Drop in on the Scottish Snowdrop Festival
VisitScotland extends a warm invitation to visitors this winter with the launch of the Scottish Snowdrop Festival (1 February to 15 March 2010).
Heralding the last weeks of winter, this unique celebration showcases the finest displays of these little winter gems (including specialist collections).
There are 51 gardens across Scotland participating in the 2010 Scottish Snowdrop Festival, some of which open exclusively for the event. Properties taking part in the festival range from majestic castles and classic country estates to woodland walks, walled gardens and urban retreats.
Running from 1 February to 15 March 2010, the festival is ideal for those with a passion for the great outdoors, walking and simply enjoying some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery. It also falls on Valentine’s Day making this the ideal low cost romantic day out.
For further information about participating gardens, see visitscotland.com/whiteinvite.
Gardens participating in the festival include:
- Dunrobin Castle Garden, Highlands
A fairy tale style castle, Dunrobin is one of the UK’s most iconic. Essentially a summer garden, Dunrobin garden and grounds may be visited for free this winter as part of the Scottish Snowdrop Festival. A seaside walk features large areas of snowdrops.
1 February - 16 March: open daily 8am - sunset
Free access to garden and grounds
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Discover one of the world’s finest botanic gardens, home to over 7% of all known plants, including a wonderful collection of specialist snowdrops. Join the Garden Rangers on Monday 1 February, then every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in February on one of their Biodiversity Festival - Snowdrop Morning & Afternoon Walks.
Open daily 10am to 4pm
Walks: 1 - 27 February (Tues, Thurs & Sat from 11 to 11.30am & 2 to 2.30pm)
Free (children age 7+)
- Innerpeffray Library and Chapel, Perthshire
A tranquil woodland garden with views over the River Earn. Explore the chapel churchyard and browse in the 18th century library (which will be displaying a special exhibition of gardening books). The snowdrops cover the gardens and grounds up to Strathearn with views from the cliff top.
Open from 1 March (or by appointment for groups during February)
Wed - Sat 10am - 12.45; 14.00 - 16.45
Sun 14.00 - 16.00
Adults - £5 donation / Children - Free
- Dunskey Gardens, Dumfries & Galloway
Welcoming walled garden and woodland snowdrop walks with some of the earliest snowdrops in Scotland. Many labelled varieties including Dunskey Talice. Gardener-led strolls run on Sundays. Visitors can also explore the Dunskey maze and relax in the cosy tearoom with home baking and light lunches.
Weekends 10.30am - 4pm from Saturday 6 Feb for 6 weeks approx.
Adults - £3.50 / Children - 50p
- Dryburgh Abbey, Scottish Borders
Lovely parkland with abbey ruins where Sir Walter Scott and Earl Haig are buried. Collection of wonderful trees, super snowdrops and a mass of winter aconites. Tearoom at hotel next door.
Open daily 9.30am - 4.30pm
Adults - £4.70 / Children - £2.35 / OAP - £3.70
The Scottish Snowdrop Festival is part of VisitScotland’s Winter White campaign which showcases opportunities for visitors to make the most of the season. These, along with accommodation deals offering 3 night breaks for £99 per person; 3 nights for the price of 2 as well as other money saving incentives, are listed on visitscotland.com/whiteinvite.
