The days are getting lighter and one country estate near Sandbach is getting ready for the start of its snowdrop walks.

Snowdrops signal the start of warmer days ahead and Rode Hall is renowned for the pretty white flowers with around 70 varieties in abundance.

Every year, Rode Hall, the stunning historic house at Scholar Green, throws its gates open at the beginning of February for visitors to see the snowdrops. Adults £8, children £3 and family ticket £20 (up to 2 adults and three chlldren). Under 5's free. Tickets can be bought online or on the gate.

So beautiful are the carpet of white flowers, that the annual event is a big attraction, with visitors coming from far and wide.

And this year, the walks, which are detailed here, are guaranteed to be as popular as ever as visitors take in the flora and fauna in the historic setting.

 A spokesperson said: "In today's uncertain world snowdrops are a sure sign that Spring is well and truly under way.

"A beautiful end-of-winter walk for all the family with a wonderfully diverse landscape and over 70 varieties of snowdrops.

"Walk along paths amidst carpets of white flowers on an enchanting mile-long route (with options for longer or shorter walks).

"Take in the wild beauty of cascading snowdrops in the Old Wood and Wild Garden, the scenic path down to the lake and drifts of snowdrops in the borders of the formal Nesfield garden in front of the hall.

"Highlights are also the two acre walled kitchen garden and an unmissable vista down the Colonel's Walk where some of the rarest varieties can be viewed."

Rode Hall added on Social Media: "As well as the Snowdrops carpeting the Old Wood there are lots of other wonderful Spring flowers to discover during the snowdrop walk.

"The Daphne Bholua along Sir Richard's Walk greets you with the most exquisite scent and the beautiful early flowering crocus tommasinianus is a friendly companion for the humble snowdrop together with the impressive hellebores in various Spring colours. The countdown is on."

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