Roll out the white carpet. The loveliest places to catch winter snowdrops around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Spotted any snowdrops yet? In our woodlands, forest, gardens and riverbanks, once again, nature is rolling out the white carpet. The delicate white flowers are like little pops of winter cheer, a whisper of Spring.

Until it comes, take a lovely local snowdrop walk in one of these super Hampshire and Isle of Wight snowdrop hotspots. Be sure to book ahead where advised – and if you know any secret snowdrop spots, please let us know in the comments below.

HAMPSHIRE

The Vyne, Basingstoke

The National Trust’s very own Tudor mansion is prime hunting ground for the white blooms. Spot them from just outside the carpark to the walled garden and into Morgaston Wood. 

Little Court, Crawley, nr. Winchester

This pretty little three-acre walled garden just outside Winchester is protected from the elements and something for all seasons. Part of the National Open Garden Scheme, book ahead to check out the pretty white flowers on its open days on Mon 14 (romantic!), Sun 20, or Mon 21 February 2022. 

Mottisfont, Romsey

Another National Trust beauty, Mottisfont just outside of Romsey comprises of a historical priory, garden and country estate. There are also hidden brooks and plenty of hiding places for snowdrops to spring from. Located near the River Test, it’s well known for its gardens. Time it right and you’ll find plenty of snowdrops running along its pretty river walk.

Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey

Also in Romsey, Harold Hillier Gardens has over 20 different varieties of snowdrops. With one of the largest Winter Gardens in Europe, its well worth a visit if you live nearby. Covering around four acres, the Winter Gardens are planted with a pleasing palette of bark, bold-coloured stems, scent and foliage. 

Gilbert White’s House, Selborne

Home of the famed naturalist, it makes sense that flowers would be a big part of Gilbert White’s appeal. This year, its annual Snowdrop Weekend is 12 – 13 Feb, with half price house and garden admission all weekend.

Chawton House, Alton

As well as being a spot that champions top female writers and, of course, is synonymous with Jane Austen, Chawton also boasts a rather spectacular planting of snowdrops. Visit the gardens on Snowdrop Sundays between 13 and 20 February for snowdrop tours and snowdrop-themed kids’ trails, taking in the wonderful white blossoms on the South Lawn. Ahead of its reopening on 9 Feb, Chawton is also taking part in the National Garden Scheme Snowdrop Sunday on Sun 6 Feb, with funds raised donated to charity.

Hinton Ampner, near Alresford

With oodles of parkland and carefully coiffed gardens, Hinton Ampner is a sight to behold at any time of the year. But, as you can imagine, with snowdrop season upon us, it gets a whole lot more magical. Look out for them beneath the trees on the East Lawn. You can even take Fido along for this walk – just make sure he doesn’t dig any up.

Pilley Hill Cottage, Lymington

Another gorgeous garden in the south of the county, snowdrops start the season beautifully when Pilley Hill Cottage opens for pre-booked visits as part the National Garden Scheme on Sun 27 February 2022. If you’ve a well-behaved pooch, doggies are welcome here too.

ISLE OF WIGHT

Alverstone, near Sandown

With so much of the Wight being unspoilt, it’s often quite easy to spot little clusters of snowdrops dotted around. Follow the trail around Alverstone to find the blooms and also keep your eyes open for the native Red Squirrels who are active, even at this time of year.

Missed any of your favourite spots? Comment below and let us know!