Our pick of the best places to see spring flowers...
A true sign of spring and a symbol of hope, February is prime snowdrop season, and we are fortunate enough to have plenty of beautiful places across the Winchester district transformed by stunning blankets of these white flowers and colourful spring blooms.
Here are five of our favourite places to see snowdrops and spring flowers in Winchester and our surrounding rural areas.
Hinton Ampner, Alresford
Hinton Ampner is an elegant country manor surrounded by tranquil gardens and beautifully manicured lawns, with avenues of topiary which blend harmoniously into the surrounding countryside. Hinton Ampner’s glorious parkland is a joy to explore at any time of year, with spectacular views across the South Downs. In February you’ll find beautiful scatterings of snowdrops on the garden lawn.
Don your walking boots and explore one of the many walking trails around this National Trust property. The 4-mile Dutton Estate walk takes in this historic National Trust estate, a bluebell wood and an abundance of wildlife from roe deer to rare barbastelle bats.
Chawton House, Alton
Discover the stunning gardens surrounding Chawton House carpeted with delicate snowdrops.
Spot the snowdrops on the South Lawn and through the Wilderness, explore the Walled Garden, and enjoy refreshments in the Old Kitchen Tearoom.
You can see the snowdrops throughout February, but time your visit to coincide with ‘Snowdrop Sundays’ and you will meet the gardening team for a guided snowdrop walk, or kids can follow the Spring Flowers garden trail and enjoy arts and crafts in the house.
In the Library, see a special display of the best snowdrops in Chawton House's collection of rare botanical works by women.
Chawton House is over 400 years old and is most famous for its association with Jane Austen, whose brother Edward inherited the house when distant family members Thomas and Catherine Knight, made him their heir. Jane referred to it in her letters as the ‘Great House’.
A bluebell amble in Micheldever Woods: April and May
Meander through magnificent trees and leafy foliage taking in the scent and sight of bluebells as the ancient woodland floor is turned into its annual display of bright purple.
Micheldever Woods near Winchester is one of the best places to see bluebells not just in Hampshire but in the whole of the UK.
Choose between two waymarked trails through the beech woodland – the Archaeological Trail and the Family Trail.
The woods are also home to a diverse range of birds, insects, and wildlife including Muntjac deer.
Gilbert’s Garden, Selborne
What better way to enjoy the signs of spring than in the gardens surrounding the home of the naturalist himself, Gilbert White. Stroll through Gilbert White’s 18th century landscape garden and see the snowdrops in bloom on Baker’s Hill and the orchards.
Discover 25 acres of beautiful gardens and connect with nature. Step inside the fascinating historic house to learn about the Oates Collection before refuelling in the cafe. There is even an on-site brewery - so why not take home a local tipple?
Spring back in to the city
Head to Winchester city centre and you’ll find pockets of daffodils, crocuses and snowdrops popping up to remind us that spring is on its way. One of our favourite spots to see them is in Winchester Cathedral’s inner and outer close.
Take a visit to Abbey Gardens and be inspired by the stunning colours that surround you from the gorgeous flower beds that line the garden.
Grow your own
Don’t forget to call in to our farm shops, garden centres and florists across the district so you can create your own floral spring display when you get home. Browse the Hiller Garden Centre for the perfect plants and equipment to make your garden your haven this spring.
Please help us to look after our natural beauty spots delicate flowers by sticking to the pathways when visiting and leaving these pretty blooms where you find them for others to enjoy.
Images: Main image - Gilbert Yates; Walkers in bluebell wood - National Trust Images, Amhel de Serra; snowdrops - Chawton House; bluebells - Javaid Akhtar; snowdrops - Gilbert White's House; Daffodils in Abbey Gardens.