Snowdrops at Hedingham Castle

We’ve visited Hedingham Castle many times over the years, but never before in February for the snowdrops. We finally made it this year, on a rather cold but bright Sunday afternoon. Hopefully one of many garden visits in 2016 to celebrate ‘Year of the Garden 2016′, which has been set up to mark the 300th anniversary of ‘Capability’ Brown.

There was quite a crowd of visitors there, all well wrapped up against the cold, with many (mainly men I have to say) carrying rather large cameras ready to take photographs of the snowdrops. The combination of Hedingham Castle and snowdrops is really photogenic, and is almost irresistible to any one with a camera or phone with them. We’ve got our photographs below!

Thousands of snowdrop bulbs have been planted in the moat around the castle and they made a very spectacular display. We strolled around the moat and then visited the castle for a welcome cup of tea (mulled wine was also available).

Whilst we were in the castle we took the chance to explore and rediscover some of our favourite places. We found the garderobe (the Norman loo) – I always like to check it out, and then admired the very impressive Norman arch in one of the rooms. We then ventured down in to what we had always thought of as the dungeons, only to find that they are being turned into a very attractive reception room for weddings. Amazing to see how a space can be changed!

In the middle of a very cold spell of weather after a damp and grey few months, it was a lovely way to see the first hint of spring.