Browse through our blog posts to find out what life is like at Hoe Grange Holidays along with some great ideas for days out in the Peak District.
The delicate white petals of snowdrops bursting through the undergrowth are one of the first signs that Spring is on its way. So lucky that Hopton Hall Gardens, which has one of the finest displays of snowdrops and aconites, is just down the road from Hoe Grange. A stunning sight not to be missed!
Pull on your coat and hat, grab your gloves and go for a local walk to see if you can find some snowdrops, peeking through the snow.
Despite the cold, frosty weather, these hardy yet delicate flowers can be found thriving in woods, ditches and orchards everywhere. Blooming between January and March their brilliant white petals and green leaves are a welcome sight. They are often described as one of nature’s brightest wonders and signal the growth of new life.
Hopton Hall with it’s crinkle-crankle garden wall, is in the hamlet of Hopton, with views over to Carsington Water.
Hopton Hall snowdrop gardens open from 1st February until 29th February from 10.30am to 4pm. If you're a keen gardener its a great place to get outdoors and beat the winter blues. Ideal for families too, as most of the paths are hard-surfaced and accessible for both young and old, although not all areas are suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Admission is just £5 for adults, £2.50 for under 16's and free for children under 6 years.
The red brick house has roots back to the 16th century when it was built by Thomas Gell as a two-storey, three-bay manor house. It was extended and remodelled by Philip Gell in the late 18th century. Over the years it has entertained many esteemed visitors including Oliver Cromwell, Mary Queen of Scots and Princess Anne.
The original estate of some 3,700 acres was split up in the 20th century, and in the 1980’s more land was swallowed by the construction of Carsington Water. However the gardens and grounds that are left have been loving restored to their former glory by the current owners Bill and Julie Thomas.
Today you can admire the delicate drifts of snowdrops along the woodland walk. The dappled light through the trees makes the snowdrops sparkle and brings to life the colourful aconites, hellebores and primroses.
As you meander through the more formal walled gardens you will discover many unexpected delights. Even without the 2,000 summer roses in bloom the walled gardens are just as enchanting in winter, with an arboretum and pinetum. Explore further and follow the walkways past the ponds to the wildlife lake, and wider estate where you will catch an enticing glimpse of Carsington Water in the distance.
Getting to Hopton Hall from Hoe Grange is a easy. Cycle just 3 miles along the High Peak Trail to the bottom of Hopton incline, then down a short (steep) lane and you will see the red brick crinkle-crankle wall of Hopton Hall. But fear not...with our electric bikes that steep hill on the way home becomes a breeze!
After a visit to Hopton Hall, why not call at The Miner’s Arms in Carsington, just minutes away, for a friendly pint and delicious pub grub? Plenty of outside space with a children’s play area to keep the little ones entertained.
We definitely recommend a visit to Hopton Hall Gardens, be it for the snowdrops in winter or the stunning displays of roses in summer. The snowdrop gardens are open in February while the summer gardens are open for three days a week from mid-June until the end of August.
Whatever time of year you visit the homemade cakes are absolutely delicious!
Explore our website for more #lovelocal car free days out while staying in one of our log cabins or glamping pods.
Felicity