MARKSHALL Estate is inviting visitors to experience its stunning snowdrop displays.

Each year, Robin’s Grove at Markshall, near Coggeshall, comes to life with thousands of white snowdrops covering the woodland floor – a sign that the warmer months are just round the corner.

A spokesman said: “Whilst it may be winter, now is the perfect time to get outside in the cool winter’s sun and explore the arboretum for seasonal blooms, including honeysuckle, sweet box, chimonanthus and of course the sought-after snowdrops.

“If you’d like to see snowdrops on a mass scale then look no further than Robin’s Grove at Markshall Estate where snowdrops are aplenty.

“Along with the more common species of snowdrop - galanthus nivalis - the Markshall collection is home to several different varieties.

“The snowdrop season this year is even more exciting for the team as they await the arrival of thousands of purple crocus flowers which will create a sea of purple beyond the snowdrop grove towards the end of winter and into early spring.

“Some two thousand bulbs were hand planted by the team in autumn 2022 and it will be the first year that they have flowered.”

Markshall opens its doors for visitors to enjoy its snowdrop weekends in February.

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

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

Marketing coordinator Becky Stone said: “We cannot wait for the return of snowdrop weekends here on the estate.

“We really enjoyed seeing so many families exploring Robin’s Grove in 2022, taking family photos and spotting Percy Peacock strutting amidst the snowdrops.

“The arboretum team have worked so hard to get the crocus bulbs planted and we cannot wait to celebrate their bloom with them.”

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