![Snowdrops in the Cotswolds [2025]](https://cotswoldlittleexplorers.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/colesbournegardenicehouse-snowdrops26cyclamen.jpg?w=1024)
Image courtesy of Colesbourne Gardens
A pretty snow drop walk is just the ticket for family fun, even when winter is still in full swing.
I’m always looking for ideas on places to go as a family in the winter to get us all out and about for a bit; kids and adults alike, we always feel better, more regulated and calm after spending time outdoors – can anyone relate?!
Especially as the winter carries on, getting fresh air and light can do us all the world of good and is more important than ever.
I’m a great flower lover, and if you are anything like me, the first snowdrops are such a welcome sight that spring is on the way and the darkest part of the year is past. That crisp, fresh white of the snowdrop really brightens up our winters landscape here in the Cotswolds, and going to walk among them is on the top of my list every January.
We have rounded up the places to see the best snowdrops the Cotswolds have to offer, where the kids can explore natures snowy carpet of stunning blooms. Bring a scavenger hunt and a flask of hot chocolate to make a day of it!
Blooms normally peak in late January and February. Many of the locations below have very well regarded displays of flowers that people.wait all year for – check the links for any snowdrops updates via the websites.
Where to see snowdrops in the Cotswolds
. . .
Colesbourne Gardens
WODLAND WALK ✅️ GARDENS ✅️
The first on our list is Colesbourne Gardens, and this is because it is the number one recommendation for visiting a snowdrop display in the Cotswolds, and probably the most famous in the area.
Often described as one of the best snowdrop collections in the UK, Colesbourne has over 300 varieties of snowdrops on display and is a vast, sweeping spectacle of white.
There are over 10 acres of the private gardens and woodland walks, including an arboretum, to explore.
Definitely somewhere you can tire the kids out!
Open days are every Saturday and Sunday from the end of January to the end of February.
Visit the website here for full details.
Colesbourne Park Gardens is £10 per adult and children under 16 go free.
Painswick Rococo Gardens.
PLAY AREA ✅️ CAFE ✅️ WALKS ✅️
If you want to see snowdrops but don’t fancy a woodland walk with the little ones, how about a visit to the wonderful Painswick Rococo Gardens for their snowdrop spectacular.
The gardens open on January 20th, where visitors can view the large naturalistic snowdrop display, carpeting the steep banks of the garden and woodland glades in pure white and fresh green.
Take a stroll through the woodland, play in the rustic play area and get lost in the ’amazing maze!’ There is also a fairy-tale castle carved into a beech tree, which is pretty impressive and the children will love it! There’s a small café to stop for warming drinks and treats to.
A family ticket (2 adults, 4 children) starts at £31.50 Check website for further ticket prices. Pre booking essential – no gate tickets.
Dyrham Park
PLAY AREA ✅️ WALKS ✅️ CAFE ✅️ VIEWS ✅️ HISTORIC ✅️
Dyrham Park is where kids adventures meets snowdrop magic! A National Trust property, Dyrham Park is a great choice for parents, who can admire the stunning snowdrops, and kids can play and explore the vast estate. Make sure to visit the old lodge playground, then explore the historic house and gardens.
The estate has a lovely café at the old lodge play area and a tearoom at the house, offering a warm respite from the weather. There is also the stunning Prospect Walk, which is relatively short, easy terrain, even suitable for an all terrain pushchair.
Free entry for National Trust members. Ticket for non members start from £17 per adult, £8.50 per child. Please check website for details.
Newark Park
Newark Park is another National Trust property that hosts a beautiful snowdrop blanket in the gardens and woodlands from late January to early February.
Families can enjoy the beauty of a sea of snowdrops while the kids can explore the parks scenic corners, including a playfield with climbing equipment, and a woodland play area with willow tunnels and carvings.
There are various woodland walks on offer for families. (For our favourite click here for the full guide) There is a takeaway café with covered seating, serves really good coffee and ither hot drinks, cakes and pasties.
Free entry for National Trust members. Tickets for non members vary; prices starting form £9.50. Please check website for details.
Westonbirt Arboretum
WOODLAND WALKS✅️ PLAY AREA ✅️ CAFE ✅️
Westonbirt Arboretum , the national arboretum, is a vast collection of beautiful trees from across the globe.
It is nestled in the south Cotswolds and is home to lots of lovely snowdrops, putting on their stunning display in over 600 acres of woodland.
Families can also pick up the ‘Winter Trail’ pack from reception; a scavenger/ treasure hunt where children can solve clues left at different locations around the arboretum.
There is a play area, café and treetop walk at Westonbirt, making it a great family day out in nature.
Delicate blooms at Westonbirt
Tickets: Adult entry, £9. Child entry, £3.
Batsford Arboretum
PLAY AREA ✅️ CAFE ✅️ WALKS ✅️ GARDEN CENTRE ✅️
Batsford Arboretum, is the second arboretum in the Cotswolds, located to the north near to Moreton -in -Marsh. Smaller in size but just as beautiful, Batsford has a wonderful display of snowdrops to dazzle visitors, as well as a lovely café, garden centre, play area, and gift shop.
Family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) start at £22.50. See website for more ticket options
Cerney House Gardens
Walks ✅️
How about Cerney House Gardens to chase away the winter blues with a burst of snowdrop beauty.
This isn’t such an obvious choice as the others for a family, there is no play area, but if your children are happy walking the trail and drifts of snowdrops are lovely.
It’s a nice place for a winter walk, where adults and children can enjoy the snowdrop spectacle and the rest of the walled gardens and woodland.
It’s so close to Cirencester, so nice to combine a visit here with a trip to the Cotswold town which has some nice things for families including the Corinium Museum which runs a family program – might be a great choice for a winters day.
At Cerney House Gardens, there is a small self-service café and shop on site.
Cerney House Gardens is £7 per adult and £1 per child.
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Cotswold Little Explorers 
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