With lighter days slowly appearing, there is a lot to discover at Pinetum Gardens in St Austell. Swathes of the purest snowdrops are now in full bloom across the woodland walks, giving you a glimpse of spring, which is just around the corner.

The Winter Garden is probably one of the largest dedicated spaces in Cornwall, with just under three acres of specialist planting and is at its best at this time of year. Designed like a rose, with the paths spiralling away from the centre, all the plants have either winter flowers, beautiful bark, colourful foliage or heavily scented leaves. There are also various heather's, hundreds of bulbs now coming into flower and some very unusual evergreen trees.

As a local, Pinetum Gardens is offering a special annual pass of £16 per adult which provides free entry for the next 12 months. "This is the perfect opportunity to see the gardens in all their botanic glory throughout the year," said a spokesman.

"Make sure you bring visitors, friends and family, plus dogs are welcome all year round too. Experience a relatively undiscovered outdoor space right on your doorstep."

For more information visit pinetumgardens.com.