Best Time To Visit Walsingham Snowdrops

A sunny January visit to see the snowdrops at Walsingham Abbey

Today we took a little trip to Walsingham Abbey with Mike and our three dogs to see the snowdrops – and what a day it was. A bright, sunny Saturday at the end of January, with blue skies overhead and the snowdrops at their absolute best. It felt like the perfect reminder that spring isn’t too far away.

Snowdrops at their absolute best

The Abbey grounds were simply stunning. Thousands of snowdrops were in full bloom, carpeting the woodland floor and winding their way through the historic ruins. In the sunshine, the delicate white flowers almost glowed, creating that magical scene Walsingham is so well known for at this time of year. It’s one of those places that never fails to take your breath away, no matter how many times you visit.

A peaceful winter walk

Despite it being a Saturday, the grounds felt calm and unhurried. Admission was £7.50 per adult, and dogs are very welcome on leads at no extra cost, which makes it such a lovely outing if you’re visiting with four-legged friends. There’s something incredibly peaceful about wandering through the Abbey gardens in winter, listening to birdsong, crunching along the paths, and soaking up the atmosphere of such a historic place. The combination of ancient stone walls, towering trees, and endless snowdrops makes it a truly special walk. Quite muddy at this time of years so wellies or walking boots is a good idea if you want to do the full walk including down by the river.

Coffee, cake and a village stroll

After our walk around the Abbey grounds, Mike treated himself to coffee and cake at Norton’s Café, which is set within the grounds of the Shrine. It’s now dog friendly too, which was a real bonus and meant we could all relax and warm up together before heading off for a wander around the village.

We also spent time strolling through the pretty medieval village of Walsingham, with its historic buildings, little religious relic shops and timeless feel – the perfect way to round off the day.

Where to eat & shop in Walsingham

One of our favourite stops was the Walsingham Farm Shop, which was a real find. We picked up some delicious homemade quiches to take home for dinner – perfect if you’re self-catering nearby – and they also do excellent takeaway coffees, ideal if you fancy something warming as you explore the village or head back to the car.

A perfect end-of-January day out

Late January is such a wonderful time to visit Walsingham Abbey. The snowdrops are usually at their peak, the air is crisp and fresh, and the light is ideal for photography and filming. It’s a gentle, uplifting way to spend a winter’s day and a real highlight of the Norfolk calendar.

Watch my video tour of the snowdrops at Walsingham Abbey grounds

I filmed a video while I was there to capture just how beautiful the Abbey grounds looked today. The sunshine, the snowdrops, and the peaceful paths really show Walsingham at its very best. You’ll find the video tour embedded below so you can enjoy a little wander around the gardens too.

[Video tour embedded here]

Walsingham Farm Shop: A delightful stop

The Walsingham Farm Shop is a must-visit for anyone in the village. Filled with locally made produce, homemade treats, and seasonal delights, it’s a real gem for picking up something special to take home. During our visit, we couldn’t resist the homemade quiches – perfect for a cosy dinner back at the cottage – and they also serve excellent takeaway coffees. Friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere make it a lovely stop for families, couples, and visitors to Walsingham.

Visitor Information: Walsingham Abbey Snowdrop Walks

Opening times: The Abbey grounds are generally open daily during the snowdrop season, usually from late January through February. Opening hours can vary slightly depending on the time of year, so it’s always worth checking before you visit.

Best time to see the snowdrops: Late January to mid-February is typically the very best time to see the snowdrops at their peak. Visiting on a bright, dry day really shows them off beautifully, especially when the sunshine catches the white flowers against the dark woodland floor.

Parking: There is parking available close to the Abbey and within Walsingham village. Village car parks are well signposted and just a short walk from the Abbey grounds, making it easy to combine your visit with a wander around the village.

Good to know: Admission is £7.50 per adult, with dogs welcome on leads at no extra cost. Paths can be muddy in winter, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

A lovely winter escape in North Norfolk

If you’re staying locally, days like this work beautifully alongside self-catering. Picking up something tasty from the farm shop for an easy supper means you can enjoy a relaxed evening back at your cottage after a day out exploring. If you’re visiting North Norfolk at this time of year, I can’t recommend a trip to see the snowdrops at Walsingham Abbey highly enough. It’s an easy and rewarding day out, and just one of the many reasons winter and early spring are such lovely seasons to explore the area.

Days like today are a reminder to slow down, get outside, and enjoy the simple beauty of nature – especially when it looks as magical as this.

Just a short drive from Gardeners Cottage in Blakeney 

If you’re staying at Gardeners Cottage Blakeney, Walsingham Abbey is just a short drive away, making it an ideal day trip during your visit. Combine your snowdrop walk with a scenic drive through the North Norfolk countryside, or along the coast and you could extend your outing with a visit to nearby Wells-next-the-Sea for a bracing coastal walk followed by fish and chips on the quay at Well Next The Sea.

Plan your visit

The Walsingham Abbey gardens are open daily during snowdrop season, and entrance fees help support the upkeep of this historic site. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear, as the paths can be a little muddy in winter. Dogs on leads are welcome, making it a great day out for the whole family.

Don’t miss this seasonal spectacle – February is the perfect time to experience the magic of Walsingham Abbey’s snowdrop walks. Book your stay at Gardeners Cottage In Blakeney via The Blakeney Cottage Company, and enjoy all that North Norfolk has to offer this winter! You can also book Gardeners Cottage in  Blakeney Norfolk on AirBnB