Seek out these welcome harbingers of brighter days, from a 20th-century Cornish garden to a 700-year-old Norfolk priory – plus cosy places to stay nearby
It’s said that soldiers returning from the Crimea brought back Cringletie’s first snowdrops. Thanks to a 30-year restoration programme of the garden, the grounds of this 28-acre estate in the Scottish borders are generously filled with them, and the nature trail is free for everyone. Other highlights include a walled garden dating from the 16th century, and 19th-century Cringletie House has 16 delightful rooms, afternoon tea and warming fires.
Doubles from £250 B&B, cringletie.com