A seasonal spectacle awaits visitors to the National Trust’s Acorn Bank with its snowdrop weekends throughout February.
This display is often only seen by the team at the historic watermill, near Temple Sowerby, as the property is usually closed until March.
However, following the success of last year’s event, Acorn Bank will open every weekend this month so visitors can come and see the snowdrop displays at their most brilliant.
Visitors can wrap up warm and take a winter wander through swathes of dainty flowers that carpet the woodland beside the historic Crowdundle Beck.
The beautiful walled gardens will also be open for a tranquil stroll. In the second-hand bookshop, the team will be holding special vintage book sales and Lakeland Coffee will be serving coffee and cake in the courtyard.
The working watermill will also be open, with millers from the Acorn Bank Watermill Trust carrying out conservation work on the soon-to-be-restored second waterwheel.
Heather Birkett, garden and outdoor manager at Acorn Bank, said: “We’re really looking forward to being able to welcome visitors each weekend in February.
“The carpets of snowdrops in the woods are a visual feast for visitors, but for insects brave enough to venture out in February they are also an important source of food. A good sunny day will tempt out bumble bees and other pollinators.
“Acorn Bank’s woodlands, parkland and gardens provide an almost constant year-round
banquet for our winged friends, and snowdrops are just the beginning.”
Snowdrop weekends will run on 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th and 25th February, from 11am-3pm.
The event is free for National Trust members, who should bring their membership cards to show the welcome team. For non-members, normal entry fees are half price, at £4.50 for adults and £2.50 for children. Booking is recommended via the website: nationaltrust.org.uk/acorn-bank
