- Feel Good
- 7th Mar 2025
- 0
- 0 minute
11 iconic North East flower display dates for your diary
SNOWDROP FESTIVAL AT HOWICK HALL GARDENS & ARBORETUM, NORTHUMBERLAND
February – March
Howick Hall really brightens up the winter months. Snowdrops sweep through woodland and gardens during the Snowdrop Festival. Many were planted by Lady Grey between the wars, with natural hybrids appearing over time. Paired with winter aconites, the display signals spring’s approach.
Photo Credit: Alex Prain
THE CROCUS LAWN AT WALLINGTON, NORTHUMBERLAND
February – March
Head down to the National Trust site, Wallington, during the first weeks of March to see their iconic crocus lawn. Thousands of vibrant purple crocuses burst into life inside its walled garden, alongside many other beautiful bulbs shooting up around the grounds to signify the start of spring.
BEAUTIFUL BULBS BLOOMING AT ORMESBY HALL, NORTH YORKSHIRE
Mid-March and April
Ormesby Hall in spring is a real treat for the eyes. As you walk up, you can’t miss the sea of native daffodils across the front lawn. Expect to see thousands of brightly coloured flowers. From mid-March to mid-April, Ormesby Hall is THE spot to be for a burst of colour and get you into those spring vibes.
DAFFODILS AT ALNWICK CASTLE, NORTHUMBERLAND
Mid-March and April
Alnwick Castle re-opens its doors for its new season on Friday 27th March, and expect to be welcomed by a beautiful field of 250,000 daffodils. This is a gorgeous spot for nature lovers and the perfect way to embrace the start of spring. If you fancy heading inside, there is a range of fun activities for all ages. Definitely worth a visit.
SPILMANS TULIP FESTIVAL, THIRSK
April
Spring bursts into colour at Spilmans’ first-ever tulip festival, where over 250,000 bulbs create vibrant stripes across three acres. With dozens of varieties blooming in succession, April visits promise ever-changing colour. Wander the rows, snap photo-perfect moments and enjoy a Dutch-style spectacle – no passport required.
BLUEBELLS AT CHOPWELL WOODS, GATESHEAD
April – May
By late April, Chopwell Woods becomes a violet-blue dreamscape as bluebells blanket the forest floor beneath towering canopies. Known as the “Cathedral of the Trees”, it’s a place where birdsong echoes and spring scents linger. Visit early for misty magic, and stick to paths to protect these fragile ancient-woodland blooms.
THE WORLD’S LARGEST TAIHAKU CHERRY BLOSSOM COLLECTION AT ALNWICK GARDEN
Late April and early May
An experience not to miss, head to Alnwick Garden towards the end of April to see the largest global collection of taihaku cherry blossom trees in full bloom. The cherry orchard has 329 taihaku trees, which burst into white blooms. It usually appears towards the end of April, but it can be influenced by climate conditions, so keep an eye on the Alnwick Garden website for updates, as there’s only a two-week window to catch this incredible display.
AN INCREDIBLE RHODODENDRON DISPLAY AT CRAGSIDE, NORTHUMBERLAND
May
Visit Cragside in May to discover blankets of rhododendrons in the 1000-acre designer garden. The rhododendrons at Cragside put on quite a show, turning the landscape into a floral paradise every spring, but they’re only in bloom for around three weeks – keep an eye on High Life North for updates so you don’t miss out.
PICK YOUR OWN WILDFLOWERS AT FIELDHEAD FARM, NORTHUMBERLAND
July – September
Pick-your-own wildflowers really blossomed in popularity last summer, and Fieldhead Farm is leading the charge. Wander colourful rows, fill a jar or bucket and let your creativity run wild by making your own beautiful bouquet. Open selected days, it’s a wholesome countryside escape – and the kind of place you’ll leave clutching blooms and smiling.
LAVENDER AT YORKSHIRE LAVENDER, YORK
July – August
Expect the gorgeous, calming scent of lavender, where purple rows ripple across the Howardian Hills. Peak bloom arrives in July, drawing bees, picnickers and photographers. Explore the gardens, try lavender treats in the tea room and lose yourself in the maze – a calming escape overlooking the Vale of York.
PICK YOUR OWN SUNFLOWERS AT LAVEROCK HALL FARM, NORTHUMBERLAND
Late July – August
Is there a happier flower than a sunflower? If you’re searching for ‘sunflower picking near me’, look no further. By late summer, Laverock Hall Farm glows gold with towering blooms made for sunny wanders. Stroll through cheerful rows, pick your own stems and embrace peak August joy. Symbolising loyalty and happiness, these sunshine giants guarantee you’ll leave feeling lighter.
Rachael Ellis
Head of Content
After gaining a first in her BA Media and Journalism degree at Northumbria University, Rachael worked at Newcastle’s leading regional newspaper with her stories being picked up in national and global newspapers. She spent two very successful years giving a voice to those communities across the North East who otherwise…
Subscribe
Subscribe now to receive our twice-weekly emails and exclusive offers for High Life North readers.