The snowdrop first appeared in Scotland in the 18th century and its scientific name is Galanthus Nivalis, which means milk flower. The Scottish Snowdrop festival signifies the end of winter and the start of spring with over 60 events in the finest gardens and woodlands until March. Here's Nadia Saleem's pick of the best
Brian Cunningham, head gardener at Scone Palace. Video by Colin Mearns
Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
The botanic garden gives visitors a fantastic view of the capital’s landmarks and hosts numerous events from guided tours to exploring the 3,000 exotic plants from around the world. Admission is free and the garden’s snowdrop collection will be displayed throughout the festival with tours at 11am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 15 February to 10 March.
Cambo House & Estate, Fife
Cambo House has 70 acres of land and includes a pleasant walk through the woodland to see their renowned collection of snowdrops. The estate has a play area for children, various activities in the woodlands and specialist snowdrop sessions. It is dog-friendly. From February 1 to 8 March, 10:30am-4pm. Entry fee is £5.50 and under 16s are free.
Greenbank Garden, East Renfrewshire
Visitors can take a stroll through its walled garden and admire the 3,600 plants that are cultivated there. Guided walks to see the snowdrop collection will begin on March 9 and visitors can also explore the various statues and wood carvings. Tickets for adults are £7.50 and family tickets are £18.50. It’s open from 11am-3pm.
The Mount Stuart Hall, Argyll and Bute
Mount Stuart on Bute is only 33 miles away from Glasgow – and you'll have the fun of a short ferry trip. The mansion is inspired by Victorian gothic and was the architectural vision for the 3rd Marquess of Bute. There will be self-guided walks to see the blanket of snowdrops that cover the estate until March 11. Tickets are £8.25 per person and the garden is open Monday-Friday.
Dawyck Botanic Garden, Stobo
Dawyck Garden is not only home to some of the tallest tress in Britain but also has a stunning display of seasonal snowdrops. The 65 acre garden offers woodland walks, exhibitions and themed trails. The garden includes plants from China, Nepal, Japan and North America. If you get tired looking at all the plants then you can always take a break in Dawyck’s award winning café. Tickets start at £6 per person. Until March 11, 10am-4pm.
Castle Kennedy Garden, Dumfries and Galloway
Castle Kennedy in Stranraer is well-known for its beautiful garden. There are 75 acres of land which includes swathes of snowdrops, trees, sculptures, exotic plants and snowdrop-lined drives. Specialist snowdrops can be found in the walled garden along with a two acre pond. Tickets are £5.50 and under 18s are £2. This will take place until March 31, from 10am-5pm.
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Brodie Castle, Highlands
The castle has been here since the 12th century and was once seat to one of Scotland’s most prominent families. The garden is known for its 400 varieties of daffodils and Scotland’s biggest bunny statue. The garden offers woodland walks where visitors can discover the hidden swathes of snowdrops as well as a nature trail and adventure playground for children. Entry for adults is £11 and £6.50 for children, 10am-4pm.
Scone Palace, Perth
Scone was famously once where Scottish kings were crowned. The palace is filled with antiques, paintings and rare artefacts. Scone takes part in the snowdrop festival each year and gives visitors the chance to take a stroll through the 100-acre garden and grounds which are lined with the flowers. At the end of the walk you can relax at the Old Servants Coffee shop. Admission is free and the gardens are open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm.
Cringletie House, Peebles, Scottish Borders
Cringletie makes the perfect backdrop to observe the wonderful collection of snowdrops scattered throughout the woods overlooking the gorge. Cringletie has also expanded its nature trail so you can explore the path by the waterfall while collecting fairy tokens along the way, to keep the children entertained. Until March 11, open from 9am-3pm. Admission to the garden is free.
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Cluny House Gardens, Aberfeldy, Perthshire
The Cluny has an impressive range of snowdrops dotted throughout the grounds and hidden with other spring flowers such as winter aconites and hellebores. If you’re lucky you may be able to spot the red squirrels. Entry for adults is £5 and for children it’s £1. It starts on February 23 until March 11, from 10am-6pm.
Broughton House, Dumfries & Galloway
This Edwardian home in the heart of Kirkcudbright was designed by Scottish architect E A Hornel and his best-known paintings were inspired by the snowdrops growing in the garden. The garden has an equal blend of Eastern and Western horticulture. Entry to the garden is via donation and the snowdrops will be on display until March 11. It’s open Monday-Friday from 11am-4pm.
RSPB Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire
Along with spotting the snowdrops beside the loch you can see whopper swans and crested grebe birds. There are also birds of prey such as sparrow hawks, hen harriers and peregrines. There is also a visitor centre with snacks and gifts. Tickets are £3 and children are £1.50. Until March 11, from 9.30am-5pm.
Barnhill Rock Garden, Dundee
This garden is owned by Dundee City Council. It was recently decided that the garden's woodland would be renamed The Snowdrop Wood. Gardeners, youth organisations and the Friends of the Barnhill Rock Garden have planted thousands of snowdrop bulbs. There are no admission fees and the snowdrops will be on display from February 14 to March 11, 8am-4:30pm.
Logan Botanic Garden, Port Logan, Dumfries and Galloway
One of Scotland’s most exotic gardens, with plants from Australia, New Zealand, South and Central America and Southern Africa. The garden has a wide display of snowdrops and a walled garden with a fish pond. The concession price is £6 per person. The snowdrops can be seen from March 1-11, 10am-4pm.
Fyvie Castle, Aberdeenshire
The woods at Fyvie Castle are a fantastic place to visit if you want to see blooming snowdrops. The castle is an 800-year-old example of Baronial architecture with a history that goes back to William the Lion, who reigned as King of Scots from 1165 to 1214. Admission to the grounds is free although donations are appreciated. Spring walks will be on until March 12, from 9am-3pm.
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