February is a wonderful time of year to see snowdrops in Somerset. Aside from admiring the snowdrops in the country lanes, Somerset is home to amazing displays in incredible locations. You can even take part in a Somerset snowdrop festival which includes a snowdrop gardens trail. 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. Two privately owned gardens in Wells are also taking part. One has medieval origins while the other is 6 acres in size.
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.
In 2026, there are a few specialist snowdrop events to enjoy.
On Friday 20 February, from 3 – 4pm, landscape designer Dan Pearson will be at Kilver Court. You will need to buy a ticket.
On Saturday 21 February, 10am – 11am, garden writer Abigail Willis is giving a talk. Tickets available.
Also on Saturday 21 February, 11.30am – 1pm, an expert panel of local Head Gardeners will be hosting a gardening panel. Tickets available.
Stoberry Park Gardens in Wells – 20 – 22 February
Snowdrops in Stoberry Park Gardens
These private gardens are open to the public from Friday 20 February until Sunday 22 February. Tickets cost £5 (plus a small booking fee.) The six acres of beautifully designed garden include ponds, sculptures, a walled garden and a sunken garden. Visitors can enjoy super views across Wells to Glastonbury Tor and the Vale of Avalon. Timings and tickets.
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 available. Wander around the 14 acres of gardens to see snowdrop displays in various locations. Head Gardener, James Cross leads a special snowdrop walk on selected dates in February.
ENJOY SNOWDROPS IN EXMOOR
Snowdrop Valley in Exmoor – Saturday 24 January until Sunday 22nd February 2026
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. The gardens open for the Great Snowdrop Garden Trail of Somerset on 28 January 2026.
Forde Abbey Historic House & Gardens – Every weekend in February 10.30am – 4pm
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. Find out more.
Yeo Valley Organic Garden – 20 & 21 February 2026
Marvel at the snowdrops in the six and a half acre garden in Blagdon. Half of the entrance fee is 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 20 – 21 February.
Elworthy Cottage in West Somerset. This one-acre plantsman’s garden is 600ft above sea level. There is 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.