With the colours of spring emerging, there’s no better time to get out and explore the stunning sights of the North East as our green spaces begin to bloom.
The region is home to castles, historic houses and award-winning gardens where the grounds have been lovingly designed to produce an uplifting burst of colour and scent each year as the days grow warmer and brighter. If you’re after inspiration for your next weekend outing, paying a visit to one of these places is sure to leave you in high spirits.
Daffodils are one of the most iconic signs of spring, with their sunny blooms bringing cheer to these early spring months and signalling that the days of soaking up the sunshine are not far away. Here’s where you can catch some of the most spectacular daffodil displays across the North East.
Gibside, Gateshead
A variety of spring bulbs are emerging around the grounds of this National Trust estate, with lots for nature lovers and history buffs to discover on meandering paths through the 18th century landscape. Alongside the likes of daffodils and tulips you will find alliums, scilla and dwarf iris among the blooms, while the bright, bell-like flowers of crown imperial fritillaries are a nod to the exotic history of the Orangery.
On your way to the Orangery at Gibside, you will also notice the flowering arch created by a laburnum tree and a rhododendron ‘Cynthia’ joining together, both planted in the mid-19th century. Meanwhile, the sweet-smelling blossom of fruit trees appears in the Walled Garden from February to May – look for acid cherry, plum, apricot, nectarine and peach, as well as the apple trees that line the path through the garden.
Crook Hall Gardens, Durham
There is a ‘riot of colour’ at Crook Hall Gardens in the spring, with bright splashes of anemones, cyclamen and crocus soon followed by the vibrant yellows of daffodils, forsythia and kerria, accompanied by tulips, grape hyacinth and fritillaria. The grounds of the National Trust medieval hall are also home to a large magnolia which puts on a ‘magnificent’ display of flowers each spring, while blossoms burst into bloom over in the orchard.
The gardens here are designed to complement each other while all having a different age and personality, making it the perfect place for immersing yourself in the colours of spring. The National Trust says of Crook Hall Gardens: “Formal areas with neat lines and topiary hedges border traditional English cottage gardens, boasting a colourful medley of roses, wisteria, perennials, trees and shrubs.
“The serene moat pool is planted with water lilies, hosta and iris. The gentle sound of running water and views towards fields and woodlands beyond the gardens enhance its peaceful appeal. The gardens are a haven for wildlife, alive with bees and butterflies collecting nectar from flowers, ducks and moorhens on the pond and songbirds in the trees.”
(Image: TimMcGuinness/ChronicleLive)
Alnwick Garden and Castle
For a more unique twist on the sight of spring daffodils, it’s worth paying a visit to the Alnwick Garden, which is home to a variety created specially as a celebration of the Northumberland garden in 2012. Named Narcissus Alnwick Magic, this daffodil is distinguished by its rippling petals of ivory white and cream, and it can be fond blooming in the Ornamental Garden.
Meanwhile, over at Alnwick Castle next door, which is due to reopen to the public on March 29, you will also be able to see around 250,000 hand-planted daffodils blanketing the grounds as they bloom this spring for a cheerful sight.
Seaton Delaval Hall
Seaton Delaval Hall is also home to a more unusual variety of daffodil – the historic Van Sion double-headed daffodils that can be found throughout the grounds each spring are thought to be as old as the 18th century hall itself. Some people believe that the daffodils were gifted by Sarah Hussey Delaval to her lover, John Bowes, 10th Earl of Strathmore, of Gibside.
During March, you’ll find these daffodils across the site, but they are described as ‘particularly beautiful’ carpeting the North West Woods near the Delaval Playdium and in the arboretum near the Church of Our Lady.
Meanwhile, the herbaceous borders to the north of the Rose Garden also ‘come alive’ in early spring, offering an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colour from subtle yellow and pink flowers in spring to a vivid explosion of colour in summer lasting into autumn.
Howick Hall, Alnwick
The snowdrops at Howick Hall Gardens and Arboretum are followed in late March by the daffodils, almost all of which were planted by Lady Grey between the Wars when the Hall was her home, having been owned by the prominent Grey family since 1319. You can therefore expect to see all the traditional varieties in the garden, with Lady Grey having been particularly fond of white and pale yellow daffodils.
Warkworth Castle
It’s a sight to behold in itself, but Warkworth Castle is made all the more arresting when surrounded on its hill by thousands of daffodils each spring. While you’re there you can discover a slice of Northumberland’s ancient history by exploring the medieval castle, which also boasts spectacular views over the countryside where spring colours are emerging.
Wallington
Wallington is famous for its stunning display of purple crocuses that bloom early each year, a sign that spring is on the horizon. But there’s much more to see at this historic National Trust site after the crocus lawn bursts into life, with daffodils following in their thousands alongside tulips. Be sure to look out for the plum border with giant pots of spring bulbs too.
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