February is a wonderful time of year to see snowdrops in Somerset. Aside from admiring the snowdrops in the country lanes and gardens, Somerset is home to amazing displays in incredible locations. You can even take part in a Somerset snowdrop festival! Many of the places detailed below are just a few miles from my B&B.
WHERE TO SEE SNOWDROPS IN SOMERSET
Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival – 20 to 21 February 2026
There is only one place to kick off and that is with the snowdrop festival at the birthplace of James Allen, aka the ‘Snowdrop King.’ Allen was born in 1830 and lived all his life in Shepton Mallet. He was passionate about snowdrops and highly respected as a breeder. Allen is credited with breeding scores of different snowdrops and is widely thought to be the first person to breed new varieties from wild snowdrops.
Over the past few years, the snowdrop festival has grown to include many events. The festival has an enormously positive impact on the town. Volunteers plant thousands of bulbs in public spaces. To date, nearly half a million bulbs have been planted! Enjoy poetry and photography competitions, talks, walks and, of course, plant sales. The workshops for kids and families are free. (Be sure to book your place(s) early.) Well worth a visit or two.
In 2026 the Shepton Snowdrop Festival will team up with other gardens to create the Great Snowdrop Gardens Trail of Somerset. The gardens involved are Dunster, Hestercombe, Forde Abbey, East Lambrook, The Bishop’s Palace, Yeo Valley Organic Garden and Snowdrop Valley in Exmoor.
Kilver Court Gardens, Shepton Mallet
As part of the Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival you can view the snowdrops in Kilver Court Gardens. The three and a half acre gardens were originally created by MP Ernest Jardine.
There is often a talk to enjoy connected with gardening. 2026 event dates TBC.
Bishop’s Palace in Wells – Throughout February
The gardens of the Bishop’s Place are beautiful at anytime of year, but the carpets of snowdrops take some beating. If you haven’t ventured to Wells before, you should! The Bishop’s Palace is just one of many stunning attractions in England’s smallest city.
Access to the gardens is via a drawbridge which provides safe passage over the moat. There is a charge for entering the gardens – annual membership and local multi-admission tickets are good value. The snowdrop event is included with any standard admission. Wander around the 14 acres of gardens to see snowdrop displays in various locations. Head Gardener, James Cross usually leads a special snowdrop walk.
ENJOY SNOWDROPS IN EXMOOR
Snowdrop Valley in Exmoor – January to February 2026 dates TBC
Exmoor is a stunning part of the world and a fair chunk of it lies in Somerset. Snowdrop Valley is close to the village of Wheddon Cross. When the snowdrops are in bloom, this privately owned valley is open to the public. The road to the valley is closed to vehicles, so either follow the signs to the Rest and Be Thankful car park or park at Cutcombe Cattle Market.
Visitors can enjoy various walks – long and short. Maps are available at the parking kiosk. The walking paths can get muddy, so leave your high heels at home!
MORE PLACES TO SEE SNOWDROPS IN SOMERSET
East Lambrook Manor Gardens Festival of Snowdrops – Throughout February
See snowdrops in the winter garden at East Lambrook. During the 1940s, Margery Fish and hubby Walter planted snowdrops between two orchards. It proved to be the perfect place. Marvel at 140 different varieties of snowdrop on display – around 90 varieties are available to buy in the nursery.
There is a charge to enter the gardens (Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm). The property was sold in May 2025, but the new owners have kept the gardens open.
Forde Abbey Historic House & Gardens – Usually every weekend in February
These award-winning gardens have been in existence for over 900 years and are home to the highest powered fountain in the country! There is much to enjoy outdoors. Areas include a bog garden, kitchen garden, park garden and a rock garden. During February you can see swathes of snowdrops in a multitude of places. If you aren’t a member then there is usually a reduced entry fee to see the snowdrops.
Yeo Valley Organic Garden
Marvel at the snowdrops in the six and a half acre garden in Blagdon. Half of the entrance fee is usually donated to the Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival. There is a garden café and shop to enjoy as well. The snowdrop festival dates in 2026 are yet to be announced.
Elworthy Cottage in West Somerset. This one-acre plantsman’s garden is 600ft above sea level. There is often an opportunity to see the snowdrops on selected dates in February. Open from 11am until 4.30pm. £5 for adults, kids are free.
So that’s my brief guide on where to see snowdrops in Somerset. You never know, you might get hooked on these beautiful flowers and end up a ‘galanthophile’ (which is no bad thing!).
Find out more about Somerset’s other incredible gardens and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.