Usually closed until March, the National Trust’s Acorn Bank will open each weekend in February for Snowdrop Weekends.

After a long winter, drifts of lovely snowdrops are always a sight for sore eyes.

At Acorn Bank, near Temple Sowerby, Penrith, these dainty flowers transform the woodland in coming weeks, forming a carpet of white – a sure sign that spring is on its way.

This spectacle is often only seen by the team at Acorn Bank, as the property is usually closed until March.

News and Star: Snowdrops at Acorn BankSnowdrops at Acorn Bank (Image: National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor)However, following the success of last year’s event, Acorn Bank will open every weekend in February so visitors can come and see the snowdrop displays at their most brilliant.

Visitors can wrap up warm and take a winter wander through swathes of snowdrops that carpet the woodland beside the historic Crowdundle Beck.

The beautiful walled gardens will also be open for a tranquil stroll. In the second-hand bookshop, the team will be holding special vintage book sales and Lakeland Coffee are serving coffee and cake in the courtyard.

The working watermill will also be open, with millers from the Acorn Bank Watermill Trust carrying out conservation work on the soon-to-be-restored second waterwheel.

News and Star: The snowdrops at Acorn Bank are normally only enjoyed by members of staffThe snowdrops at Acorn Bank are normally only enjoyed by members of staff (Image: National Trust Images/Annapurna Mellor)Heather Birkett, Garden and Outdoor Manager at Acorn Bank, said: “We’re really looking forward to being able to welcome visitors each weekend in February.

"The carpets of snowdrops in the woods at Acorn Bank are a visual feast for visitors, but for insects brave enough to venture out in February they are also an important source of food.

"A good sunny day will tempt out bumble bees and other pollinators. Acorn Bank’s woodlands, parkland and gardens provide an almost constant year-round banquet for our winged friends, and snowdrops are just the beginning.”

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Snowdrop Weekends will run on February 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25, from 11am-3pm.

The event is free for National Trust members and entry fees are half price for non-members,  at £4.50 for adults and £2.50 for children. Booking is recommended via the website.