A Guide to the Best Snowdrop Walks in and around Rutland (2026)

A Guide to the Best Snowdrop Walks in and around Rutland (2026)

As the winter frost begins to soften, the landscape around Oakham and Rutland transforms into a shimmering carpet of white. Snowdrops, or Galanthus, are the first true sign that spring is stirring. 

Here is your definitive guide to some of the best snowdrop walks for the 2026 season, including details on charges, charitable donations, and where to find a warming pub lunch nearby.

Barnsdale Gardens, Exton

The legacy of Geoff Hamilton comes alive in February with a dedicated Winter Border featuring over 9,000 hand-planted snowdrops.

Dates: Daily throughout February 2026.
Times: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Charges: Standard admission approx. £13.00 (Adults).
 Lunch: Helenium Tea Room (on-site) or a short drive to The Wheatsheaf in Edith Weston.
Website: barnsdalegardens.co.uk

Launde Abbey, East Norton

A tranquil retreat on the Rutland border, offering peaceful walks through Victorian walled gardens and ancient parkland.

Dates: Open daily.
Times: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
Charges: Free entry to gardens and parkland.
Charity: Launde Abbey is a registered charity; donations are warmly welcomed at reception to support the historic chapel and grounds.
Nearby Lunch: The Launde Abbey Café is excellent for light lunches, or visit The Fox & Hounds in Knossington.

Website: laundeabbey.org.uk

Easton Walled Gardens, near Grantham

Famous for some of the most spectacular snowdrop displays in the UK, spread across 12 acres of restored gardens.

Dates:  From Feb 11, open Wednesday–Sunday.
Times: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
Charges: Adults £13.00, Children £6.00. Free for Historic House members.
Nearby Lunch: The Cholmeley Arms in Burton-le-Coggles (award-winning and dog-friendly).

Website: visiteaston.co.uk

Dimminsdale Nature Reserve

A wilder experience managed by the Wildlife Trust, where snowdrops blanket the remnants of old limestone workings.

Dates: Open daily.
Times: Dawn until dusk.
Charges: Free entry.
Charity: Managed by Leicestershire & Rutland Wildlife Trust; donations help maintain the site's biodiversity.
Nearby Lunch: The Ferrers Arms in Lount is a popular traditional choice.

Website: lrwt.org.uk

Historic Wall Collapses at Oakham School, Church Passage, Oakham, Rutland.

Historic Wall Collapses at Oakham School, Church Passage, Oakham, Rutland.

A significant section of the historic stone wall lining Church Passage has suddenly collapsed. The wall, serves as the boundary between Oakham School grounds and the narrow pedestrian path leading to All Saints' Church and Cutts Close.

While the exact cause is still being investigated, early reports suggest that a combination of prolonged wet weather and the natural aging of the lime mortar may have contributed to the failure.

Approximately 5–7 meters of the ancient ironstone wall crumbled, spilling debris into the garden of a School property causing minor damage to the building.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the collapse occurred during a period of low foot traffic.

Oakham School maintenance teams acted quickly to secure the site

Given the wall's location within a conservation area, it is expected that the repair work will require traditional masonry techniques and matching Rutland ironstone to preserve the historic aesthetic of the town.

"It's a shame to see such a historic part of our town’s fabric literally crumble," noted one local resident. "But the main thing is that nobody was walking past when it gave way."

The recent collapse at Oakham School marks the third significant stone wall failure to hit the town’s historic center in just twenty-four months, raising concerns about the preservation of Rutland’s iconic ironstone boundaries.

This latest incident follows two other major structural failures triggered by severe weather.

The Friends Meeting House (Gaol Street): Damaged during the intense Boxing Day storm two years ago, this wall has since been restored. The repair utilised a blend of traditional stone and modern brickwork to stabilise the boundary.

The Former Judge’s House (Catmose Street): A large section of the perimeter wall at this landmark property was also leveled during the same storm. Unlike the Meeting House, this site remains unrepaired, with the stone still lying where it fell, serving as a lingering reminder of the storm's impact.

Local heritage advocates suggest that the combination of increasingly volatile storms and the porous nature of ancient ironstone is putting a strain on the town's masonry. When the lime mortar in these centuries-old structures becomes saturated or brittle, high winds can provide the final push needed to cause a collapse.

The recent collapse at Oakham School isn't the only wall-related headache for local officials. Oakham Town Council has recently come under scrutiny regarding the management of several historic sections of the town’s stone boundaries, specifically those surrounding All Saints’ Church.

In a recent oversight, the Town Council completed repairs on a section of a nearby church wall a listed structure without first securing the necessary legal permissions. Because the wall is protected due to its historical significance, any structural work requires a faculty and specific planning consent.

This administrative hurdle comes just as the Council prepares for a much larger project, the restoration of a significant stretch of the church wall along Church Street.

The upcoming Church Street project will likely be handled with extra caution to avoid a repeat of the previous faculty and planning breach. 

Heartfelt Plea to Recover Irreplaceable “Two Peas in a Pod” Necklace Lost Between Oakham and Peterborough.

Heartfelt Plea to Recover Irreplaceable “Two Peas in a Pod” Necklace Lost Between Oakham and Peterborough.

A family is reaching out to the public with a desperate plea to help find a deeply sentimental piece of jewelry lost on Saturday, February 14th. While the necklace holds little monetary value, its emotional significance marks a miraculous story of survival and sisterly devotion.

The necklace, a silver "Two Peas in a Pod" design, was a gift to Sue Gotley thirteen years ago. It was purchased to celebrate her recovery following a grueling battle with an aggressive form of acute myeloid leukaemia.

The bond represented by the jewelry is literal, Sue’s sister was her life-saving stem cell donor. To honour this connection, both sisters wear identical necklaces. The missing piece features a distinct silver pod with two "pearl" peas and is uniquely identified by a date engraved on the back.

The family has traced Sue’s journey on the day of the loss, noting several specific locations where the necklace may have slipped off:

Tesco Car Park (Oakham), The family parked specifically in the area designated for EV chargers.

Saxton Gardens (Penn Street), Sue visited a friend in the ground floor and dining room areas of the complex.

Peterborough Services, the car was parked near the rapid charging stations.

Sue visited the restrooms and purchased a coffee from a small outlet, possibly named "Fresh."

The family, including daughter Emma Mills, recognises that finding such a small item across a town and city is a difficult task, but they are hoping for one more miracle.

"We understand it’s a long shot, but if anyone does come across it, please let any of us know. This does not have monetary value but huge personal value."

If you were in any of these locations on Saturday, February 14th, please check your surroundings. If you believe you have found the necklace, or if you work at the Oakham Tesco or Peterborough Services lost property desks, please reach out to the family via social media or local authorities. https://www.facebook.com/emma.mills.7777/

Pleae share this story within the Oakham, Amersham, and Peterborough communities to help bring this "pea" back to its pod.

Raise Your Voice Join Rutland & Stamford Sound's 5th Birthday Community Choir. #RSSturns5

Raise Your Voice Join Rutland & Stamford Sound's 5th Birthday Community Choir. #RSSturns5

Raise Your Voice Join Rutland & Stamford Sound's 5th Birthday Community Choir

Calling all music lovers As part of Rutland and Stamford Sound ongoing 5th-anniversary celebrations, Rutland and Stamford Sound is thrilled to invite you to be part of something truly special their Birthday Community Choir.

They believe there is no better way to mark five years of community broadcasting than by bringing the voices of their listeners together in song. Whether you are a seasoned vocalist or just love a good sing-along in the shower, everyone is welcome to join this festive ensemble.

This is more than just a rehearsal; it’s a chance to be a part of local radio history. By joining the community choir, you will, Sing for Live Radio. Be part of a professional radio recording that will be shared with our listeners across the region.

Work alongside the incredible Gavin Ashley-Cooper. As our Sunday Musical Directions presenter, a professional choir director, and a talented pianist, Gavin will guide the group through rehearsals and the final recording.

Connect with other local residents who share a passion for music and community spirit.

Event Details

Mark your calendars for a morning of music and celebration in the heart of Uppingham.

Date: Thursday, 5th March.

Time: 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM.

Location: Uppingham Church of St Peter and St Paul.

Ready to find your key? Rutland and Stamford Sound would love to have you there. 

To register your interest or to ask any questions about the session, please reach out to them.

Email: rutlandandstamfordsound@gmail.com.

Come along, have fun, and help Rutland and Stamford Sound make their 5th birthday celebrations hit all the right notes.