Snowdrop Season in the Cotswolds: A February Escape Worth Wrapping Up For
February in the Cotswolds has its own quiet kind of magic. The countryside is still holding onto winter’s calm, but if you look closely, you’ll spot the very first whispers of spring pushing through. Frosty mornings, mist sitting low across rolling fields, and entire woodland floors dotted with delicate white snowdrops make this one of the most underrated times to visit.
If you love peaceful exploring, slow seasonal moments and warming up somewhere cosy afterwards, February is honestly elite. Here are three stunning local gardens where snowdrop season completely steals the show — plus the perfect pub or café stop to round off your day.
Snowdrops in the Cotswolds
Colesbourne Gardens – The Home of the Snowdrop
Often called England’s greatest snowdrop garden, Colesbourne is a proper bucket-list moment if you’re into seasonal nature. Thousands (honestly, it feels like millions) of snowdrops blanket the woodland floors, weaving through trees, pathways and hidden corners that feel straight out of a fairytale.
The garden usually opens specifically for snowdrop season, which makes visiting feel extra special. It’s one of those places where you naturally slow down — wandering trails, breathing in crisp country air and soaking up the first real signs that brighter days are on their way.
Where to Refuel: The Colesbourne Inn
Just a short stroll or drive away, The Colesbourne Inn is exactly what you want after a chilly garden wander. Think roaring fires, proper comforting pub classics and that relaxed countryside atmosphere where you can thaw out with a drink and a long lunch.
Snowdrops in the Cotswolds
North Cerney House Gardens – Snowdrops with Classic Cotswold Charm
North Cerney House Gardens feels beautifully timeless. Set around a historic Cotswold manor house, the snowdrops here drift naturally beneath ancient trees through the woodland walk. It’s peaceful, elegant and slightly less busy, making it ideal if you’re after a slower, more tucked-away experience.
It’s low-key but genuinely stunning.
Where to Refuel: The Bathurst Arms
After exploring, head to The Bathurst Arms in nearby North Cerney village. It’s everything you hope a countryside pub will be: cosy interiors, warm welcomes and hearty seasonal dishes that hit different after fresh air and walking boots.
Painswick Rococo Garden – Snowdrops with a Playful Twist
Painswick Rococo Garden brings something a little different. The garden’s dramatic valley setting creates waves of snowdrops flowing across hillsides, weaving between follies, winding pathways and ornamental features.
It feels slightly whimsical and full of character, making it a lovely option if you enjoy gardens with personality and varied landscapes. You can easily spend a few hours here just meandering and discovering hidden viewpoints.
Where to Refuel: The Rococo Garden Café
The on-site café is perfect for a relaxed lunch or warming coffee stop. Expect homemade cakes, seasonal lunches and big windows looking out across the gardens — ideal for resting legs while still soaking up the scenery.
End the Day Wrapped in Cosy Cotswold Calm
After a day exploring snowdrop-filled gardens, there’s nothing better than heading back somewhere warm, quiet and completely your own. The Nook is tucked within just a few miles of these Cotswold gems, making it the perfect base for a slow February escape.
Spend your evening unwinding in your private wooden cabin, lighting the wood burner, soaking in the hot tub under wide countryside skies and letting the stillness of winter properly settle around you. It’s the kind of reset that feels simple but honestly hits deep — nature waking up outside while you slow down inside.
February might not shout for attention like summer does, but that’s kind of the whole point. It’s quieter, softer and full of those small seasonal moments that are easy to miss when life speeds up.
If you’re craving fresh air, peaceful wandering and a cosy countryside stay to match, snowdrop season in the Cotswolds is seriously worth discovering.
Cosy hot tub moments
Dog Friendly Christmas in the Cotswolds
Wrap up warm, clip on the lead and step straight into a Cotswold Christmas dream. Start your morning with a wander through the winter woods — crisp air, misty fields, paws padding softly through the leaves. Afterwards, cosy up by the fire with a comforting cup of hot chocolate, feeling that proper “nothing to do but relax” kind of calm.
Fancy a cosy cabin in the winter wonderland - The Nook at Big Skies
Winter Walks & Hot Tub Bliss
Set off on a lovely winter walk via woodland trails with your dog, soaking in the open skies and fresh air. After a day out in the countryside, hitting trails and exploring, take time to sink into the wood-fired hot tub back at your cabin — the perfect way to ease those aching legs and shift into full festive relaxation mode.
Cosy Country Pub & Farm Shop
For a hearty stop, head to the charming and dog-friendly country inn Green Dragon Inn in Cockleford, near Cheltenham. With roaring log fires, beam-ceiling bars and handcrafted furniture, it’s the kind of place where both you and your dog are welcomed. exploregloucestershire.co.uk+1 On your way home pop into the adjacent farm shop to buy local treats and ingredients for a fireside feast — whether that’s a Dutch-oven casserole or marshmallows by the campfire.
Festive Food & Street-Food Vibes
For something a little more lively, stop by Dunkertons Park (Dowdeswell Park) — home of organic cider, street food stalls, fire-pits and a wonderful relaxed atmosphere. Dogs are very welcome. Breckon & Breckon+1
Christmas Markets Galore
– The Cheltenham Christmas Market runs 11th–23rd December, filled with artisan stalls, lights and festive treats.
– The Cirencester Christmas Market takes place on 6-7 Dec, 14 Dec, 16-18 Dec and 21 Dec — ideal for local crafts and gifts.
Both are easily accessible by car or a bus ride from your base at Big Skies.
Boutique Shopping & Pet-Friendly Treats
If you’re in the mood for a little indulgent shopping, the Holland Cooper Boutique offers luxurious country-style fashion — often with a glass of fizz as you browse.
Fancy going further? Visit the “Venice of the Cotswolds”, Bourton‑on‑the‑Water, for festive shopping, cosy tea rooms and the boutique Dogs by Just for Pets where you can spoil your four-legged guest with designer pet wear & treats.
Fancy a Cotswold stay with the pooch
Look no further than a stay at the Nook at Big Skies