Snowdrop flowers are one of the first signs of spring and have already started to bloom across parts of Lancashire.

According to the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, they start to peek through frost and snow from January to March.

In some places, snowdrops crop up in small groups while others carpet the ground.

Lancashire Telegraph: Ian Hargreaves spotted a snowdrop in Whalley this month (Photo: Ivan Hargreaves)Ian Hargreaves spotted a snowdrop in Whalley this month (Photo: Ivan Hargreaves)

Ivan Hargreaves spotted his first snowdrop in a Whalley churchyard and said: “Spring is on its way”.

Some areas of natural beauty have carpets of the flower and others even host special snowdrop weekends for locals to come and see the snowdrops in all their glory.

If you are interested in spotting the snowdrop flowers for yourself, here are five of the best places to see them in Lancashire in the coming weeks:

1. Lytham Hall, Ballam Road, Lytham St Annes

February is the best time to hunt for snowdrops at Lytham Hall. The flowers here have been planted the hall’s expansive gardens and they blanket the ground.

Last year, the gardens were closed due to coronavirus restrictions so they brought the snowdrops to the public via a YouTube video.

In 2020, their snowdrop weekends attracted 9,300 people to the hall.

This year, their snowdrop trails is open every weekend in February.

A spokesperson said: “Come for a snowdrop trail through the parkland and marvel at the vast displays of snowdrops.

“The tea room/cafe will be open for you to warm up with a hot drink, a light bite or a hearty meal and there is a little shop in the courtyard with bric-a-brac and snowdrops.”

Admission for adults is £3 and for children it’s 50p.

2. Hornby Castle, Lancaster

A spokesperson for Hornby Castle said it “won’t be long before the gardens are open for snowdrops” and their snowdrop weekend will take place on the 19th and 20th February.

A spokesperson said: “Hornby Castle Gardens open for our annual snowdrop weekend.

“View the wonderful snowdrops in the borders and along the river woodland walk.

“As well as snowdrops, come and see the evergreens, coloured stems, scented shrubs and winter flowering perennials.

“Visit the Walled Garden where you can see over 70 different varieties of snowdrop in flower in the winter borders.”

Gardens are open from 11am – 3.30pm, with last entry 3pm.

Admission prices:
Adults - £5
Children- £2
Under 5s - Free

Find out more on their Facebook page.

3. Gorse Hill Nature Reserve, Aughton, Ormskirk

Snowdrops will be starting to bloom between now and march and Gorse Hill usually hold their snowdrop walk events in February.

Make sure to take a walk around Cabin Wood in order to catch a glimpse of the plants.

Beyond the snowdrop spot, the whole reserve is bursting with wildlife and there is plenty to spot in the grounds.

It’s home to many birds, including: yellowhammers, sedge warblers and sparrowhawks; butterflies including painted lady, small copper and large skippers.

Their snowdrop Sunday will take place on Sunday 13th February 2022 from 12pm – 4pm.

A spokesperson said: “Come and stroll around Cabin Wood and enjoy our wonderful display of snowdrops. Admission and car parking are free.”

“Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome.”

4. Pleasington Old Hall Wood, Pleasington

This narrow strip of woodland may be small but it still has plenty of nature and wildlife – including snowdrops.

Throughout the year, also look out for lemon-scented, broad buckler and lady fern as well as snowdrops, bluebells and the locally rare touch-me-not balsam, which can be seen in just one other location in Lancashire.

Nuthatches, garden warblers, willow warblers and thrushes are just a handful of the birds that can be seen here.

5. Bank Hall Gardens, Liverpool Road, Leyland

Bank Hall Gardens’ snowdrop event will take place on 27 February.

A spokesperson said: “The Bank Hall gardens will be open for the famous Snowdrop displays.

“Come and enjoy the woodland walks through the carpets of snowdrops and have updates on our projects.”

You can pay on the gate. Adult tickets are £3 and children go free.

Find out more on their Facebook page.