The Scottish Snowdrop Festival is now on, with beautiful displays of the delicate white flowers on show across Scotland. Did you know Snowdrops meaning Snowflowers, were introduced to the UK in the 1600s? With over 2,500 varieties which ones will you spot? Here is everything you need to know about Scotland's Snowdrop Festival from where it is taking place to the incredible gardens you can see them, including Botanical Gardens to Stately Homes and Scottish Castles.
Scotland's Snowdrop Festival
About Scotland's Snowdrop Festival
The Scottish Snowdrop Festival runs annually from January through to the beginning of March. Each location has slightly different dates and opening times. Organised by Discover Scotland's Gardens and includes many of the gardens that are part of the Scotland Gardens Scheme (Open for Charity). They range from well-known gardens of stately homes to cottage gardens, wildlife gardens, and allotments.
One of the beautiful gardens you might like to visit is The National Trust for Scotland - Branklyn Gardens, Perth. A chance to explore this beautiful garden in winter, when normally closed.
About Snowdrops
There are over 2,500 snowdrop varieties including 'Lady Beatrix Stanley', 'Magnet', 'Flore Pleno', and of course the common snowdrop 'Galanthus nivalis'. The beautiful delicate white flowers are a symbol that spring is on the way, blooming from the end of January through to the beginning of March. You can buy snowdrop bulbs from as little as 50 pence! Though, those that are very rare and that are limited, can reach high prices. Recently one bulb - Galanthus Plicatus 'Golden Tears' sold for £1,850.
The best time to plant you're own snowdrop bulbs is in autumn from late August through to mid-October before the temperatures drop. Each bulb should be planted to a depth of 10-15cm and 10cm apart. After a few years the bulbs will multiply, these can then be divided and replanted.
Where To See The Snowdrops
Cambo Gardens
Cambo Gardens where the Snowdrop Festival started in 2007 has Scotland's largest snowdrop collection with over 350 varieties. Open 7- days a week from 10am until the 12th March. The woodland walk is tranquil with the soothing sounds of the fast-running waters of Cambo Burn. Look out for snowdrops on sale. Well worth a visit!
Blair Castle, Pitlochry
The castle is the focal point of a designed landscape of 2,500 acres within the estate. Recently the Hercules Walled Garden has been restored to its original 18th-century glory and contains ponds, a Chinese bridge, and an orchard of more than a hundred fruit trees.
Re-opening on the 1st April until then you might like to enjoy the woodland walks. Keep an eye out for Red Squirrels!
Branklyn Gardens
The 2-acre hillside Branklyn Gardens was established in 1922 and is normally closed during the winter months but open especially for the Snowdrop Festival 12th - 16th February 10.30am - 15.30pm. With over 200 varities of snowdrop including swathes of the common snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, and cultivated varieties of ‘Faringdon Double’, ‘Little Ben’, and ‘Moses Basket’.
Snowdrops (including several rare varieties) will be available to purchase from our specialist snowdrop seller on Friday 14 February and Saturday 15 February.
£8.50 adult/£7.00 Cons/£5.00 Child. Don't miss this small window to visit Branklyn Gardens during the winter.
Hopetoun House
The 18th-century Hopetoun House is delighted to be taking part in the Scottish Snowdrop Festival. This year they will be open on Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th February to celebrate the arrival of the snowdrops. Open each day 10am - 16.00pm. The house and cafe will be open to. Various ticket options are available to pre-book.
Drumlairig Castle & Gardens, Dumfries & Galloway
Enjoy one of the first signs of spring at Drumlanrig Castle Gardens as we showcase our snowdrops on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd February, 11am - 3pm to explore the magnificent Castle Gardens before they officially open on 1st March. Follow a specially designed way-marked route around the Gardens and discover the variety of snowdrops on display.
As well as the snowdrops, don’t miss the witch hazels that light up the winter garden with their spidery, fragrant blooms in vivid yellow, orange, and red. These hardy shrubs bring warmth and colour to the frosty landscape, a cheerful surprise when most plants lie dormant.
Glamis Castle
Join headgardener, Des Cotton for Glamis Castle Snowdrop events taking place on the 17th, 18th, 24th, and 25th February.
Join in with some planting of both single and double snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis and Galanthus nivalis ‘Flore Pleno’ on the castle's nature trail. Gardening tools will be supplied but you are encouraged to bring your own, should you prefer (trowel, gardening gloves, and kneeler).
“We are really looking forward to welcoming the Snowdrop Festival to Glamis Castle. We have over 650 years of history within the grounds here at Glamis and the special snowdrop planting that will take place over these weekends in February presents a unique opportunity for visitors to be part of our castle’s journey. We look forward to welcoming each, and every one of you,” says Head Gardener, Des Cotton.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Join the Royal Botanic Garden Guides each weekend in Edinburgh for an introduction to our specialist snowdrop collection, including an explanation of the different species and cultivars, and to the collection of spring plants and bulbs including Narcissus, Fritillaria and Iris as well as other plants of interest.
Walks will be held each Saturday and Sunday at 11am from 18 January until 16 February 2025.
House of Binns
Enjoy immersing yourself in nature as you stroll through the woodland path that is blanketed by snowdrops at House of Binns between 10th - 14th February.
Collect your snowdrop sheet at the entrance to the House of the Binns and look out for the trail markers to learn amazing facts about this winter flower.
Return to the entrance to collect your snowdrop souvenir by telling the National Trust for Scotland staff/volunteer your favourite fact. Prebook on eventbrite!
Abbotsford House
Abbotsford House, home of Sir Walter Scott (historical novelist & poet) between 1817 - 1825 is located in the Scottish Borders only a short train trip from Edinburgh. The grand historic stately house and gardens are set on the banks of the River Tweed. While Abbotsford House and Gardens are currently closed until 1st March 2025 you can enjoy the woodland and riverside walks with snowdrops in the Abbotsford Estate. You might also like to visit the Witch Corner sculpture trail? This can be pre-booked and is open Wednesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm.
Dunvagen Castle & Gardens
Any visit to the Isle of Skye is incomplete without enjoying the wealth of 800 years of history including the legendary Fairy Flag, and horticultural delights at award-winning 5* Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, now an RHS partner garden. Open Thursday 13th February, Saturday 15th February, and Tuesday 18th February, 10am - 2pm
I hope you have enjoyed reading and are feeling inspired to visit one or more of these incredible snowdrop locations in Scotland. Do let me know which ones you visit and what your favourite place to see snowdrops is.
Until next time,
Michelle x
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