Not only will Snowdrops at Hodsock Priory open again for nine consecutive days in February but, for the first time ever, visitors may choose to take a little piece of Hodsock home! New for the 2020 season is the chance to meet Diane Haycock, Hodsock’s lead gardener, in the Snowdrop Marquee and purchase home-grown Snowdrops direct from Horse Pasture Wood.
The spectacular snowdrop walks and winter gardens will open daily between 10.00am and 3.00pm (last entry) from Saturday 8th to Sunday 16th February.
The historic estate on the border of North Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire reopened due to high demand in 2019, offering a ‘back to basics’ experience. This rewound approach was well received by new and regular visitors alike. Over 8,000 visitors of all ages and interests, from young families to garden enthusiasts, meandered among millions of Hodsock snowdrops and coppiced beech trees, fragrant shrubs and colourful winter flowering plants.
Sir Andrew Buchanan said: “There were no plans to open for Snowdrops 2019 but after much disappointment from loyal visitors, my wife Belinda and I opted to take on the responsibility for keeping the event alive. We opened for a short season and I couldn’t be more proud of what our skeleton staff and team of passionate volunteers achieved. I was astounded by the numbers of visitors and positive feedback we received.”
This new season will again celebrate the simple beauty of nature, found at the end of winter and dawn of spring. Lovers of the great outdoors will also be tempted to sample new catering delights from Spud Buddies, a local venture, in addition to the traditional hot butties, cakes and refreshments from the Woodland Café.
The five acres of formal gardens and 12 acres of Horse Pasture Wood which surround the Buchanan’s ancestral home feature natural collections of snowdrops, a snowdrop lawn and established garden displays. A treat for the senses can be found in the form of hellebores, aconites, cyclamen, irises, sarcococca and witch hazel. The woodland walk and footpaths around the gardens and lake are passable in most weather conditions with wheelchairs and buggies. Regular resting places help to ensure that they are suitable for all ages and abilities. Visitors are advised to check the weather forecast before setting off and to dress warmly with sturdy footwear.
Admission for Snowdrops at Hodsock 2020 is £4.00 adults, £2.00 Friends of Hodsock (with current membership card) and £1.00 under 18s. Entry is free of charge for under fives, wheelchair users and HHA members with a current membership card. The entry kiosk, Snowdrop Sales and Woodland Café take cash only, card payments cannot be accepted. Adult advance tickets, redeemable any day throughout the season, can also be purchased at www.snowdrops.co.uk. For further details, contact Sir Andrew Buchanan on 07970 984327 or andrew.buchanan@hodsockpriory.com.