IT’S come to the time of year when some of Essex’s favourite outdoor visitor attractions become swathed in hundreds of snowdrops.

Markshall Estate in Coggeshall, Hedingham Castle and Daws Hall at Lamarsh, are among the venues which open their doors for visitors to admire the carpets of white flowers.

The common snowdrop – galanthus nivalis – is a sure sign that spring is on the way, and is popular among visitors each year.

Braintree and Witham Times: Admiring the snowdrops at Markshall (Picture: Brian Shaw)Admiring the snowdrops at Markshall (Picture: Brian Shaw) (Image: Brian Shaw)

This year, visitors have already begun to enjoy the flower in all its glory.

Each year, Robin’s Grove at Markshall, near Coggeshall, comes to life with thousands of white snowdrops covering the woodland floor.

Braintree and Witham Times: Plenty of families have been enjoying the display in Robin's Grove (Picture: Brian Shaw)Plenty of families have been enjoying the display in Robin's Grove (Picture: Brian Shaw)

Markshall has already opened its doors for visitors to enjoy its snowdrop weekends across February.

The venue said it is expecting thousands of visitors to see the flowers in Robin’s Grove.

Braintree and Witham Times: The snowdrops provide the perfect backdrop for woodland walks at Markshall (Picture: Brian Shaw)The snowdrops provide the perfect backdrop for woodland walks at Markshall (Picture: Brian Shaw)

Markshall will also be open on Shrove Tuesday, February 21, for pancakes and another opportunity to see the snowdrops.

Open from Friday to Sunday and during the February half term, families can also enjoy the charity’s Minibeast Trail, discovering 20 wooden minibeasts hidden across the grounds.

Braintree and Witham Times: Markshall is expecting thousands to come and enjoy the snowdrops (Picture: Brian Shaw)Markshall is expecting thousands to come and enjoy the snowdrops (Picture: Brian Shaw) (Image: Brian Shaw)

Elsewhere, Daws Hall Nature Reserve founder Iain Grahame claims they boast one of the “best displays of snowdrops in East Anglia”.

Guests enjoyed walks through the reserve, admiring the snowdrops on site.

Braintree and Witham Times: Children enjoying Daws Hall's snowdrops (Picture: Neil Phillips)Children enjoying Daws Hall's snowdrops (Picture: Neil Phillips) (Image: Neil Phillips)

The first snowdrop day at Daws Hall was at the end of January, and there is still time to enjoy the event.

Guests can visit Daws Hall and its snowdrops on the next two Sundays, February 12 and 19.

Braintree and Witham Times: A couple enjoying Daws Hall's snowdrop display (Picture: Neil Phillips)A couple enjoying Daws Hall's snowdrop display (Picture: Neil Phillips) (Image: Neil Phillips)

Suggested donations are £7 for adults. Parking is free and dogs are not allowed.

Hedingham Castle is also inviting guests to enjoy its snowdrop displays.

Braintree and Witham Times: Hedingham Castle's pathways are surrounded by its snowdrops (Picture: Karen Dickson)Hedingham Castle's pathways are surrounded by its snowdrops (Picture: Karen Dickson) (Image: Karen Dickson)

The historic venue is showing off the display until Sunday, February 26.

Among the bulbs are other flowers to enjoy, such as aconites, perfect for nature-lovers.

Braintree and Witham Times: Snowdrops and Aconites at Hedingham Castle (Picture: Sue Andrews)Snowdrops and Aconites at Hedingham Castle (Picture: Sue Andrews) (Image: Sue Andrews)

For more information or tickets for any of the snowdrop days, visit markshall.org.uk, dawshallnature.co.uk, or hedinghamcastle.co.uk/events.