There may still be a wintery chill in the air, but spring has very definitely sprung in Somerset already. There are an abundance of spring flowers popping up all over the place with the joyful colours of primroses, hyacinths, snowdrops and daffodils beckoning in the new season.
Here are a few places where you can find spring flowers on display near here.
Dunster Castle
The castle is known for its medieval gatehouse and panoramic views and is a beautiful site to visit at this time of year to take advantage of the swathes of snowdrops on display. As a National Trust property, there is plenty to do on site including a bookshop, gift shop, cafe and tearoom. There is plenty of bike and car parking available.
The Bishop’s Palace
In the picturesque city of Wells lies the Bishop’s Palace, known for its RHS partner gardens and a breathtaking display of snowdrops each year. Walk around the moat, there’s even a working drawbridge and you’ll be able to get a stunning view of the flowers as well as the resident swans.
Elworthy Cottage Gardens & Nursery
Open only on selected dates to coincide with the NGS scheme, it’s definitely worth planning a visit to see the array of colour from the spring hellebores, primroses, narcissi and dwarf bulbs, all of which can be purchased from the adjoining nursery shop.
Hestercombe Gardens
Daffodils springing up signal the arrival of spring and have been the muse for many artists and poets including the famous poem by William Wordsworth, who had a home in Somerset. You can find many beautiful variations of the flower by wandering around the grounds at Hestercombe where they bloom from February to May.