I love nothing more than walking around a pretty, seasonal garden and here in Northumberland, we are spoilt with some truly spectacular displays. This post will share five of my favourites which are not to be missed.
Please note, flowers are unpredictable and the dates for the best times to view these particular displays are very much for guidance only.
Please follow the attractions on Social Media and check their updates in the surrounding weeks. They will post when the best times to visit are for that year. Often these displays are only around for a week or so and timing is key.
1 - Snowdrops at Howick Hall A trip to Howick Hall in February is such a treat and always a sign that spring is on the way. The ground is covered with tens of thousands of snowdrops, mostly planted by Lady Grey herself between the wars. There is even a special Howick hybrid to look out for. Admission fees apply. Pet dogs are not permitted in the gardens.
2 - Crocus Lawn at Wallington The Crocus Lawn in the walled garden at Wallington is absolutely stunning and like nothing else I've seen. This photo does not do it justice at all. Crocus' don't stick around for long so as soon as Wallington mention they are in bloom, it's best to may a beeline to visit.
Wallington is free to visit for National Trust members, admission fee applies for non-members. Dogs are welcome in the grounds and gardens on leads.
3 - Daffodils at Warkworth Castle
Daffodil displays don't get much better than the show they put on around Warkworth Castle. Absolutely stunning! You can admire this display as you walk or drive past with no admission fee required.
Read my guide to visiting Warkworth here.
4 - Cherry Blossom at Alnwick Garden Another display that's not to be missed is the Cherry Blossom at Alnwick Garden. It's so pretty and I love that there are lots of swings inbetween the trees for visitors to enjoy too. What a way to take it all in. This is the largest collection of Tai-Haku trees outside of Japan and a real treat. Admission fees apply. Pet dogs are not permitted. You can enjoy the build up with a live 'blossom watch' stream on their website.
5 - Rhododendrons at Cragside
There are several spots to enjoy this colourful display across the estate including the rock garden which springs to life with colour, the carriage drive and Nelly's Moss.
Entry is free for National Trust members, admission fee applies for non-members. Dogs are welcome on leads in the grounds and gardens.
6 - Laburnum Arch at Seaton Delaval Hall 
This arch was planted by Lady Hastings in the 1990s and there are 20 trees which arch over the frame. As you can imagine, a lot of work goes into training and pruning these trees to provide this display which is usually at it's best for a few weeks in June. Thank you to the gardening team who put all the work in as it's absolutely stunning.
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