The 'glorious' Gardeners' World winter walk with 9,000 snowdrops and a free breakfast
If you're missing the fancy floral displays of spring and summer and long for a wonderful walk through beautiful blooms, there's a winter garden in the Midlands you need to know about. Around 9,000 snowdrops are part of the horticultural displays at Barnsdale Gardens in the East Midlands, the life's work of Gardeners' World legend Geoff Hamilton.
The Rutland garden flourishes into a 'captivating winter wonderland' in February and Barnsdale is offering special guided walks, with a free full English breakfast bonus, on February 11 and February 15. Geoff's son Nick is leading the tour, sharing more about the creative ideas behind each garden.
As well as the 9,000 snowdrops in the Geoff Hamilton Winter Border, there are colourful berries, hellebores, daffodils, witch hazel and winter-flowering heathers to enjoy. Evergreen foliage too.
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If you can't make the guided walks, a special Valentine's Day afternoon tea is available in the Helenium Tea Room at Barnsdale featuring sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats with clotted cream. It's all served on bone china with tea or coffee options.
The main thing to remember if you are going for afternoon tea is to book at least 48 hours in advance. It's served between 2pm and 3pm on selected dates, which can be found on the Barnsdale Gardens website.
Geoff Hamilton joined Gardeners' World in 1979 and he created Barnsdale Gardens four years later. The Victorian farmhouse has been developed since then and has been taken care of by the Hamilton family ever since.
Geoff died in 1996 but his legacy remains at his gardens. If you're visiting from Birmingham, its around 76 miles away.
To make the most of the journey, it's worth considering popping to the nature reserve that is Rutland Water. There's 4,200 acres of open countryside, so plenty of walks and cycling routes to enjoy.
Another special feature nearby is Oakham Castle, the most complete Norman great hall in England. The castle grounds and the great hall are free to visit, but if you have a spare few quid, chuck it in the donation box to support the Friends of Rutland County Museum.