Hodstock Priory - Snowdrops

By Shropshire Life on January 31st 2012

In February, visitors flock to the privately owned 19th century Hodsock Priory on an annual pilgrimage to wonder at the carpet of four million snowdrops that are scattered throughout five acres of its woods.

Hodsock Priory, on the border of North Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire, is one of the country’s leading snowdrop gardens and celebrates its twenty-first anniversary.  New for this year, the family – which has lived at the priory for nine generations – has opened the house and gardens with guided tours to show off the beautiful Victorian building.

‘We can’t quite believe that we have been welcoming visitors to our spectacular Snowdrops for twenty-one years and we have ensured this year is particularly special in celebration of the anniversary,’ commented George Buchanan ninth generation resident and general manager Hodsock Priory. ‘We have been working hard over recent months to put together some superb events and attractions, so that our visitors can enjoy what Hodsock has to offer.’

The twenty first Hodsock Snowdrops will officially open on Saturday 4 February when visitors will be able to sample ‘The Drop’ – a specially commissioned ale from a local brewery – and to commemorate the event the first tree will be planted in Hodsock’s Diamond Jubilee Wood.

‘Hodsock Priory will come alive like never before this year and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors for a most enjoyable winter day out,’ promises George. ‘Visitors can also take advantage of our cafe bar located within the Priory serving delicious homemade cakes, hot drinks and lunches.

‘At the weekend, a hot drink and a bacon buttie can also be enjoyed by the bonfire in Horsepasture Wood.’

Hodsock Priory is a privately owned 800-acre estate and its annual Snowdrops event attracts around 20,000 people during its four-week opening.

For first timers, a visit to the five acres of snowdrop-covered woodland provides plenty of opportunity to explore the formal gardens and take in the secluded splendour of the 19th century country house estate.

Look out for two very distinctive Snowdrop species; Barbara’s Double and the Lady Beatrix Stanley. Both are named after late members of the Buchanan family (Lady Barbara Buchanan and her mother Lady Beatrix Stanley) who were great gardeners in their day.

The Victorian house and garden occupy a site which appears in the Domesday Book. The 16th century gatehouse is Grade 1 listed.

Hodsock Snowdrops

It began 21 years ago with a trestle table and a biscuit tin - the first Snowdrop Sunday in 1991 attracted more than two hundred visitors to enjoy the first display of snowdrops.

A few years later, heavy snow came, but much to the surprise of Lady Buchanan and her staff, the visitors still arrived, braving the inclement weather. ‘We simply must provide them with a hot drink,’ cried Lady Buchanan and the tearoom. And they did - together with Lynda Pepper’s (now Hodsock weddings manager) fabulous homemade cakes, which have become almost as famous as the snowdrops.

Hodsock Priory Snowdrops

Diary dates

• 22 – 24 February

Three different gardening presentations will take place with local RHS Chelsea Gold award winner Jamie Dunstan giving talks at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on the first day.

• 18 – 19 February and 25 –26 February 

• In late spring the estate re-opens for bluebell walks.

Opening times

4 February – 4 March

Open daily from 10am – 4pm

Adult tickets  £5

Children 6-16  £1

Under 6 free

Groups (25 people or more) £4.50

Dogs are not permitted in the gardens or house.

Further details can be obtained by visiting www.hodsockpriory.com

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