Spring is almost here and that means warmer weather, longer days and, for the keen gardeners among us, daffodil season.

The bright yellow bulbs tend to flower from early March until the end of April, giving us plenty of time to admire colourful displays all over the county.

Hever Castle, near Edenbridge, is one of the best places in Kent to see the flowers, with around 250,000 blooms set to appear at the award-winning gardens.

Each year, the castle’s Dazzling Daffodils display covers the grounds, from the 35-acre lake to Anne Boleyn’s orchard.

Some of the oldest varieties of daffodil that still thrive today naturalised in the former Queen of England’s orchard, including the Telamonius Plenus and Lent Lily, which date back to the 17th century.

It’s a nod to Anne Boleyn’s childhood at the castle where she was first courted by her future husband Henry VIII.

The annual display has been curated by Hever Castle’s head gardener Neil Miller and daffodil expert Johnny Walkers.

Johnny, who has produced gold medal-winning exhibits at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for 25 consecutive years, continues Hever Castle’s links to the royal family as his displays were often admired by Queen Elizabeth II.

“Queen Elizabeth II was always interested in the daffodils,” says Johnny. “One of the daffodils I'm most proud of, Narcissus Gentleman at Arms, was purchased by the team at Windsor Castle, which is truly fitting because it was raised to mark Her Majesty’s 90th birthday.”

The display is included in the price of your entry ticket, which can be booked online here.

"I look forward to coming to Hever Castle’s Dazzling Daffodils event every March,” adds Johnny. “The estate is a wonderful place, full of gardeners with enthusiasm and knowledge. It's been a pleasure to work with the CEO Duncan Leslie and to team up with head gardener Neil Miller to fill the grounds with even more daffodils.

“There are some really interesting varieties at Hever and lots to see - and Dazzling Daffodils is a really wonderful week, especially if you love narcissus!”

Dazzling Daffodils will run from Monday, March 18 to Sunday, March 24 with twice-daily tours from Johnny Walkers and Neil Miller on weekdays and Hever Castle’s gardeners on weekends.

Hever Castle isn’t the only place you can find delightful daffodils in Kent this spring - here are three more gardens where you can get your fill…

Godinton House, Ashford

While the formal gardens at Godinton House are usually the star attraction, at this time of year it’s the wild garden that steals the show. The three-acre mass of daffodils, along with other colourful spring flowers, such as fritillaries and primroses, is a feast for the eyes.

Details: Gardens open from Tuesday, March 12 and the house opens from Friday, March 29. Book online or pay on the gate.

Hole Park, Rolvenden

From the first day of its 2024 season, Hole Park will boast lots of beautiful flowers, including daffodils. The 16-acre gardens will also feature spring delights such as pink magnolia, cherry blossom and tulips.

Details: Open from Monday, April 1 at Hole Park in Rolvenden, near Cranbrook. Book online or pay on the gate.

Leeds Castle, Maidstone

This self-led Darling Daffodils Walk around the historic grounds of Leeds Castle makes for a perfect family day out. Not only can you soak up the sight of thousands of daffodils brightening up the castle’s stunning gardens, but you can also enjoy outdoor play areas and visitor trails, plus take a look inside the 1930s-themed castle.

Details: Until Tuesday, April 30 at Leeds Castle near Maidstone. Book online or pay on the gate.