See acres of snowdrops at Hodsock Priory's annual event this February

Visitors are set to flock to Hodsock Priory to wander among acres of snowdrop-covered woodland paths during February.
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Colour and fragrance will also be in abundance from late-winter plants and shrubs including aconites, hellebores, cyclamen, irises, sarcococca and witch hazel.

Snowdrops at Hodsock Priory will open daily from Saturday, February 8, to Sunday, February 16, from 10am to last entry at 3pm.There will also be a variety of woodland dining choices on offer, to reduce queues and meet high demand. Visitors can tuck into baked potatoes from eco-aware local supplier Spud Buddies, while the Woodland Café team will continue to offer its bacon and egg butties and homemade cakes in the Glade.

Friends of Hodsock receive a ten per cent discount at the Woodland Café and at Spud Buddies with a valid membership card.Also new for 2020 is the Snowdrop marquee, adjacent to the iconic Tudor gatehouse.

Here visitors will have the chance to purchase Hodsock-grown snowdrops and irises nurtured by Diane Haycock, lead gardener.

The marquee will also be home to Gardeners’ Questions and Answers each day from 1pm to 1.30pm.

Topics will be expertly discussed by Rachel Barrowcliffe, private gardener to Sir Andrew and Lady Belinda Buchanan.Sir Andrew is looking forward to sharing tales of his ancestors and the Hodsock Estate in his midday history talk by the campfire.

He said: “Meeting with visitors in Horse Pasture Wood and hearing their stories of Hodsock is such a pleasure, not only around the time of my history talk but also stopping to chat while stoking the campfire or along the half-mile woodland path.”“The main footpaths along the snowdrop woodland walk and in the formal gardens are passable in most weather conditions with wheelchairs and buggies but do check the weather forecast before setting off and dress warmly with sturdy footwear.

“Latest news and announcements from the estate are posted by the Snowdrops team to our Facebook page at SnowdropsHodsockPriory.” Admission prices are £4 adult and £1 under 18s. Entry is free of charge for under fives and wheelchair users.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​