During the depths of a dismal British winter, we can always look forward to the splendour of snowdrops in bloom. Throughout the months of January to March you’ll find these seasonal flowers putting on their show across the county. In this guide, we’re sharing the best places for families to hunt out snowdrops in Devon.
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The Garden House near Yelverton, West Devon
We begin our hunt for snowdrops in Devon at The Garden House near Yelverton. Known for annual Snowdrop Festival, The Garden House is a firm favourite when it comes to searching for snowdrops.
Thanks to its team of gardeners, you can see a variety of Spring flowers during your visit.
Snowdrops aside, The Garden House always makes for a great family trip out, with their walled garden to explore and an on-site cafe to feed hungry tums.
The Snowdrop Festival usually takes place from mid-January, so check the website for confirmed dates.
Saltram House near Plymouth
Saltram House comes equipped ready to welcome families to their grounds, which are free to visit – just pay for parking if you’re not a National Trust member.
With plenty of buggy friendly routes, a bike track and a play area – you can spend the day searching for snowdrops while also keeping little ones entertained. You’ll find the snowdrops along Boundary Walk, where you’ll also enjoy the stunning estuary views.
Once you’ve finished your wander around the grounds, why not have a look around the formal gardens and house? There’s no charge for children under the age of five and National Trust members go free. You can also stop at the cafe and shop for a browse.
RHS Rosemoor in Torrington, North Devon
Spanning across 65 acres, RHS Rosemoor has something for everyone. You can book a visit to its gardens with family ticket giving access to two adults and two children.
Once on site, you can find the snowdrops in the Winter Garden and around the lake.
The gardens also host the annual Celebration of Snowdrops in early February where you can get a free guided walk around the garden and also follow the family-friendly snowdrop trail.
Cockington near Torquay, South Devon
Another place known for spring flowers in Devon is Cockington with its lush, sprawling lawns that make for a great space for kids and dogs to run around.
You can find snowdrops dotted along the pathways around the estate as well as by the lake.
There are also craft shops to explore and a cafe that does lovely Devonshire cream teas. For the little ones, there’s also the ice cream parlour so they can choose and enjoy their favourite flavour.
Dartington Estate in South Devon
A trip to Dartington Estate makes for a great Devon family day out come rain or shine.
If you’re visiting in February, you can take a stroll along the riverside where you will find hundreds of snowdrops in full bloom.
Alongside the spring flowers, the kids can also make use of the play areas and deer park trails. If you happen to get unlucky with a rainy day, Dartington even has its own cinema on site to keep the whole family entertained.
Greenway near Paignton, South Devon
Greenway near Paignton is also known for bluebell walks in Devon. If you wander around the gardens of this National Trust property during the right season, you’ll find snowdrops and bluebells dotted along the buggy-friendly paths.
Pick up a free trail map upon entry and enjoy the gardens at your own pace.
When you’ve finished exploring, head to the Barn Cafe for a bite to eat, where there’s plenty of choices for the little ones too.
Coleton Fishacre near Brixham, South Devon
At Coleton Fishacre, there’s always plenty of things going on to entertain young family members, like their Little Acorn Welly Walks, school holiday activity trails and a den building area.
As well as being a family-oriented place to visit, Coleton Fishacre is also home to plenty of spring flowers, including the sought after snowdrops.
On warmer days, you could pack a picnic and enjoy the gardens, or splash out a lunch in Cafe Coleton where you’ll find lots of options, including hot food and drinks to warm you up after your walk.
Powderham Castle in Kenton, South Devon
When it reopens for the season in February, Powderham Castle makes for a fun filled day out for both big and little kids. With its petting zoo, potting shed cafe and community allotment, there’s plenty of opportunity to get young children involved.
You’ll even find snowdrops during your visit at the right time of year. As you head up the driveway to the castle during February, the snowdrops will be out in force, waiting to greet you.
Don’t miss a stop at the farm shop – it’s super family-friendly.
Killerton near Exeter
Exploring the woodland and gardens at Killerton makes for a great family day out – especially when you’re on the hunt for snowdrops in Devon.
Year round, you and your family can explore the Bear’s Hut in the rolling gardens, take part in one of the orienteering activities and the littlest ones (under eights) can play on the playground.
If you’re visiting in winter for the snowdrops, warm up in the Stables Coffee Shop with a nice, hot drink.
Killerton is one of Devon’s National Trust properties and is free to visit for members. Day tickets are available too.
Wildwood Escot in Ottery St Mary, East Devon
With indoor and outdoor play areas, Wildwood Escot lets you explore, whatever the weather. There’s animals to see, a maze and Saxon Village to discover, plus the Coach House Cafe for a bite to eat.
Of course, in the early Spring months, the seasonal snowdrops can be seen in the woods.
Wildwood Escot is one of Devon’s wildlife attractions that is open all year round and offers day tickets and annual memberships.
Knightshayes near Tiverton in Mid Devon
With seasonal trails offered year round, there’s loads of fun family activities to get stuck into at Knightshayes.
On the winter trails, you’ll come across even more of the snowdrops in Devon with walks suitable for both big and little legs. Inside the National Trust house, you’ll also find the Object Trail, making this a place to visit in all weathers.
In those final few months of winter, seeing the snowdrops in bloom reminds us just how close to springtime we are, ready to bring some much needed life into our darker and colder days.
Before heading out on your search, make a list of the most common snowdrop varieties. Then, why not create a fun game for the family to enjoy by seeing who can spot the most varieties on your search!
More things to do in Devon in Spring
Spring is a great time to get out and about in Devon, not only to see the season’s best flow displays but also to take part in fun events as attractions come out of their hibernation period.
Check out my guides to the best places to visit at this time of year and activities to help blow away the cobwebs.
Hungry for more Devon hikes?
Check out the walks recommended by Devon with Kids including pram-friendly strolls, adventure trails and challenging hikes for nature-loving adventurers.
Stomp this way for more walks in Devon.