SPECTACULAR displays of snowdrops at the National Trust's Newark Park, Ozleworth, are the first signs that the end of winter is in sight. The property will be open for three weekends from tomorrow until Sunday, February 13.

Michael Claydon, visitor services manager at Newark Park, said, "Snowdrops herald the end of winter and the coming of spring and are one of the first of the early garden flowers.

"The house and gardens at Newark Park have only been open to visitors for three years, and already the stunning snowdrops and winter aconites have become a major draw. Last year, people flocked from miles around to see them. These special weekend openings are an ideal opportunity to shake off the winter blues and see the property in its early spring glory."

The property will be open from 11am to 5pm on the next three Saturdays and Sundays. Normal admission prices apply - adult £4.50, child £2.20, National Trust members free.

The property will then re-open for four days at Easter from Good Friday before opening fully for the season from April 6.

Newark Park is a wonderful house with an intriguing history, a timeless landscape and two fronts. It has an east-facing Tudor front, built in the 1550s, and a south-facing Georgian Gothic faade built in the 1790s.

Its spectacular location high on a limestone cliff gives far-reaching views over rolling Gloucestershire countryside towards the Marlborough Downs and Mendip Hills.

Newark Park has been a home for over 400 years and today is lived in, and furnished by, the tenant.

See also Weekend Picture in Features