February is a wonderful time of year to see snowdrops in Somerset. Aside from admiring snowdrops in the country lanes and gardens, Somerset is home to amazing displays in incredible locations. You can even take part in a snowdrop festival!
WHERE TO SEE SNOWDROPS IN SOMERSET
Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival – 12 to 18 February 2024
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.
Kilver Court Gardens, Shepton Mallet – 12 to 18 February 2024
As part of the Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival you can view the snowdrops in Kilver Court Gardens free of charge. The three and a half acre gardens were originally created by MP Ernest Jardine. More information.
Bishop’s Palace in Wells – Throughout February 2024
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 will lead a special walk on 15 February.
Snowdrop Valley in Exmoor – 27 January to 25 February 2024
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 keep your high heels at home!
MORE PLACES TO SEE SNOWDROPS IN SOMERSET
East Lambrook Manor Gardens Festival of Snowdrops – 1 to 29 February 2024
See snowdrops during February 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.
You can also see Chris Kampf’s snowdrop sculptures fashioned from steel. There is a charge to enter the gardens (10am – 5pm) which are closed on a Monday. This might be the last chance to see snowdrops at East Lambrook as the property is up for sale.
Forde Abbey Historic House & Gardens – Every weekend in February 2024
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 a (reduced) entry fee to see the snowdrops.
Yeo Valley Organic Garden – 16 – 17 February 2024
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. Ticket information and opening hours.
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.