🌼 Best Places to See Daffodils in South East England: A Spring Guide to Stunning Blooms

20th February 2026

When spring arrives in South East England, one of the most joyful sights is the appearance of thousands of golden daffodils. From historic castles to landscaped gardens and tranquil woodland estates, the region bursts into colour — offering some of the best daffodil displays in the UK.

Whether you’re seeking a scenic spring walk, a weekend getaway, or new places to explore the outdoors, this guide reveals the top spots to enjoy daffodils across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.

🌼 Top Daffodil Locations Across South East England

1. Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is unveiling newly planted daffodil displays across its famous Formal Gardens and surrounding Parkland. Visitors will be able to see fresh drifts of daffodils outside the Rose Garden, along with elegant white Narcissus blooming along the outer edges of its circular pathways. These additions form part of a long-term restoration programme led by the gardens team to revitalise historic planting schemes across the estate.

Best Daffodil Spots

• The Rose Garden is the standout location for daffodil lovers this year. Newly planted daffodils create soft yellow drifts around the garden’s edges, while white Narcissus highlight the circular pathways — combining fresh seasonal colour with Blenheim’s elegant formal design.
• For wider naturalised displays, follow the routes that lead from the Rose Garden into the surrounding Formal Garden–Parkland transition zones, where daffodils sit beautifully within the estate’s sweeping landscape.

Why visit Blenheim Palace in Spring?

Spring brings Blenheim’s grand landscape to life, making it one of the most inspiring seasonal days out in Oxfordshire. Highlights include: The Formal Gardens, offering styles from the Italian Garden to the Water Terraces, the tranquil Secret Garden, an oasis of unique trees, pools and streams perfect for spring wandering and Capability Brown’s iconic Parkland, providing sweeping vistas that blend history, nature and early‑season colour. 

2. Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest, East Sussex

Bedgebury National Pinetum is widely known for its world‑class conifer collection with over 2000 acres of forest to explore. Spring transforms the landscape with naturalised daffodils scattered around lakesides, glades and woodland trails. It’s one of the most peaceful places to enjoy spring colour in the region.  The pinetum is free to visit, car parking charges apply, but a visit also offers families the chance to enjoy the adventure play areas, spend time on a family cycle ride, test their nerves with a Go Ape tree top challenge and wander along the extensive footpaths.

Best Daffodil Spot

Marshal’s Lake, where daffodils line the grass banks and reflect beautifully in the water — a perfect spring photo location.

Why Visit Bedgebury Pinetum in Spring?

Daffodils brighten open spaces among rare trees, creating an uplifting mix of wild and cultivated beauty.

3. Horwood House Hotel, Buckinghamshire

Horwood House is a serene countryside retreat set within 38 acres of landscaped grounds. Spring brings daffodils throughout its gardens, offering beautiful views for guests seeking a restful seasonal break. Last October the Horwood House team took it in turns to help plant over 3500 daffodil bulbs along the roadside verge leading towards the hotel as part of ongoing projects to celebrate our 5-year anniversary of being an independent. Each year we will continue to add to the bulb planting and work our way along the magnificent driveway. 

Why Stay at Horwood House in Spring?

Combines a peaceful stay with easy access to gardens glowing with fresh spring colour.

Best Daffodil Spot

The Walled Garden and driveway, where daffodils contrast beautifully with historic brickwork and shaped topiary.

4. Borde Hill Garden, West Sussex

Borde Hill Garden is a favourite among horticulture lovers, and its spring displays never disappoint. New displays of over 1,000 potted narcissu bulbs, arranged in vintage terracotta pots can be found in and around the Glasshouses and mass plantings throughout the parkland make it one of the best gardens for daffodils in Sussex.  Make a stop at the Summerhouse Cafe, perfect to pause and refuel in the beautiful gardens or book for one of their watercolour painting workshops and immerse yourself in colour.

Best Daffodil Spot

North Park Walk, glowing with 3,000 Narcissus ‘February Gold’, create a sea of yellow, followed by a second wave of blooms behind the Bride’s Shelter — ideal for photography.

Why Visit Borde Hill in Spring?

A blend of formal design and naturalised planting ensures daffodils shine in many different garden styles.

5. Guildford Cathedral Roundabouts, Surrey

Guildford Cathedral’s iconic red‑brick silhouette is surrounded each spring by dramatic roadside swathes of daffodils. The bright yellow banks create one of the most recognisable spring displays in Surrey. Guildford Cathedral is free to visit, take time to pop in and look around, the uncluttered light and airy, simple design provides a tranquil backdrop away from the hustle and bustle of Guildford.

Best Daffodil Spot

The Stag Hill roundabout, where dense swathes of daffodils frame the cathedral rising above.

Why Visit Guildford for Daffodils?

A surprising but spectacular urban spring sight — easily accessible and exceptionally photogenic.

6. Herstmonceux Castle Gardens, East Sussex

Herstmonceux Castle is a magical spring destination where daffodils spill across meadows, woodland edges and formal gardens. Set within 300 acres, the estate creates a varied and atmospheric backdrop for seasonal colour. You don't have to move far from the car park before you see daffodils!  With the climate shifting typical seasonal dates are harder to predict with some daffodils now shooting through the winter leaf litter, however normally they would flower from mid Feb through to April. For the latest updates follow the Herstmonceux Caslte Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/herstmoncastle

Best Daffodil Spot

The woodland walk near the Marlow Rope Maze, where naturalised daffodils brighten rustic pathways.

Why Visit Herstmonceux for Daffodils?

It combines history with nature — daffodils appear beneath ancient walls, along forested paths and in peaceful garden rooms.

7. Leeds Castle, Kent 

Leeds Castle offers one of the most expansive daffodil experiences in Kent. Its spring walking trails guide takes visitors through woodlands, along lawns and around shimmering moat-side banks lined with vibrant blooms. Follow the Leeds Castle Daffodils Map to discover clusters and blankets of daffodils across the estate, which will add a cheerful spring to your step.

Best Daffodil Spots

• The Woodland Walk, where daffodils bloom among the trees
• The moat-side banks, offering unforgettable spring views of the castle framed by yellow drifts – a truly picturesque spring scene

Why Visit Leeds Castle in Spring?

The combination of golden daffodils, castle reflections and lakeside scenery makes this one of the region’s most photogenic daffodil destinations.

 8. Waterperry Gardens, Oxfordshire

Waterperry Gardens is a horticultural landmark, and its spring display of 10,000 planted bulbs forms spectacular display of yellows, oranges and creams in the gardens – a must see as part of a springtime visit. Don’t miss the chance to stay in the grounds of the garden, in the charmingly presented one bedroom Coach House which includes access to the gardens as part of the stay.

Best Daffodil Spot

The Daffodil Meadow, a wide, flowing mass of multi-tonal blooms that captures the essence of early spring.

Why Visit Waterperry Gardens for Daffodils?

It combines expert planting with sweeping landscapes, making it ideal for nature lovers.