Your guide to enjoying the snowdrop display at Markshall

February is the best time to visit Markshall’s spectacular snowdrop display. To ensure that you make the most of your visit, we have put together this comprehensive guide to the snowdrops at Markshall.

What kinds of Snowdrops are on display at Markshall?

The Markshall snowdrop collection is home to a number of varieties of snowdrop. The largest contingent are Galanthus nivalis ‘Flore Pleno’. These double snowdrops are hardy and enjoy moist soil that doesn’t dry out in summer, making Robin’s Grove and other woodlands the ideal home for them.

Galanthus elwesii, the “greater snowdrop” is another variety that can be found in the impressive snowdrop display at Robin’s grove. It has pollen rich flowers and is known for attracting bees.

Honey bee visiting snowdrops at Markshall, Bryan Shaw

Since the Markshall charitable trust was established in 1971, the arboretum and horticulture team has expanded the display each year by lifting and dividing the clumps in March after flowering. This expansion work has transformed Robin’s Grove into one of the most impressive snowdrop displays in Essex.

Where can I find the Snowdrops at Markshall?

The snowdrops can be found in Robin’s Grove, approximately a twenty-minute walk from the Visitor Centre and Admissions.

Via the Wild Wood and the Ornamental lakes

From the Visitor Centre, follow Robin’s Brook up to the ornamental lake. Explore the Wild Wood before wandering up the mowed path towards Chestnut Chase (18 on your visitor map).

Hard path route

From the Visitor Centre, follow the hard paths through the Birkett Long Millennium Walk, then cross the bridge over Robin’s Brook and you will arrive at Robin’s Grove.

Tips for families

The February half-term holiday runs from 17th February – Sunday 23rd, which coincides perfectly with the snowdrop display looking its best!

Plan your trip to Robin’s Grove using our itinerary to make the most of it:

Arrive at the visitor centre and pick up your free bag of fish food and the pixie trail leaflet

Stop off at the Wild Wood to build a den or navigate your way round the stepping logs.

Explore the Arboretum, discovering the 16 secret pixie doors hidden throughout the grounds.

Head to Robin’s Grove and take in the carpet of Snowdrops, remember to take lots of pictures!

Finish your visit with a trip to Mrs Salisbury’s Tea Room for some delicious refreshments. Don’t forget to ask for colouring pencils for the colouring sheets on the children’s menu!

What is the history of Snowdrops at Markshall?

Historically, Robin’s Grove would have always been home to snowdrops. These would have been the “double” variety – Galanthus nivalis Flore Pleno. This variety does not seed and spreads only from offsets, leading us to believe that the snowdrops would have been on this site for a very long time to grow into the collection we see today.

Did you know?
Snowdrops are not actually native to the UK, and we aren’t certain when they were first introduced. One theory is that the Romans brought them over from Southern Europe and Turkey. They were highly fashionable in the Victorian era, and were thought to symbolise hope and purity.

Your visit

The best time to visit the snowdrop display this year is 17th February – 1st March, as this is when the majority of snowdrops will be blooming.

Buggy rides provided by our volunteers are available for those with mobility limitations (weather permitting and for a small donation). This ensures ample opportunity for everyone to experience the crisp white blooms appearing in waves along woodland paths.

New sculptures this year

Our new Willow-weaved snowdrop sculptures are now in Robin’s Grove to enjoy alongside the snowdrop display. These spectacular willow sculptures are made from willow taken from the outskirts of the arboretum and currently resemble small fists, but they will grow back bushier over the next few months. Be sure to tag us in your photos after your visit!