Just Bloom Guide to the Best Places to See Daffodils Around the World

Daffodils, with their vibrant yellow and white blooms, are a universal symbol of spring. From historic gardens to wild woodlands, here’s a Just Bloom HK guide to the best places around the world to witness stunning daffodil displays, based on their diversity, scale, and cultural significance.

United Kingdom

1. Lake District, England

• Why Visit: Immortalized by William Wordsworth’s poem “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud,” the Lake District is a must for daffodil lovers. Dora’s Field in Rydal, near Ambleside, was planted by Wordsworth and his family in memory of his daughter, offering a poignant display of wild daffodils in a semi-open woodland.

• Highlights: Hundreds of native Narcissus pseudonarcissus (wild daffodils) bloom in March and April, alongside scenic views of Rydal Water.

• Tips: Visit in early spring for peak blooms. Pair with a walk along the Ullswater Way for more daffodil sightings.

• Access: Free, public access via footpaths near Allan Bank.

2. Blickling Estate, Norfolk, England

• Why Visit: This National Trust property boasts over 100,000 daffodils across 55 acres, creating a golden spectacle along avenues and the Ha-ha.

• Highlights: Historic varieties and a mix of bluebells, azaleas, and rhododendrons enhance the spring display. The estate’s 17th-century house adds historical charm.

• Tips: Visit in March for the best blooms. Check the National Trust website for events like daffodil weekends.

• Access: Entry fees apply; check www.nationaltrust.org.uk/blickling-estate for details.

3. Cotehele, Cornwall, England

• Why Visit: Located in the Tamar Valley, a historic daffodil-growing region, Cotehele hosts an annual Daffodil Festival (mid-March) with over 300 historic and modern varieties.

• Highlights: The slate trail guides visitors through heritage breeds, showcasing Cornwall’s 19th-century flower industry.

• Tips: Combine with a visit to the estate’s orchards and gardens. Book festival tickets in advance via the National Trust.

• Access: National Trust entry fees apply.

4. Gloucestershire’s Golden Triangle, England

• Why Visit: The area between Newent, Dymock, and Kempley is renowned for wild daffodils in woodlands like Gwen & Vera’s Fields and Lea and Pagets Wood.

• Highlights: Native Narcissus pseudonarcissus carpets ancient woodlands, complemented by bluebells and wildlife like woodpeckers and dormice.

• Tips: Visit in March for peak blooms. Respect the delicate ecosystem by sticking to paths.

• Access: Free access to nature reserves; check www.wildlifetrusts.org for guided walks.

5. Powis Castle and Garden, Powys, Wales

• Why Visit: As the national flower of Wales, daffodils shine at this National Trust property, carpeting the grounds in golden waves.

• Highlights: The castle’s terraces and formal gardens frame the daffodil displays, with views of the Welsh countryside.

• Tips: Visit from February to April. Check www.nationaltrust.org.uk for seasonal events.

• Access: Entry fees apply.

United States

6. Gibbs Gardens, Ball Ground, Georgia

• Why Visit: Home to the largest daffodil display in the U.S., Gibbs Gardens features over 20 million bulbs across 220 acres, earning it a spot among the world’s top daffodil destinations.

• Highlights: Over 100 varieties, including early-, mid-, and late-blooming types, create a six-week show from mid-March to mid-April. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide a stunning backdrop.

• Tips: Visit every two weeks to see different varieties. Check www.gibbsgardens.com for peak bloom updates.

• Access: Admission fees apply; see website for details.

7. Skagit Valley, Washington

• Why Visit: Known for its Tulip Festival, Skagit Valley’s daffodil fields bloom first in March, offering a free, vibrant display across private farms.

• Highlights: RoozenGaarde allows visitors to walk among rows of daffodils, while the La Conner Daffodil Festival includes a bloom map for self-guided tours.

• Tips: Bring rain boots for muddy fields. Use the interactive bloom map at www.visitskagitvalley.com.[](https://www.travelingtessie.com/allposts/spend-a-day-at-the-daffodil-fields-in-skagit-valley)[](https://www.visitskagitvalley.com/event/la-conner-daffodil-festival/)

• Access: Free to view from roadsides; RoozenGaarde has a small entry fee.

8. Newport, Rhode Island

• Why Visit: Newport’s Daffodil Days in April feature over 1.3 million daffodils across the city, inspired by Aberdeen, Scotland.

• Highlights: Key spots include Ballard Park (20,000 bulbs), Easton’s Beach (25,000 bulbs), and Green Animals Topiary Garden. Events like the Daffy Dog Paw-rade add festive charm.

• Tips: Plan for the festival’s parades and brunches. Visit www.discovernewport.org for schedules.

• Access: Free public access; some events may have fees.

9. New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Boylston, Massachusetts

• Why Visit: The Field of Daffodils showcases over 25,000 bulbs, creating a dramatic spring display from mid-April to early May.

• Highlights: Early-blooming ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’ and other cultivars in a naturalistic setting support pollinators like milkweed.

• Tips: Check www.nebg.org for peak bloom updates. Visit during the third week of April for the best show.

• Access: Admission fees apply.

10. Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri

• Why Visit: The Shaw Nature Reserve within the Missouri Botanical Garden features millions of daffodils in a 2,400-acre woodland setting.

• Highlights: The reserve, a former host of the 2016 World Daffodil Convention, offers a serene, natural display.

• Tips: Visit in early April. Check www.missouribotanicalgarden.org for guided tours.

• Access: Admission fees apply.

Europe

11. Keukenhof, Netherlands

• Why Visit: One of the world’s largest garden parks, Keukenhof’s narcissus show draws over a million visitors from late March to early May.

• Highlights: Thousands of daffodil varieties are displayed in meticulously designed beds, alongside tulips and hyacinths.

• Tips: Book tickets early at www.keukenhof.nl to avoid crowds. Visit in early April for peak daffodil blooms.

• Access: Admission fees apply.

12. Royal Horticultural Society’s Garden Wisley, Surrey, England

• Why Visit: Located 30 miles southwest of London, Wisley is a testing ground for new daffodil varieties, offering both formal beds and naturalized plantings.

• Highlights: Regimented displays showcase the latest cultivars for impact and weather resilience.

• Tips: Visit in March or early April. Check www.rhs.org.uk for events.

• Access: Admission fees apply.

Asia

13. Awaji Island, Japan

• Why Visit: Known for Narcissus tazetta var. chinensis (Japanese daffodils), Awaji Island features prolific blooms along coastal fields.

• Highlights: These Mediterranean-origin daffodils, possibly introduced via China centuries ago, create a cheerful display in early spring.

• Tips: Visit in March. Check local tourism sites for bloom updates.

• Access: Free public access to fields.

Tips for Visiting Daffodil Sites

• Timing: Daffodils typically bloom from February to May, with peak times varying by region. Check local bloom maps or garden websites for updates.

• Respect Nature: Stick to paths to avoid damaging bulbs, especially in wild settings. Never pick wild daffodils, as they’re protected in many areas.

• Photography: Early morning or late afternoon light enhances daffodil photos. Bring a macro lens for close-ups of delicate petals.

• Combine with Other Blooms: Many sites feature bluebells, cherry blossoms, or tulips alongside daffodils for a vibrant spring experience.

• Weather Prep: Spring weather can be unpredictable. Bring rain gear and sturdy shoes, especially for rural or muddy sites like Skagit Valley.

Cultural Significance

Daffodils symbolize renewal and hope across cultures. In Wales, they’re a national emblem, celebrated in festivals. In the U.S., they’re tied to community projects like Newport’s Daffodil Days. Their resilience—blooming through late frosts—makes them a universal favorite.