Bring on the blooms! Glorious golden daffodils are emerging everywhere, and our two lovely counties boast some of the best places to see them.

Benington Lordship, Stevenage

Although famed for its snowdrops, this garden will be scattered with huge numbers of daffs, as well as unusual spring bulb varieties, such as Scilla Byzantica and Fritillaries. The Benington Lordship Estate  also sits on an ancient Anglo Saxon site – the kids will love exploring the ruins of the Medieval Castle and Norman Keep. 

River Lee Country Park, nr Broxbourne

Stretching between Broxbourne and Waltham Abbey on the Essex border, this 1,000-acre park is positively blooming in spring time with daffodils and camassias. Plus, if you head there soon, you might be to catch the sprays of pretty purple and white crocuses dotted all around too. Besides the family-friendly walks and bike rides, there’s loads to explore, from Waltham Abbey Gardens to Broxbourne Old Mill. Littlies will LOVE all the wildlife that will be hopping about too.

Hatfield House, Hatfield

Enjoy the swathes of happy daffs in the Lime Walk and Sundial Garden – and make sure you take a look at the Old Palace Garden (childhood hangout of the one and only Queen Elizabeth I). For a longer ramble, head to the adjoining woodland garden for its wonderful naturalised spring bulbs.

Ascott House Gardens, Wing (nr Leighton Buzzard)

This National Trust gem is still home to the members of the eminent Rothschild family – la di da! It’s also famous as the home of the crazily wonderful Ascott collection (with more fine art and furniture than you can shake a gold-plated stick at). The awesome gardens are specially designed as winter gardens, with March being the perfect time to enjoy the sea of daffodils spreading out around the grounds.

Cassiobury Park, Watford

If you’re a bit closer to the Big Smoke, why not take a walk in Watford’s Cassiobury Park. Here, you have 190 acres of open space in which to ramble, taking in the uplifting blanket of yellow flowers as you go. And breathe.

Anglesey Abbey, Lode

The gardens at Anglesey Abbey are always well worth a wee hop across the border to Cambs (guide lines allowing) and in spring time, they come bursting into life. With swathes of chirpy daffodils popping up all over the 114-acre estate, it’s the perfect spot for a stroll. And once the blossom makes an appearance, everything will be showered in spring-time confetti. Ahhh.