7 February – 27 March
Spring Bulb Pageant
Welcome the arrival of spring as Doddington's historic gardens come to life with a beautiful display of flowering bulbs.
From February onwards, the gardens begin to awaken after their winter rest, with swathes of snowdrops, bright winter aconites, jewel-like cyclamen and cheery crocuses bringing the first signs of spring.
As the season unfolds, drifts of Lent lilies and heritage daffodils, including rare Edwardian varieties, bring fresh colour to the gardens, alongside delicate Dog's Tooth Violets and Wood Anemones. The distinctive chequered blooms of Snake's Head Fritillaries emerge as spring progresses, while cherry blossom and flowering magnolias add another layer of beauty into April.
A much-loved Doddington tradition, the Spring Bulb Pageant was first established in the 1950s by Ralph and Antonia Jarvis, grandparents of current owner Claire Birch. Successive generations have continued to nurture and expand the displays, with Claire's father, Antony Jarvis, estimating that he has planted or moved some 150,000 bulbs over the years.
Wander through five acres of walled and wild gardens surrounding the Elizabethan Hall, enjoy the fresh spring air and discover the changing colours of the season.
Spring Continues at Doddington
The Gardens continue to welcome visitors throughout spring, with the Hall reopening for the main visiting season on Sunday 28 March. Enjoy the changing displays of seasonal colour as spring unfolds.
Hall & Gardens opening times.
Discover more about Spring at Doddington.
Times & Tickets
- Adult £10
- Child (4–16 years) £4.75 Under 4yrs free
- Doddington Season Ticket holders Free
- Historic Houses Members Free
- RHS Members Free
- Gardeners' World 2for1
Tickets available on arrival at the Gatehouse
- Wednesday – Sunday 10am–4pm
Last entry 3pm
Important
information
Membership Schemes
Free Gardens admission: Doddington Season Ticket holders, Historic Houses members and RHS members.
2 for 1 Gardens admission: Gardeners' World members.
Please present a valid membership card or Season Ticket on arrival. Membership benefits are subject to the relevant terms and conditions.
Art Fund and CPRE offers apply to Hall & Gardens tickets and not to Gardens Only tickets.
Plan Your Visit
Dogs: Dogs are not permitted in the Gardens, with the exception of assistance dogs. Dogs on leads are welcome on our estate walks and in selected shops and cafés. Find out more about Dogs at Doddington.
Accessibility: Most of the Gardens are accessible by wheelchair, with ramps and graded slopes between different levels. Some paths are grass or gravel and may be more difficult to navigate, particularly in wet weather. A map showing step-free routes is available from the Gatehouse.
Parking and facilities: Free parking is available on the estate, with designated Blue Badge parking near the Gatehouse. Accessible toilets are available in the Gardens.
Carers: Free admission is available for a carer accompanying a disabled visitor who requires assistance.
Flowering times vary depending on seasonal weather conditions. Follow us on social media for seasonal updates and to see what's flowering in the Gardens throughout the Spring Bulb Pageant.
About the Gardens
The gardens at Doddington have been carefully nurtured and developed over more than 400 years, while retaining their original Elizabethan layout.
Discover five acres of formal gardens framed by historic brick walls, the beautiful West Garden with its box-edged parterres and the naturalistic Wild Garden, where seasonal planting creates an ever-changing display of colour and interest.
The Gardens are also an RHS Partner Garden, recognised for their horticultural interest and heritage.
