Hopton Hall, near Carsington Water in Derbyshire, is a private estate open to the general public for just two periods of the year - in February for the snowdrop display, and in July when the rose garden is at its best.
To one side of the entrance drive lies a woodland and in early spring it's carpeted in white flowers with the occasional splash of yellow from aconites.
The path winds back and forth between trees to give a view of this amazing sight from almost every angle, but really I want to just stand, whirl round, and say Wow!
It's just totally enchanting to see snowdrops spreading like this. I assume they cannot all have been planted individually but, like the smaller display in my own garden, have colonised an ever-increasing area over the years, by seed dispersed by the wind or with help from birds. The result is stunning.
Paths then wind down towards a small lake where it was warm enough to sit and admire the view for a few minutes. Not for long, but to be able to sit outside in February is marvelous.
From the woodland, the visitor trail leads behind the Hall to the rose garden. Empty of flowers at this time of year, it still has a charm derived from the formal clipped hedges and trees.
It was even pleasant enough that we sat outside for tea and cake. Spring certainly feels like it's arrived
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