Hodsock Priory’s 2018 snowdrop display

Visitors to the annual spring snowdrop display at Hodsock Priory, home of the Buchanan family, are in for a special treat in 2018. The estate, bordering North Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire, will be opening daily from 10th February to 4th March 2018, so visitors can enjoy the Priory’s wonderful displays.

There will be a special treat for visitors to the Priory over the 16th to 18th February when outdoor theatre shows in the snowdrop-covered woodland will entertain visitors. The inspiration behind the production’s working title, ‘The Snowdrop Queen in the White Wood‘ arose from discussions involving the Buchanan’s youngest daughter, Tess, and Nina Bambrey of the Whispering Wood Folk.

The acclaimed theatre company’s 25 minute long promenade performances will wind their way up and around the beech trees in Horsepasture Wood and the stunning white carpet of four million snowdrops.

The spellbinding storytelling daytime shows and early evening fire and light performances are sure to intrigue visitors of all ages between 16th and 18th February. Daytime theatre will be included within the entry price but there’ll be a small charge for visitors to the evening shows. Warming refreshments will be available from the Marquee Tearoom and Woodland Cafe.

Pictured above: Nina and Justine from Whispering Wood Folk

George Buchanan says: “My family has been thrilled watching the creativity and talent of the Whispering Wood Folk in other woodland settings so we’re incredibly proud to be welcoming them to Hodsock Snowdrops in February 2018. Our regular Snowdrops visitors range from families and gardeners to nature-lovers and photographers so they may be a new audience for the company. Many try to come on several occasions throughout the season so we hope that they’ll also visit during our special event weekend and enjoy the magical atmosphere.”

Each day at Snowdrops at Hodsock five acres of formal planted gardens, which were landscaped in the 1820s and are now overseen by Lady Belinda Buchanan, and 12 acres of stunning snowdrop and beech covered woodland will be open for visitors to explore. The woodland walk is suitable for all abilities with regular resting places and the recently improved footpaths throughout the woodland and gardens are passable in most weather conditions with wheelchairs and buggies.

George will deliver his free and entertaining history talk by the campfire in the Glade at around 2pm each day while the luxury heated Marquee Tearoom, offering sit-down meals and homemade cakes, will be located aside the iconic Tudor Gatehouse with direct access into the Snowdrop woods.

For details see www.snowdrops.co.uk  – email info@hodsockpriory.com or call 01909 591 204.

Picture credits: ©banner: Louise Mills Photography; top middle, Paul Simpson.