Yeo Valley Organic Garden
A 6.5 acre certified organic garden. Drifts of common snowdrops, masses of hellebores, colourful winter stems and lots of winter interest.
Delicious food and drink and a small shop selling gifts and dairy products.
OPENING: Awaiting confirmation
FIND US: Bath Road, Blagdon, BS40 7SQ what3words ///devours.petal.tasteful
The Bishops Palace and Gardens
14 acres of gardens with a diverse range of planting to give year-round interest, from large winter borders to herbaceous and rose gardens. Arboretum with thousands of snowdrops planted more than 15 years ago; more snowdrops on some of the most banks and around some impressive specimen trees.
Delicious hot and cold food and a wide range of drinks at The Bishops Table café.
OPENING: Awaiting confirmation
FIND US: Wells, BA5 2PD
Hestercombe House and Gardens
A remarkable collaboration between Gertrude Jekyll and Sir Edwin Lutyens, and an earlier secret landscape garden laid out in the late C19th with 40 acres of lakes, temples, combes and woodlands. A carpet of snowdrops in the Rook Wood is followed by early daffodils and in the formal gardens, the fragrance of winter sweet (Chimonanthus praecox) fills the air around the Rotunda.
Homemade food and drink in the Stables Restaurant.
OPENING: Awaiting confirmation
FIND US: Cheddon Fitzpaine, TA2 8LQ what3words ///fancy.arena.tanks
East Lambrook Manor
Over 100 varieties of snowdrop; some rare types. Famous ‘ditch’ created by Margery Fish to nurture and display them. Several varieties on show are named after the garden or people associated with it. More individual snowdrops will be on display in specimen pots. The garden also features other winter-interest and early flowering plants. There’s also a specialist cottage garden nursery with snowdrops and other winter flowers.
Delicious cakes, light snacks, tea, coffee and other hot drinks in the café.
OPENING: Awaiting confirmation
FIND US: Silver Street, East Lambrook, South Petherton, TA13 5HH what3words ///mixes.appear.laugh
Photo credit: Jason Ingram
Forde Abbey and Gardens
30 acres of gardens with naturalized Gilanthus nivalis around the winter garden and Galanthus elwesii in other areas. A good range of winter flowering shrubs and other spring flowering bulbs. Cascading lakes and ponds with topiary-lined vistas are spectacular throughout winter.
Forde Abbey Nursery is open with spring flowering bulbs and perennials and a good selection of Hellebores.
Tasty light lunches, cakes, bakes and cream teas served with hot or cold drinks all day at the Abbot’s Table Café.
OPENING: Awaiting confirmation
FIND US: Forde Abbey, Chard, TA20 4LU what3words ///spurring.checked.logo
Dunster Castle and Watermill
Plantings of snowdrops through the River Garden complementing many specimen trees. Depending on the winter weather, see early flowering Magnolias and Cherry trees alongside the upper garden with stunning views over surrounding countryside to Exmoor’s highest point, Dunkery Beacon, and the Bristol Channel.
Light lunches, cakes and drinks served all day in the café.
OPENING: Awaiting confirmation
FIND US: Dunster, Mine head, TA2 4 6NY
Snowdrop Valley
Remote, privately owned snowdrop valley in a hidden part of Exmoor, open each year thanks to the owners while the snowdrops are in bloom. Various walking routes; shorter one is a loop down into the valley before heading back uphill (approx. 2 miles).
Winter weather is variable and paths can be muddy. Suitable warm and weatherproof clothing and sturdy footwear is essential.
Refreshments available in the volunteer-run Snowdrop Valley café, the Cutcombe Market Café or the Rest and Be Thankful pub.
OPENING: Awaiting confirmation
FIND US: Cutcombe Cattle Market, Wheddon Cross, Minehead, TA2 4 7DT
Please note: Parking is at the Cattle Market; alternative parking arrangements on market days. Small parking charge includes a map to the valley.
