For many of us, snowdrops are the first floral sign of spring. It brings me so much joy to see their green shoots and then the delicate white flowers each year. A very welcome sign that winter is gradually making way for warmer months. Here are some of the best places to see snowdrops in Derbyshire this springtime, complete with suggestions of cosy pubs or lovely coffee shops to go afterwards. Updated Jan 2026 for the 2026 snowdrop season but please double check details directly before making a special journey – especially in adverse weather conditions.
Snowdrops flower mainly from January to March, although the peak season is often February. When snowdrops flower is dependent on the weather, so it’s worth checking with each property that they’re actually in flower if that’s the sole reason for your visit. That said, all of these would make a perfectly pleasant day out.
Do not pick snowdrops – or indeed any wildflowers. Not only can this result in large fines (and even prison sentences for the worst offenders) but it’s also very selfish. The whole joy of wildflowers is seeing them in their natural environment, and if they are left in peace there is more chance of them clumping up (technical gardening term there!) resulting in more impressive coverage in future years. Please be careful not to trample on snowdrops too.
Where to find snowdrops in Derbyshire
Hopton Hall (near Ashbourne)
Hopton Hall is privately owned and not routinely open to general visitors apart from during snowdrop season (and sometimes for summer roses). However, during February their delightful, calm gardens are open to for visitors to appreciate the seasonal display of snowdrops. This is one of the best places to see snowdrops in Derbyshire. Described by one Trip Advisor review as “snowdrop paradise”.
Details
Read more about visiting here.
Where to go afterwards
Lots of lovely places to explore before/after. Wirksworth is pleasantly quirky. Head for Cromford (Scarthin books), Barley Mow in Bonsall or explore Matlock and Matlock Bath. Or in Brassington there’s Buttermilk Coffee (or if you can secure a booking, the Tasting Club pop-up restaurant).
Snowdrops in Chesterfield – Hardwick Hall
There are lovely clusters of snowdrops in Hardwick’s gardens. Interestingly, the snowdrops in the South Court at Hardwick were originally planted in the shapes of the names of the nieces of the 6th Duke (Blanche, Anne, Dorothy and Maud). Since they’ve spread it’s no longer possible to make these out but there should still be ample clumps of snowdrops to be seen.
Most of Hardwick’s snowdrops are to be found in the east and west corners of the South Court. Read my guide to visiting Hardwick Hall.
Details
Park in Hardwick Hall’s car park. From M1 exit junction 29, follow brown signs. Or use postcode S44 5RW for Sat Nav.
National Trust members free otherwise you need to buy a ticket, which includes entrance to the gardens and parkland. See up-to-date pricing info here. It’s expensive for a one off visit so I absolutely recommend joining the National Trust so you can enter for free – read why I think it’s good value here – not an ad.
Lots of parking included in entry price.
Dogs welcome on leads in parkland, stableyard (note not in the restaurant).
Facilities: café and toilet facilities (including baby changing)
Where to go afterwards
The Hardwick Inn is a perfect as you drive right past it as you leave (listed in my guide to the best cosy pubs in Derbyshire). Explore Chesterfield (head to Chatsworth Road for lots of independent shops, bars and cafés) or in the town centre, you can’t go wrong at Bottle and Thyme.
Dronfield Hall Barn
Traditionally, the garden of the Dronfield heritage centre, situated in the grounds of the original manor house has a beautiful display of snowdrops and other bulbs and Hellebores to see. Park in Sainsbury’s and enjoy the picturesque walk through the gardens on the way to the Dronfield Hall Barn coffee shop. S18 1PX.
Snowdrop walk from Calke to Dimminsdale
Another wonderful place to see snowdrops in Derbyshire is on this walk from Calke Abbey. This walking trail includes some impressive snowdrops. It’s a moderate walk, 2.5 miles or 4km long, expected to take about an hour and half.
How to find snowdrops at Calke:
Park in the main car park for Calke Abbey, this is well sign posted, if using a Sat Nav the postcode is DE73 7JF. Then follow these walk guidelines. Bear in mind mobile signal can be non-existent in rural areas so print off/write down.
Prices – Parking is free for National Trust members, read about current opening times and pricing here.
Read what to expect at Calke Abbey and other National Trust properties here.
Dogs are welcome. Read full details here.
Facilities – toilet block (including baby changing), café and shop.
Where to go afterwards
To see more snowdrops, The Dower House in Melbourne (see below).
I hear good things about Tollgate Brewery tap house which is as you exit the Calke estate. Melbourne is lovely for a mooch (lots of lovely independent shops, cafés, restaurants etc – also Tori & Ben’s farm shop for the best steaks ever). Bulls Head in Repton. Stauton Harold is also nice for a wander and coffee.
Snowdrop Season with The National Garden Scheme
The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake. Each year they donate a huge amount of money to charity. Find a garden to visit via their website.
Many thanks to Tracy at NGS for providing the information on the gardens in Derbyshire that are open for snowdrop season in 2026!
The Dower House (NGS, near Melbourne)
The privately owned, nineteenth century, Dower House is opening its private garden to visitors on 14th and 15th of February in 2026. Admission is £8 for adults, children free. There will be plants for sale, refreshments and it’s dog friendly – see full details on the NGS website.
The house enjoys a splendid view of Melbourne Pool from a balustraded terrace running the length of the house. The garden drops steeply by paths and steps to lawn with herbaceous borders and a bank of some 60 shrubs.
Hidden paths and different areas for children to explore and various animals such as a bronze crocodile and stone dragon to find. (Please take extra care due to the open water).
There are snowdrops in a little woodland area and elsewhere in the garden. There are lots of other winter flowers to enjoy too. Elegant reticulata Iris, winter clematis, glorious pools of gold winter aconites, huge shrubs of Daphne covered with intensely fragrant flowers, paths lined with the deliciously scented sarcococca (Christmas box), crocus, cyclamen and of course hellibore dancing amongst the snowdrops.
The garden is owned by Griselda Kerr and her husband William. Griselda’s wonderful book is available to buy here (AD – affiliate link – so I get a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase via this link) and of course independent bookshops.
Where to go afterwards
You could easily combine this with the snowdrop walk at Calke Abbey (see above).
Lots of gorgeous independent shops, bars and restaurants in Melbourne (see the suggestions listed under the snowdrops in Calke Abbey listing above) e.g. Tea at 3.
Meveril Lodge (NGS)
Located in the High Peak, Meveril Lodge is open 28th February and 1st March in 2026. Admission is £6, children free. This is the second year of opening for the National Garden Scheme, a large rural garden featuring snowdrops and hellebores. Hot drinks and cakes available. Lesser Lane, Combs SK23 9UZ
The Old Vicarage (NGS)
Open Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th February in 2026. Admission £5, children free. A lovely country garden with lots of snowdrops, ferns and hellebores. Home made cakes and hot drinks available, which can be enjoyed in the indoor fernery. Dog friendly. Not far from Black Rocks and the High Peak trail so lots of great walks nearby. Middleton By Wirksworth DE4 4NH.
Other places to see snowdrops in Derbyshire
Thornbridge Hall (near Ashford in the Water, Bakewell)
There are large clusters of snowdrops to be seen in the lovely gardens at Thornbridge Hall. Read what to expect here.
Kedleston Hall (near Derby)
Lots of snowdrops on the main walks (ask at the visitor reception/where you pay if unsure) and also several more patches hidden in the woods. Please be careful not to trample on them.
St Oswald’s Church, Ashbourne
The grounds at St Oswald’s are full of snowdrops and will be followed by daffodils. The church is a short walk from the Tissington Trail or stroll into town for coffee and calk at one of the lovely independents. I particularly like The Little Shed.
Read my recent review of a luxurious holiday cottage in Tissington.
Baslow Village Green
There is a lovely show of snowdrops in the centre of Baslow just opposite The Devonshire Arms. This one is perfect for anyone who wants a drive-by show. My own beloved Grannie used to get so much joy from seeing seasonal wildflowers from the car, long after she was able to walk very far.
After a potter around the village, The Devonshire Arms is perfectly nice for a drink or lunch etc (and then you could park in their car park), or treat yourself to refreshments at the Cavendish Hotel.
To combine seeing the snowdrops with a proper walk, the fabulous Peak District Kids website lists this pram friendly walk which starts and ends in Baslow.
From Baslow, it’s a very short drive to the glorious Peak Edge Hotel – great for eating and drinking and obviously staying – although I’d also recommend checking out the beautiful, eco-friendly holiday cottages at Wild & Other (a 20 acre rewilding site just outside of Baslow).
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to the best places to find snowdrops in Derbyshire. I would love to hear if you know of anywhere else with impressive displays. Please comment below or tag me on social media – scroll down for the pink icons on the right hand side to follow me on your favourite channel.
