An enchanting celebration of our gardens springing to life.

Bid farewell to winter and embrace the first whispers of spring at Larnach Castle this August, when the grounds are blanketed with a breathtaking display of snowdrops. August is the best time to marvel at our mass planting of Snowdrops in the Larnach Castle’s gardens. 

Snowdrop Day is a wonderful celebration to:

• Lift winter spirits by seeing the tenaciousness of snowdrops popping their heads up, with no consideration of the weather.

• ​Join an engaging garden tour with Margaret Barker and/or Fiona Eadie.

• ​Get the family out and about, with a Snowdrop Fairies and Elves Competition.

• Warm up with a glass of mulled wine and special Snowdrop Day sweet treats by the roaring log fires in the Ballroom Cafe.

• Enjoy our live folk and Gaelic music by Mike Maroney and Band in the Ballroom.

• Take the opportunity to purchase some of your own Snowdrop bulbs and other delights from the Castle Plant Stall.

• Visit our boutique Gift Shop filled with gifts, souvenirs, local delights, clothing, jewellery, and of course gardening equipment or accessories.

Entry price:

• Standard garden entry for adults $24 pp

• Kids Go Free (on Sunday 9 August only, between 9am–5pm, further T&Cs below).

• Free for Loyal Local current passholders, or this is a great opportunity to become a Loyal Local (information here).

Snowdrop Talk with Margaret Barker | 9.15am | Free

Join us for a rare opportunity to hear about the history of some of unique varieties of snowdrops in the Castle Gardens and how they came to be here! This lovely talk will be followed by a short Q&A session with Margaret. 

The Plant Stall will then have these unique varieties of snowdrops for sale.

Approximately 30 minute talk, 15 minute Q&A.

Winter in the Garden with Head Gardener Fiona Eadie | 10.30am and 2pm | $25 pp - Tickets on sale soon

Take a tour with our Head Gardener Fiona Eadie to look at the wonders of Larnach Castle gardens in winter. Yes, it is lovely at this time of year too! As you wander, Fi will talk about activities in the garden throughout the cooler months and discuss any problems or queries you may have within your own gardens.

45 minute tour.

Wander Down the Narrow Paths with Margaret Barker | 1pm | $35 pp - Tickets on sale soon

Take a tour of our snowdrop plantings with Margaret Barker. She wishes to share her passion and knowledge of the snowdrops which she has collected for the Castle Garden over the last 58 years. Margaret will share growing tips, best times to shift and divide, and how to help snowdrops thrive in your own garden.

Following Margaret's tour, you are invited to join her for afternoon tea on the Lower Veranda, where there will be an opportunity to ask questions and mingle with likeminded people over a bite to eat and a cuppa.

45 minute tour.

Snowdrop Fairies and Elves' Competition

Dress up as Snowdrop Fairies or Elves! Winners receive an annual pass for Castle & Gardens + High Tea for 2 Adults and 2 Children.

• Children register throughout the morning for the competition in the gift shop and receive their registration number.

• Children's costume parade around the circular lawn at 11.00am. Judges to choose best dressed Fairy and best dressed Elf.

• Winners to offer lollies to guests throughout the garden from 12noon–1pm.

• All participants to receive a small gift for entering.

Kids Go Free T&Cs:

• Up to 3 children free with 1 accompanying paying adult. The number of free child tickets is based on the type of adult ticket purchased.

• A child is classified as anybody aged 14 or under.

• This is a retail product through Larnach Castle only for families via our Gatehouse or Online. This is not for preschools, schools or holiday programmes, tourism operators or booking agents.

• Current Loyal Local Pass for an adult can be used and must be shown upon entry along with a photo ID.

• This cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer e.g. kids cannot also get a Loyal Locals card along with free entry. The full paying adult is eligible for a Loyal Local Pass.

• Children must be supervised at all times.