About
Started by plant collector Henry John Elwes FRS with the outstanding Galanthus 'elwesii', which he found in Turkey in 1874, the snowdrop collection at Colesbourne Park has been greatly enhanced in recent years by great-grandson Sir Henry Elwes and his late wife Carolyn. As featured on BBC Countryfile in 2024, the snowdrop collection is now one of the best in the country with over 300 different varieties.
During the snowdrop season visitors can walk through the ten acre garden with its woodland and lakeside paths, the Spring Garden and the Formal Garden to see huge banks of snowdrops, hellebores and other winter plants. The surrounding park, the Arboretum's collection of trees from around the World and nearby church are also open during the season.
This special historic home of snowdrops in the heart of the Cotswolds is open the last weekend of January and weekends throughout February to visitors and self-guided coach groups. All coaches are required to book visits in advance.
Guided tours during the week by Sir Henry Elwes and Head Gardener Katie Reynolds are available to be booked in advance by groups and due to their popularity they have introduced a guided tour weekday date open to bookings from individuals.
Each season they also arrange an interesting Snowdrop Study Day where attendees can meet other enthusiasts to learn more about snowdrops and their companion plants in the winter garden, enjoy talks from specially selected guest speakers and take a guided tour of the garden by Sir Henry and Head Gardener Katie.
For further details please visit www.colesbournegardens.org.uk and to book a place on the study day or the guided tour or to arrange a coach visit please email [email protected].