I thought I would take a peek at the snowdrops at Cerney House Gardens, near Cirencester, in Gloucestershire this week – they have been flowering for weeks now and guessed they wouldn’t be around too much longer.

I love visiting this unpretentious Cotswolds garden in the spring and summer, but have never been when the snowdrops were in flower.

The marked snowdrop walk follows a trail around the outside of the main walled garden, in amongst the mature trees and I was joined on my walk by lots of birdsong.

There were plenty of snowdrops to be seen, along with thousands of hellebores, which were absolutely delightful in the sunshine.

Saw some blossom too.

This bank of hellebores was buzzing with bees.

Such a peaceful place, and not one other visitor in sight.

Apart from a few crocus and narcissi, the walled garden hadn’t begun to wake up yet, but I know that a visit to see the tulips will be on the cards in a few weeks.

The cost of entry at time of my visit was a reasonable £5 for an adult and £1 for a child, with an annual pass just £15. You pay at the honesty box at the entrance.

A small, self-service café is available for hot drinks and cakes.

Cerney House Gardens is open seven days a week until the end of October.