Gardens to visit for daffodils

Nothing heralds the arrival of spring quite like the sight of a cheery carpet of bright daffodils. This year, why not visit curated and historical collections of these celebrated blooms – we’ve put together some of our favourite places to inspire you.

Backhouse Rossie Estate, Fife

This walled garden is a daffodil lovers’ paradise. The collection is organised botanically and by growing requirements. Learn about the history of breeding and story behind the Backhouse family cultivars; the forebears of many of the modern favourites. Book backhouserossie.co.uk – book online and bring 2 for 1 card Open 19-21 March and 26-28 March, 10am-2pm. Then opening 1 April to Sep, Wed-Sun, 10am-4pm

Chippenham Park Gardens, Cambridgeshire

Enjoy a range of early, mid and late daffodils at their most picturesque, stretching around the lakes, ancient canals and walled garden. Enjoy take away homemade soup, hot dogs, coffee and cakes.

Book No need to book; cash only £5 adult, £3 child, bring 2 for 1 card Open 1 March-2 April, 10am-4pm, last entry 3pm

Osborne House, Isle of Wight

The former family home of Queen Victoria is graced with many daffodils available during her era. Spot Narcissus ‘King Alfred’ growing in spring bedding on the terrace and 30 other historic cultivars growing as a potted display in the walled garden. Book english-heritage.org.uk/visit/ places/osborne – apply the code GARDNERS2020, and then bring your 2-for-1 card with you.

Open Sat-Sun 10am-4pm

Yorkshire Arboretum, Yorkshire

With the first of the wildflowers and rhododendrons bursting into flower, the orchid daffodil (Narcissus ‘Thalia’) can be spotted growing among them. With its large nodding, fragrant flowers, it’s a real treat to behold en masse as you walk the grounds. Visit the wildflower meadow or top end of the main vista for the best spots.

Book yorkshirearboretum.org/ admission-booking

Open 1 March-30 November 10am-4pm, last admission 3pm

Brodie Castle, Moray

Famous for its unique collection, the garden dates back to the 16th century, and it is here that the 24th Laird of Brodie raised thousands of new daffodil cultivars. Enjoy exploring the huge collections of these flowers around the grounds. Book nts.org.uk/visit/places/ brodie-castle – no need to prebook, but check website before visit Open 1 March-30 June, Wed-Sun, 10am-5pm

Wakehurst, Sussex

Along with an abundant display of daffodils, this wild landscape boasts more than 500 acres of woodland and gardens to explore. It bursts into life during March, with a carpet of naturalised daffodils growing on the lawns near the Asian Health Garden, as well as dotted around the grounds.

Book kew.org/wakehurst

Open Every day 10am-4:30pm

Rydal Mount & Gardens, Lake District

Visit the garden of the poet William Wordsworth, who so famously captured the joy of gazing upon daffodils in his poem I wandered lonely as a cloud. This is a perfect pilgrimage for those enamoured of this spring flower and also affords visitors a garden with stunning views of lakes and fells.

Book rydalmount.co.uk – apply code 2FOR1BBCGW21

Open Check website for details