Snowdrops are one of my favourite signs that winter is ending and spring is on its way. After a long winter, I love when February arrives and a visit to see the snowdrops has become one of our annual traditions.

Although the best snowdrops I’ve come across have been at Welford Park in Berkshire, Surrey also has some wonderful spots to see them if you know where to look.

Gatton Park

Gatton Park in Reigate has to top my list for the best snowdrops in Surrey. The Capability Brown designed parkland is open on selected days in February for visitors to see the snowdrops.

Runneymede and Ankerwycke

The Ankerwycke yew is said to be where Henry VIII proposed to Anne Boleyn and each spring sees a carpet of snowdrops spring up beneath it. You can follow a short circular walk starting at Wraysbury, which leads you through fields and woods, and will allow you to admire the snowdrops.

Winkworth Arboretum

I love Winkworth Arboretum in all seasons - it’s a beautiful place for a walk, and their new children’s treetop playground is a fantastic addition to make it a worthwhile trip for the kids. It’s one of my favourite spots for bluebells, but before the seas of purple pop up, the woods are also home to a carpet of white snowdrops. If you are heading there with small children, this is a definitely baby carrier rather than pushchair one for me - it has some steep paths to tackle, especially down to the boathouse!

Polesden Lacey

Personally I find the snowdrops at Polesden Lacey rather disappointing in comparison to the others on this list. They have a small amount of snowdrops on the Lime Walk, towards the house and gardens, and a few more in the Winter Garden, but they don’t offer the carpets of snowdrops that I’m looking for.

Ham House

Again, not the best example of huge carpets of snowdrops, but pretty nonetheless. Ham House has snowdrops to be found in the formal gardens, under the acacia trees, and I always love a visit to Ham regardless of the time of year. Head to Richmond Park afterwards to spot the deer.

Have you visited any snowdrops in Surrey this year? I’d love to know your favourite spots.