Colesbourne Park, Cheltenham

In search of coffee today we happily stumbled upon, what we've since learnt, is quite a horticultural gem and dendrologists heaven! Passing through the beautiful hamlet of Colesbourne we discovered the absolutely stunning snowdrop fields of @colesbournegardens in the Churn valley and very! aptly titled: "England's Greatest Snowdrop Garden" Bumping into Katie Reynolds, head gardener, we were absolutely fascinated to learn so much more about the humble snowdrop and the estate. Having been in the family since the 1600's, Sir Henry and Lady Carolyn Elwes have tended to the estate and gardens continuing the legacy of his great grandfather Henry John Elwes, a British botanist, entomologist, author, lepidopterist, collector and traveler! Amongst the many snow drop varieties on display is Galanthus Elwesii named after H.J. Elwes who found the original plants on an excursion to Turkey. The gardens truly exemplify the magic and romance of snow drops. Lawns covered in white blooms, a cascading vale of white absolutely reminiscent of the deftest touch of snow. As you stroll around carpets of white you come across an thoroughly mesmerizing blue lake. The color believed to be caused by microscopic particles of colloidal clay in the water. Ambling through acres of woodland saturated in snow drops, with the occasionally splash of purple from crocuses was an absolutely magical way to while away the morning. Thank you so much to Katie Reynolds for her patience and generosity in shepherding some disorientated visitors! An absolutely fantastic place to visit!

Lovely place. We visited on the last day of the season, but there were still some snowdrops and many other beautiful spring flowers. The church is very nice. 4* because the buildings, stairs, fountain, area around the lake could use some TLC.