory-hodsock">Hodsock Priory, Hodsock</h2>



Alas, <a href="https://www.hodsockpriory.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hodsock</a>, which was known for its snowdrops, is no longer opening to visitors. Sir Andrew and Lady Buchanan have retired and made the difficult decision to no longer open the gardens at Hodsock for snowdrops or bluebells. Try one of the gardens just across the border (below) instead.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-across-the-border">ACROSS THE BORDER</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/Easton-snowdrops-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-3018" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/Easton-snowdrops-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/Easton-snowdrops-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/Easton-snowdrops-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2023/01/Easton-snowdrops-1-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Snowdrops at Easton Walled Gardens</figcaption></figure>



It&#8217;s worth the trip to <a href="https://www.rodehall.co.uk/snowdrops" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rode Hall </a>in Staffordshire when it opens up for its stunning Snowdrop Walks between Thursdays and Sundays from Sat 3 Feb to Sat 2 March (£7.50 £3 for kids).



Missing Hodsock Priory&#8217;s amazing snowdrops? Try the two gardens below, a hop across the border but pretty close by. 



<a href="https://www.visiteaston.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Easton Walled Gardens </a>near Grantham has fabulous snowdrop displays spread over 12 acres of 400-year-old restored gardens. It opens from Wed 14 Feb (Wed to Sun) at £10 for adults and £5 for children. In Lincolnshire <a href="https://www.doddingtonhall.com/event/spring-bulb-pageant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Doddington Hall&#8217;s Spring Bulb Pageant</a>, from Sun 4 Feb to the und of March, is the one to visit (£9.50 for adults, £4.50 for children).

They’re out! 15 lovely local snowdrop walks with pitstops

You may also like