Delight in the daffodils: Surrey’s best displays
They're the cheerful little trumpets that herald the arrival of spring and here are six of the best places in Surrey to see them right now.
Bring on the blooms! Glorious golden daffodils are emerging everywhere and Surrey boasts some of the best places in the country to see them.
Be sure to find one local to you, then hot foot it to one these blissful spots to catch them at their best.
The beautiful grounds at Polesden Lacey are a wonderful place to take a stroll and they’re never more magical than in March when swathes of yellow, cream and orange daffs pop up against the back drop of the gorgeous Edwardian manor house. The West Lawn, New Lime Walk and Theatre Lawn are where you’ll find the best displays. Book your slot online so you don’t miss out.
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This five-acre garden opens as part of the National Garden Scheme and is worth a visit to see the Narcissi as well as other spring bulbs. It’s open from Mon 29 March until Thurs 1 April – bookings essential. The Arts and Crafts style garden, which surrounds the 16th-century family home, was laid out and planted in part by Gertrude Jekyll in 1911. The house and garden has been in the Caröe for over 100 years.
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Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey
The gardens at Henry’s old gaff include 60 acres of formal gardens and a whopping 750 acres of parkland – all set within a loop of the River Thames – and in springtime they’re a true sight to behold. For the best show, head to The Wilderness, 60 acres of wild gardens – once the formal pleasure garden of Charles II – which are planted up with over 1000 daffodil bulbs. Bookings online a must.
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RHS Gardens Wisley, near Woking
There’s pretty much something special to see at the RHS Gardens at Wisley, no matter what time of year you visit. But for Narcissus nutters – now is the time to book your visit as tens of thousands of daffodils burst into bloom. They’re in various spots around the gardens from the Welcome Landscape, to Oakwood and the Alpine Meadow, but for some of the best displays visit the Pinetum, where large drifts come to life under the majestic pines.
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Head to these stunning 18th century gardens in Cobham to find gorgeous pockets of wild daffodils blooming. Take the route along the lake past the vineyard plantation for sightings of lovely waterside daffs – they’ll brightening up even the dullest March day.
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The Waterhouse Woodland Garden at Bushy Park is the spot to take in mounds of the plucky yellow tipped beauties. While you’re there, you’re also likely to see the roaming herds of red and fallow deer. But do be careful, some of the more cheeky ones have taken to approaching people for food.
