Celebrate the Arrival of Spring at the 2024 Snowdrop Festival in the Picturesque Setting of Cambo Estate

Kingsbarns, St Andrews - Cambo Country House and Estate, an esteemed venue and visitor attraction situated on Fife’s stunning coastline, is thrilled to announce details of its upcoming renowned Snowdrop Festival, now in its 15th year, which will run throughout February and early March.

Cambo estate is the birthplace of this annual snowdrop celebration and home to the UK’s Plant Heritage national collection of snowdrops. The Erskine family, and in particular, Catherine Erskine’s dedication to preserving, expanding, and meticulously cultivating snowdrops for generations, has turned Cambo into a haven for ‘galanthophiles’,¹ who return annually to witness the spectacular display of 200 specialist snowdrop varieties carpeting the estate, and to purchase snowdrops ‘in the green’, for their own gardens.

As one of the earliest flowers in the year to bloom, the delicate snowdrop is much loved, and often seen as a symbol of hope as winter ends and we look ahead to springtime and warmer weather.

At the heart of the estate sits Cambo House, home of the Erskine family since the late 1600s. It remains a family home to this day for James Erskine and his family.  The House is also available for private hire as a venue for weddings, celebrations, and corporate events throughout the year, and whilst it’s not usually open to visitors, this year, as part of the snowdrop festival and for the first time in over seven years, Cambo House will be opening its doors for a limited period, providing an opportunity to book and enjoy a tour of the house, learn about its history and what life was like to live and work there.  Refreshments are also included with the tour.

Continuing the theme of snowdrops and hope, visitors are invited to view a free art exhibition in Cambo House, featuring artists from Myanmar, as a signifier of the importance of hope in communities impacted by conflict. Curated by James Erskine, who lived in Myanmar with his family from 2012 to 2019, the exhibition is a timely reminder of how art and creativity can offer hope in the darkest of times.

Cambo House will also host themed events during the festival, including an informative talk from Michael Myers, one of Scotland’s leading snowdrop experts. For more information about the house tours and events, please visit eventbrite.co.uk or click here.

In addition to Cambo House, Cambo Gardens, and the award-winning cafe and gift shop, visitors can also explore the magical woodland walks to Kingsbarns beach, book a session in the beach sauna to feel rejuvenated, or join an outdoor skills and movement class with WildStrong to enjoy an increased sense of wellbeing from spending time outdoors.  The estate is also home to the Kingsbarns Distillery, offering whisky and gin tours with tastings, plus Kingsbarns Golf Links, a Worldwide Top 100 ranked course, which is open from 23 March to early November.

Cambo House Private Hire and Off Grid Cabins

Cambo House was recently described by Rock My Wedding as ‘one of the most gorgeous wedding venues in Scotland.’  The festival offers a perfect opportunity to explore the venue as a location for any upcoming celebrations.  Its charming residential accommodation, choice of entertainment spaces and beautiful surroundings offer a breathtaking backdrop for any events.

If it’s a spectacular three-day celebration, elopement, micro wedding or simple short break, Cambo House can accommodate up to 37 guests in 18 Victorian style guest bedrooms, divided between five elegant suites and four spacious guest wings.

Cambo also offers two ‘off grid cabins’, designed and built by Scottish sustainable travel pioneers, Off Grid Travel.  The experience is about unplugging, having fun and reconnecting with those around you.  Head off into the wild, or just kick back and relax.  There are two different accommodation types, ideal for couples, solo travellers, or families.

Cambo estate is conveniently located between Kingsbarns and Crail on the A917 south of St Andrews.