Softening the harshness of British winters, golden daffodils greet you in the Cotswolds. It is as if their trumpet-shaped flowers are literally announcing the onset of spring! They are at their most gorgeous in the months of March and April.
Picture yourself, Wordsworth-like, wandering alone until you chance upon these brilliant beauties. So what if the cold winds are piercing your bones; the budding blossoms are sure to warm your heart. Standing amid the golden yellows and clear whites, you can picture yourself in your favourite summer dress and flip flops. So rent a cottage or a mansion by a daffodil garden and let the English countryside bless you with scented serenity.
Here are some of the best places in the Cotswolds to sight the blossoms in all their glory :
Batsford Arboretum
Spanning 56 acres, Batsford Arboretum is situated only a mile or so away from Moreton-in-Marsh. It boasts of a stunning collection of flora – ranging from cherry blossoms to magnolias, and of course – the lovely daffodils. Ticket prices range from £4 to £10, and you can visit it any day of the week, except for Christmas.
Colesbourne Park
Most famous for its elegant snowdrops, Colesbourne Park is also home to the lushest daffodils. They bloom mostly in the middle of March, and are a sight for sore eyes. Tickets for adults are priced at £8. The railway stations closest to the gardens are Cheltenham Spa and Kemble.
Sudeley Castle & Gardens
Eight miles away from Broadway lies the complex of Sudeley Castle & Gardens – majestic in every sense of the term. The gardens are a delight to visit at all times of the year, but time your visit in early summer if you want to witness the lovely golden bulbs bring life to the greenery. You could get here conveniently by rail, as well as by car.
Already dreaming of your trip to the Cotswolds? Allow us to make it even more enticing with our tales of spending a resplendent holiday there – read about our Royal Holiday in the UK.