Dorset, Somerset &amp; Bristol


<p>Coming soon! Swathes of super special snowdrop displays near you. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-great-snowdrop-gardens-trail-of-somerset">THE GREAT SNOWDROP GARDENS TRAIL OF SOMERSET</h2>


<div class="wp-block-image">
<figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/02/00-east-lambrook-gardens-ELMG-The-Ditch-Feb-23_4858.jpeg" alt="east lambrook gardens snowdrops somerset" class="wp-image-92207" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/02/00-east-lambrook-gardens-ELMG-The-Ditch-Feb-23_4858.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/02/00-east-lambrook-gardens-ELMG-The-Ditch-Feb-23_4858-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/02/00-east-lambrook-gardens-ELMG-The-Ditch-Feb-23_4858-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/02/00-east-lambrook-gardens-ELMG-The-Ditch-Feb-23_4858-400x300.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/02/00-east-lambrook-gardens-ELMG-The-Ditch-Feb-23_4858-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/02/00-east-lambrook-gardens-ELMG-The-Ditch-Feb-23_4858-700x525.jpeg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">East Lambrook Manor Gardens</figcaption></figure></div>


<p>Wondering where to see the best snowdrop displays in Somerset? Very handily, the annual Shepton Snowdrop Festival has teamed up with Somerset’s finest snowdrop gardens to create the <a href="https://www.sheptonsnowdrops.org.uk/shepton-snowdrops-festival-heritage-galanthaphiles/whats-on/the-great-snowdrop-gardens-trail-of-somerset/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Snowdrop Gardens Trail of Somerset</a>. Simples: just follow the trail to see gorgeous galanthus in all their snowy splendour. Here&#8217;s what&#8217;s on the list.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowdrop-valley-near-wheddon-cross-exmoor-somerset"><a aria-label="Snowdrops Valley (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.wheddoncross.org.uk/snowdropvalley.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowdrop Valley</a>, near Wheddon Cross, Exmoor, Somerset</h2>



<p>Once only the locals knew about this remote and privately owned valley, the site of a former river-powered sawmill near Exmoor&#8217;s highest village, which is carpeted with flowers and open to the public from <strong>Sat 24 Jan until Sun 22 Feb.</strong> Park at Cuttlecombe Cattle Market in Wheddon Cross and walk up – it&#8217;s a two-mile round trip – with the Snowdrop Valley Café open at weekends and Feb Half Term and Cutcombe Market Café to refresh you at both ends.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowdrop-festival-east-lambrook-manor-gardens-near-south-petherton"><a href="https://eastlambrook.com/great-snowdrop-gardens-trail-of-somerset-february-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowdrop Festival,</a> East Lambrook Manor Gardens, near South Petherton</h2>



<p>The snowdrops are famous at the Grade 1 listed garden created by Margery Fish. One of the first ‘galanthophiles’, she collected snowdrops to plant in her now garden from 1938 to 1969, and amassed a significant collection. Expect swathes of flowers (100 different varieties), unusual cultivars, and over 80 different varieties to buy for your own garden. Need refreshment? Choose between The Malthouse Café  at the Manor or the Rose &amp; Crown pub opposite. <strong><strong>Wednesday to Sundays from </strong>Weds 28 Jan – Sun 1 March, 10am – 4pm.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shepton-snowdrop-festival-around-shepton-mallet"><a aria-label="Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival, (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.sheptonsnowdrops.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shepton Snowdrop Festival,</a> around Shepton Mallet</h2>



<p>All things galanthotropic (I think I made that word up), in honour of Shepton&#8217;s Snowdrop King, James Allen. Open gardens, walks, workshops, plant sales, arts and crafts – and half a million snowdrops planted around town.  See <a href="https://heyzine.com/flip-book/f8c58c142d.html#page/1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the full programme</a>. <strong>Fri 20 and Sat 21 Feb.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowdrop-month-bishop-s-palace-amp-gardens-nbsp-wells"><a href="https://bishopspalace.org.uk/whats-on/snowdrop-month/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowdrop Month</a>, Bishop&#8217;s Palace &amp; Gardens,&nbsp;Wells</h2>



<p>Pick up a leaflet to guide you around the snowdrops at the medieval Bishop&#8217;s Palace: around the banks of the moat, across the Willow Bridge and into the Arboretum for some special varieties. Kids&#8217; trail and activities, crafts for sale and trails. <strong>Throughout February, from 10am – 4pm.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hestercombe-gardens-hestercombe-near-taunton"><a href="https://www.hestercombe.com/whats-on/the-great-snowdrop-garden-trail-of-somerset" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hestercombe Gardens</a>, Hestercombe, near Taunton</h2>



<p>A collaboration between Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens, the valley of the beautiful landscape garden is carpeted with snowdrops. Over ten years ago, 50,000 snowdrops were planted in Rook Wood creating an ever more magnificent display every year. <strong>Throughout February, <strong>from 10am – 5pm.</strong></strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dunster-castle-dunster"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill/visiting-the-garden-at-dunster-castle-and-watermill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dunster Castle</a><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dunster-castle-and-watermill" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> </a>Dunster</h2>



<p>The castle with its impressive medieval gatehouse and ruined tower is known for its Mediterranean and subtropical plants but there are swathes of snowdrops too plus panoramic views over the Bristol Channel and surrounding countryside.  <strong>Throughout February</strong> <strong>from 10am – 4pm</strong> but you can join gardeners in <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/somerset/dunster-castle-and-watermill/events/59cf3d55-2e21-4223-94bb-ed6ccf38ed8a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">planting snowdrops</a> if you wish, <strong>Sat 14 &amp; Sun 15 Feb</strong>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowdrops-in-the-garden-yeo-valley-organic-garden-blagdon"><a href="https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/events/snowdrops-in-the-garden-2026" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowdrops in the Garden</a>, Yeo Valley Organic Garden, Blagdon</h2>



<p>Gaze at gazillions of little white flowers in their meadows and woodlands then back for coffee and cake by a log fire in their very nice Garden Café.  <strong>Fri 20 &amp; Sat 21st February, 10am – 5pm.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowdrop-weekends-forde-abbey-near-chard-somerset"><a href="https://www.fordeabbey.co.uk/events-module/2026/02/01/the-great-snowdrop-garden-trail-of-somerset" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowdrop weekends,</a> Forde Abbey, near Chard, Somerset</h2>



<p>Thirty acres of award-winning gardens in a 12th century Cistercian Abbey, now a private home, resplendent with snowdrops plus camellias, hellebores, crocii and spring bulbs. Mostly the common snowdrop but more unusual varieties hidden here and there.  Snowdrops grow in drifts under the avenue of lime trees; topiary-lined vistas, an arboretum, and swathes of other early spring bulbs and camelias herald the start of spring. <strong>Open Wednesdays to Sundays, throughout February</strong>,<strong> 10.30am – 4pm.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dorset-s-stunning-snowdrop-spots">DORSET&#8217;S STUNNING SNOWDROP SPOTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/00-annie-spratt-yjBl77nwb90-snowdrops-unsplash.jpg" alt="snowdrops somerset dorset" class="wp-image-115792" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/00-annie-spratt-yjBl77nwb90-snowdrops-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/00-annie-spratt-yjBl77nwb90-snowdrops-unsplash-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/00-annie-spratt-yjBl77nwb90-snowdrops-unsplash-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/dorsetsomerset/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/02/00-annie-spratt-yjBl77nwb90-snowdrops-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Annie Spratt, Unsplash</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kingston-lacy-wimborne-minster"><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy/the-garden-at-kingston-lacy#cb-107670630-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kingston Lacy</a>, Wimborne Minster</h2>



<p>Six million snowdrops – and 40 different species – in bloom amongst the tree ferns in the Victorian Fernery, along Lime Avenue and Lady&#8217;s Walk and in between the Japanese garden&#8217;s bamboo in the grounds of this flamboyant historic house now owned by the National Trust.&nbsp; Book a guided early morning snowdrop walk <strong>Mon 26, Weds 28, Thurs 29 and Fri 30 January; Mon 2, Weds 4, Thurs 5, Fri 6, Mon 9, and Weds 11 February at 8.45am.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shaftesbury-snowdrops-around-shaftesbury"><a href="https://shaftesburysnowdrops.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shaftesbury Snowdrops</a><a href="https://shaftesburysnowdrops.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">, </a> around Shaftesbury</h2>



<p>Snowdrop walks (many of them pushchair and wheelchair accessible and dog-friendly) around a town planted with 200,000 of &#8217;em, some of which are varieties you won&#8217;t see anywhere else.  With assorted events – a lantern parade, snow drop haiku drop in, plant sales, crafts, talks and walks – celebrating the flower, no wonder they call this this the Snowdrop Town. <strong>Sat 14 – Sun 22 Feb. </strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-affpuddle-near-dorchester"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affpuddle" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Affpuddle,</a> near Dorchester</h2>



<p>Thatched cottages, 13th century church, the river Piddle running through it and banks blanketed with snowdrops.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-compton-valence-near-dorchester"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compton_Valence" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Compton Valence,</a> near Dorchester</h2>



<p>A village famed for its snowdrops.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-minterne-gardens-nbsp-minterne-magna"><a href="https://minterne.co.uk/garden-open-for-snowdrops-1st-to-28th-february-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Minterne Gardens</a>,&nbsp;Minterne Magna</h2>



<p>Landscaped in the style of Capability Brown,&nbsp; the mile-long trail around their Himalayan gardens takes in small lakes, waterfalls, streams and at this time of year, an abundance of snowdrops.&nbsp;Re-fuel in the tea room. <strong>Open every day throughout February, from 10am–  5pm. </strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-snowdrop-sundays-at-mapperton-house-amp-gardens-near-beaminster"><a href="https://mapperton.com/events/snowdrop-sunday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowdrop Sundays </a>at Mapperton House &amp; Gardens, near Beaminster</h2>



<p>A wander around the woodland paths of the Mapperton Estate (home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich), plus the Italianate Gardens, Orangery and topiary. The Coach House café will be open.  <strong>Sun 1, Sun 8 &amp; Sun 15 Feb, 11am – 3pm.</strong></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/whats-on-locally-this-weekend-dorset-somerset-bristol-bath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">12 things to do locally this weekend</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/health-wellbeing-creative-retreats-events-somerset-dorset-amp-bristol-spring-2026/">Upcoming health, wellbeing and creative retreats and events in Somerset, Dorset &amp; Bristol</a></li>



<li><a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Muddy guide to wonderful walks in the local area</a></li>
</ul>


The Great Snowdrop Gardens Trail of Somerset and other snowdrop stunners in Dorset

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