If you’re looking for the ideal location, look no further, as Thenford Arboretum in Banbury, around a 45-minute drive from Oxford, has been named among the UK’s best places to spot the white flowers.
In a list by House & Garden, the Arboretum’s snowdrops have been described as “a major highlight of the gardens”.
Snowdrops are a popular flower in spring (Image: Getty)
Thenford Arboretum among UK’s best places to see snowdrops
House and Garden said: “Nothing heralds the end of winter – perhaps ironically, given its name – quite like the snowdrop.
“Bursting from the muddy soil, they have an almost otherworldly delicacy that has inspired generations of galanthophiles to obsess over them.
“Often found in graveyards and abbey ruins, they were once planted by Norman monks as a symbol of purity and the cleansing of the earth.
“It is best practice to buy them ‘in the green’, when they are in leaf, not when the bulbs are dormant.
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“Come February, our island is liberally scattered with their pearl-like blooms, so we’ve scoured the length of the country for the very best places to see them and buy them, from Enfield to Fife via the Midlands, Gloucestershire and further afield.”
House and Garden included Thenford Arboretum in the list, saying: “When Michael and Anne Heseltine bought Thenford in 1976, the task of clearing, replanting and extending the 40 acres of woodland.
“The collection of snowdrops is now a major highlight of the gardens, which are open on selected days throughout the years; there are over 600 varieties on show.
“The more unusual snowdrops are carefully labelled throughout Lanning’s walk – named after the designer Lanning Roper, who helped with the initial planning of the garden – on the south side of the house.
“The snowdrop open days in February are fully booked for 2026, but you can join a waitlist on the website.”
If you’d like to visit, Thenford Arboretum’s website explains: “Six open days are held between January and late February.
“Alternatively, you can book a private visit at your convenience.”
Is Thenford Arboretum worth visiting?
There is plenty to see and do at the Arboretum besides snowdrop spotting, and visitors have praised it for being a good day out in the area.
On Tripadvisor, someone said: “Visiting the snowdrops, however, we were blown away by the extent of the Gardens and immaculate care, we will be back to see it late summer
“Great too see that Lord Hesaltine 91 greeting everyone in the coffee shop and hands on Son supporting the staff….. inspiring 🙏”.
On Google Reviews, this person shared: “What beautiful grounds. Only open a few times a year so worth booking.
“Amazing sculptures around the well-kept grounds.
“We had 2 hours and walked around 3 miles.”
This person shared: “Having spent many decades in the area and being aware of Thenford, I’d never actually visited this house.
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“We were both absolutely stunned by the setting and the beautiful gardens and arboretum.
“We will absolutely be returning.”
You can find Thenford Arboretum in Thenford, Banbury, OX17 2BX.
Will you have a wander through the gardens to spot the snowdrops? Let us know in the comments.
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