I had been watching the calendar and garden for the past few weeks or so, mainly to check on the growth of our bulbs and plants but especially the Snowdrops that we planted around our borders late last year, they have been in flower for nearly two weeks now and still growing strong, even the crocus and miniature Iris plants are flowering nicely and in certain parts around the garden our miniature Daffodils are coming into flower too. 

We had a free day today so decided to pack the car and head over to Burton Agnes Hall on the outskirts of Bridlington to do the ‘snowdrop walk’ ( 8th February – 3rd March) and admire the grounds and gardens. 

It is just a one hour’s steady drive from home to Burton Agnes Hall, following the A614 from Howden, skirting around the market town of Market Weighton through the lovely village of Middleton on the Wolds, bypassing Driffield to Burton Agnes village and Burton Agnes Hall.

We arrived in the large car park at the Hall around 11.00am and walked past the lovely village church of St Martins which dates from the 12C before arriving in the courtyard and visitors shop. Although the house is not yet open (1st April – 31st October) the ‘Snowdrop Trail’ is and every February millions of hardy snowdrops transform the woodlands of Burton Agnes Hall forming a huge white blanket amongst the trees. The entire trail is about a mile long and follows a designated footpath through the trees. Interspersed amongst the trees are some beautifully carved sculptures of wild animals, including wild birds, foxes and squirrels. One of the nice aspects to the walk is that there are plenty of woodland benches along the trail. It was good to be able to sit and rest and just admire the views of the snowdrops as they gently flutter in the morning breeze. 

I always like to see the snowdrops at this time of year, I think it creates a sense that the winter months are coming to an end and Spring is just around the corner, although we have had snow in March these past few years, so I think we will have several more weeks to go before Spring actually arrives in earnest.

We had Meg and Gracie with us today on our walk, dogs are allowed in the woodland and gardens on a short lead and they thoroughly enjoyed it and the change of scenery too. Just before we returned to the courtyard we had a walk around the ‘Classical Pond’ and into the Walled Garden, this is another area to visit in the late spring and summer when everything starts growing again. There are some lovely view of the house and gatehouse from the gardens. On returning to the courtyard we had a good browse through the shop before sitting down in the cafe for a pot of tea and cake prior to the journey home.

On our return visit later in the year, I must remember to have a good look around the Walled Garden and also St Martins church which is open to visitors.