Magical mile
Wander along paths among the carpets of white flowers, on an enchanting mile-long route. And if you’re worried about tiny legs getting tired – there are shorter alternative routes suitable for small children or elderly guests.
Meander through the Old Wood and Wild Garden, take the scenic path down to the Lake and enjoy the spectacular drifts of snowdrops in the borders of the formal Nesfield Garden in front of the Hall.
A family affair
First planted in 1833 by Sibella Wilbraham, who came from a family of gifted gardeners – the snowdrops have multiplied over six generations of the Wilbraham family. Continuing the legacy, Anne Baker Wilbraham has been tending to and developing the flower display over the past 30 years to the present day.
The stars of the show
Among the myriad varieties of snowdrop are some rare gems, including the Yellow Cheshire Snowdrop (Lady Elphinstone), the giant Comet, the Viridapicis with green marks on the outer petals rather than the inside and Merlin with an all-green inner segment. There is also the opportunity to view the snowdrops through strategically placed mirrors under some of the plants.
And you can even take a little piece of the magic home with you as they have snowdrops on sale, including a limited number of rare varieties. For more information on how to grow snowdrops at home, check out our guide.
Tea time
When you’ve done with wandering, there’s also a cosy tea-room with a roaring wood burner, where you can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea from a local, seasonal menu. And when we say local, much of the produce is grown in the site’s Kitchen Garden or sourced from the Rode Hall Farmers’ Market, including soups, sausage baps, cakes, cream teas, biscuits and ice-cream.
Snowdrops Walks: Saturday 30 January – Sunday 6 March, 1am – 4pm (closed Mondays); Rode Hall & Gardens, Cheshire, ST7 3QP; £5 adults / £1 children / under 5s free. www.rodehall.co.uk
