Spring is not far off and Mother Nature is putting on a beautiful show of spring flowers for us in Suffolk’s parklands and gardens. Here are some of the best spots in Suffolk to see them on display.
ICKWORTH HOUSE GARDEN AND PARK
The Ickworth House parkland is a wonderful spot to head to for a walk amongst snowdrops. Follow the path along the Lady Geraldine’s Walk and The Albana Walk, where carpets of snowdrops are complemented by the golden glow of aconites.
The house has limited opening during winter, but the gardens, parkland, and cafe are all open.
Stroll through the historic parkland at Ickworth House ©National Trust Images-David Levenson
NOWTON PARK, BURY ST EDMUNDS
Nowton Park near Bury St Edmunds covers almost 200 acres of countryside, which was landscaped over 100 years ago in a style typical of the Victorian era. It has wildflower meadows, mixed woodland, wildlife ponds, and an arboretum stocked with trees from around the world.
Best known for its spectacular display of around 100,000 daffodils, snowdrops can also be seen on woodland walks around the park.
Wander through the daffodil-lined paths at Nowton Park (c) Phil Morley
BLAKENHAM WOODLAND GARDEN, NR IPSWICH
Blakenham Woodland Garden near Ipswich is a fine collection of traditional English woodland mixed with more exotic trees, shrubs, and flowers which have been planted over a period of 50 years.
The six-acre garden opens in the spring, with special days to celebrate the snowdrops, followed by bluebells. Open daily March till June.
FULLERS MILL GARDEN, WEST STOW
This garden, close to Bury St Edmunds has been described by one of their visitors – “It is down a long drive of pine trees in the middle of a forest which opens out into the most delightful well stocked garden with the river Lark running through it. Beautifully cared for all year round and a garden begging one to return and return. Total tranquillity!”
The gardens are open from April till October with an everchanging landscape of colour.
See the changing colours of the seasons at Fullers Mill Garden
KENTWELL HALL, LONG MELFORD
Take a woodland walk around the grounds of Kentwell Hall, a mellow-bricked Tudor mansion in the village of Long Melford. The snowdrops will be the first flowers of the season to show their faces, followed later by masses of daffodils, primroses, cowslips violets, forget-me-nots and finally in May, carpets of bluebells will take centre stage.
Daffodils at Kentwell Hall in Suffolk ©ShowCapture.com
