East Yorkshire has some of the most stunning landscapes in the UK, made even more beautiful by the ever-changing array of flowers which pop up throughout the year. From the delicate snowdrops of winter to the vibrant wildflowers of summer, there’s always a fantastic floral display to enjoy. Here's a month-by-month guide to the best flowers to see in East Yorkshire and the perfect spots to find them.
February: Snowdrops at Burton Agnes Hall
February may be a little gloomy, but spring is just around the corner and mother nature is about to put on a spectacular display to get us through the last of winter’s cold, dark days. Across East Yorkshire, swathes of delicate snowdrops are waking up, adding little pops of colour to our otherwise dormant woodlands, walking trails and walled gardens.
Snowdrops are often referred to as the "harbingers of spring," and there’s no better place to see them in East Yorkshire than Burton Agnes Hall. The historic hall and its little woodland are a haven for these hardy flowers, which bloom here in their thousands and are at their best in February. The perfect spot for a serene winter walk.
Learn more about Burton Agnes Hall and find more snowdrop walks in East Yorkshire
March: Daffodils at Sledmere House
As we head into March and signs of spring emerge, colourful daffodils take centre stage. Their iconic bright yellow flowers can be seen brightening up parks and grass verges across East Yorkshire but the grounds of Sledmere House are one of our favourite places to see large numbers of daffodils.
Offering a welcome burst of colour as East Yorkshire begins to wake up from its winter slumber, the daffodils at Sledmere House are often arranged in large, impressive clusters, which dance in the breeze as if nodding in agreement that spring has finally arrived. You’d struggle to find a more elegant place to enjoy a daffodil walk too, with the flowers set against the backdrop of the stunning hall and sprawling estate.
Learn more about Sledmere House
April: Orchid Festival at Burton Agnes Hall
During April, we head back to Burton Agnes Hall for their annual Orchid Festival. In a celebration of these beautiful flowers, hundreds of orchids are showcased in full bloom throughout the ground floor of the historic house. Orchids of all shapes, sizes, and colours fill the air with their lovely scent, creating a real feast for the senses.
Whether you're an orchid enthusiast or just love flowers, this festival offers an incredible opportunity to see these fascinating plants up close, from the striking Phalaenopsis to the delicate Cattleya.
Learn more about Burton Agnes Hall
Late April: Bluebells at North Cliffe Wood
As the days grow longer and warmer, late April ushers in one of the most breathtaking floral displays of the year - bluebells. These woodland flowers carpet the ground in a sea of purple and blue, creating a little magic wherever they bloom. In East Yorkshire, North Cliffe Wood is one of the best places to see them.
Bluebells thrive in the ancient woodlands here and a walk around late April time is a must for nature lovers, as it’s so peaceful and picturesque. With just the gentle sound of birdsong and the rustling of the leaves to keep you company, you can totally switch off and escape from the hustle and bustle of life.
April/May: The Tulip Festival at Burnby Hall Gardens
You don’t need to go all the way to the Netherlands to experience fields filled with colourful tulips. When spring reaches its peak in late April and early May, Burnby Hall Gardens comes alive with tens of thousands of them. Burnby Hall is renowned for its stunning gardens and lakes which cover 8 acres, and their annual tulip festival sees over 100,000 tulips bloom across the grounds in every colour imaginable.
Learn more about Burnby Hall Gardens
June: Wildflowers across the Yorkshire Wolds
The arrival of summer sees wildflowers starting to appear right across the Yorkshire Wolds. As the rolling hills come alive with poppies, cornflowers, and ox-eye daisies, the landscape is transformed into a colourful floral patchwork.
Countryside hikes offer up the chance to stumble across wildflower meadows providing an incredible contrast to the more cultivated gardens of East Yorkshire.
Untamed beauty awaits.
Learn more about the Yorkshire Wolds
June/July: Lavender at Woldies
As summer reaches its peak, the lavender field at Woldies becomes one of East Yorkshire’s most fragrant features. Families visiting the huge wild play attraction can enjoy a walk through the vibrant purple flowers whilst taking in panoramic views of the Yorkshire Wolds.
You can also buy Wolds Way lavender-based products, including essential oils and hand creams, so you can take a piece of the lavender fields home with you.
July/August: Roses at Sewerby Hall
As the summer rolls on, Sewerby Hall’s impressive gardens become a rose lovers paradise. The historical hall’s grounds are known for their beautifully designed formal gardens, and during the summer months, over 100 varieties of roses take centre stage, with climbers, bushes, and ramblers all coming into full bloom.
August: Sunflowers at Tickton Farm
The end of summer brings one of the most cheerful flowers of all - sunflowers. Tickton Farm, located near the village of Tickton, is the perfect place to see these towering plants which can grow up to 18 feet tall! The sunflower fields here stretch for acres, creating gorgeous views and the perfect background for a selfie or two. Attend one of their pick your own sunflower events and you can take along your cutters and choose the perfect stems to take away and brighten up your home.
No matter the time of year, East Yorkshire’s flowers are sure to impress. So, plan your visit, grab your camera, and enjoy the stunning floral displays that East Yorkshire has to offer!