Winter’s hidden gem at Hodsock Priory

Hodsock Priory’s renowned winter gardens will once again be open daily from Saturday, 4th February to Sunday 5th March 2017, when visitors can enjoy the garden’s four million snowdrops covering five acres of the 800 acre estate.

You can take a lovely winter walk in more than 100 acres of woodland as well as enjoying the snowdrops. These include natural collections with established displays including a number of Galanthus species including Galanthus Sam Arnot, Galanthus Lady Beatrix Stanley, Galanthus Magnet and Galanthus Nivalis single.

Bluebells carpeting the woods

Surrounding the 19th century house are five acres of formal gardens, landscaped in the 1820s. Beyond the North Lawn and over the stream, visitors will find the 12 acre Horsepasture Wood, established pre-1725, home to veteran oak trees that are over 400 years old. The formal gardens will be awash with winter blooms during February and aside from snowdrops, the popular and mostly fragrant plant species include: hellebores, cyclamen, aconites, irses, acers, cornus and winter honeysuckle.

The same family have lived at Hodsock for 251 years and it is still a family-run home and estate. George Buchanan (ninth generation resident and general manger) and his wife Kat and their family, live in the Priory and work closely with the staff and Sir Andrew and Lady Buchanan to help preserve the estate for future generations.

Visitors entering Hodsock Priory are greeted by an impressive Tudor Gatehouse at the end of the mile long drive. The grounds are lovingly maintained and the formal gardens have been carefully cultivated by Lady Buchanan and her dedicated team so that there should be something in bloom during all seasons.

George Buchanan and his team will be on hand to give daily talks and tours of the gardens during Snowdrops at Hodsock. Visitors to the daily history talk will learn the secrets of Hodsock’s colourful past and how Snowdrops at Hodsock came to be.

There is plenty of free parking and disabled access toilets on site as well as accessible paths. There is also a Snowdrop Plant Sale and Gift Shop and the Woodland Café is open each day. Children are also welcome and there is a woodland play area.

Hodsock Priory is easily accessible from the A1(M) on the border of North Nottighamshire and South Yorkshire. Opening times for 2017, in addition to the dates above, are 29th and 30th April, 1st, 6th and 7th May 2017.

For further information, tickets, directions and opening times please visit: www.snowdrops.co.uk

Photo credits: All photographs ©Hodsock Priory, Bluebells credit Carolyn Odfield.