Admire drifts of snowdrops in these Dorset locations in February 2023

From a much treasured Heritage Collection of rare snowdrop cultivars and drifts of blooms which you can view with a special snowdrop mirror to a snowdrop themed art exhibition and latern parade, Dorset is a wonderful place of galanthophiles to explore.

Britain's First Snowdrop Town

Back in 2012, as a tribute to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the people of Shaftesbury and the surrounding areas planted thousands of snowdrops in public areas to create a series of scenic Snowdrop Walks around this historic hilltop town. The legacy has continued with more planted each year to spread hundreds of thousands of snowdrops throughout this North Dorset town, which can be admired from late January through to mid-March. Over a decade later, they have certainly achieved their ambition of making Shaftesbury Britain’s first Snowdrop Town. Throughout February there are usually a number of snowdrop-themed activities including a snowdrop-related art exhibition at Shaftesbury Arts Centre in Bell Street (February 10 -25), a Snowdrop Lantern Parade (date to be confirmed, visit their website), specialist snowdrop study days and snowdrop sales. Find downloadable maps for snowdrop walks, ranging from a short accessible walk to a three-mile routeat, as well as details of all snowdrop events planned for 2023 at shaftesburysnowdrops.org.

Snowdrop Sundays at Mapperton

Winner of the Historic Houses Garden of the Year 2020, Mapperton celebrates the coming of spring with two Snowdrop Sundays, on February 5 & 12. Admire swathes of snowdrops in the beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding Mapperton House, near Beaminster, home to the Earl and Countess of Sandwich. Snowdrop Sundays also gives you the opportunity to enjoy a peaceful walk in the woodlands as well as exploring the topiary and grottoes of the formal Italianate gardens. The Coach House café will be open for hot drinks, cakes and warming soup. mapperton.com

Galanthophile heaven at Kingston Lacy

Walk through the gardens of Kingston Lacy, the former country house of the Bankes family, from January onwards and be dazzled by the spectacle of more than six million snowdrops in bloom. Peak viewing, at this National Trust owned property near Wimborne, is from mid-January to the end of February. The Victorian Fernery, Japanese Garden as well as Lime Avenue and Lady’s Walk are good places to marvel at more than 40 different species of snowdrop. Gardens open daily from 9.30am- 4pm. For avid galanthophiles book a Snowdrop Guided Walk. Meet the gardener in the Fernery, who will discuss the different varieties of snowdrops at Kingston Lacy. Galanthophiles (an enthusiastic collector and identifier of snowdrop species and cultivars) will enjoy using their snowdrop mirrors to get up close and discover all the different varieties of this delicate white flower  including ‘Ding Dong’ and ‘Heffalump’. Each volunteer-led walk lasts for 45 minutes and costs £2 per person. The walk starts in the Rose Garden at 11.30am (every Monday and Wednesday throughout February). Book at nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

Snowdrops at Minterne

Landscaped in the manner of Capability Brown, Minterne Gardens, at Minterne Magna near Dorchester, boasts a world-renowned collection of Himalayan rhododendrons and azaleas, as well as spring bulbs and flowering cherries. The trail around the gardens takes in a chain of small lakes, waterfalls and streams and in February has an abundance of snowdrops. Gardens reopen to the public on February 1 (10am – dusk). minterne.co.uk

Snowdrop openings for the National Garden Scheme

The Old Vicarage, at East Orchard, Shaftesbury (SP7 0BA) is filled with hundreds of different species of snowdrops, crocus and hellebores and other winter flowering shrubs. Cream teas and refreshments, including gluten free, vegans are also catered for. Open February 10 & 12, 2-5pm. Lawsbrook at Brodham Way in Shillingstone (DT11 0TE) is famous for its extensive snowdrop displays. The six acres of garden are also home to 130 species of trees, including many unusual specimens. Teas and cakes, dogs welcome. Open February 17 - 21, 10am –4pm. Manor Farm, Hampreston near Wimborne (BH21 7LX) is renowned for its deeply planted borders including spring bulbs, snowdrops, daffodils and tulips. Unusual varieties of hellebore for sale during their February openings. Open February 25, 10am -1pm and February 26, 10am - 4pm). Pre-book tickets for all three gardens at ngs.org.uk or simply turn up on the day.

Snowdrops at Springhead 

Springhead at Fontmell Magna near Shaftesbury (SP7 0NU) offers both formal and informal lakeside gardens where you can enjoy beautiful drifts of snowdrops. The Springhead Trust also holds the Shaftesbury Snowdrops Heritage Collection. The gardens are open from February 6 - 12, from 11am to 3pm. In addition, the gardens will be open on Saturday February 18, from 1pm until 4.30 pm, as part of Shaftesbury’s annual snowdrop celebrations. Light refreshments available throughout the day over the weekend of February 11 & 12 provided by, and in aid of, St Andrew’s Primary School, Fontmell Magna. Entry to the gardens is free but donations would be appreciated. Dogs on leads welcome. Assisted wheelchair access. springheadtrust.org.uk

 

Villages of Snowdrops 

Compton Valence, 7 miles west from Dorchester, is filled with thousands of snowdrops in February which cover the steep banks of the narrow road leading into the village making it a veritable snowdrop heaven to stroll through.

With its pretty thatched cottages, the picturesque village of Affpuddle in Purbeck is always a delightful place to visit. Drifts of snowdrops pop up along the banks of Affpuddle's many streams throughout February, making for a gloriously scenic country walk. Just a 5 minute drive away is Sculpture by the Lakes (get free entry for two adults  to the sculpture park with the January edition of Dorset Magazine) which has a wonderful onsite cafe and gallery in the free to enter Makers Yard. sculpturebythelakes.co.uk