Even if it doesn’t snow in the UK, you can see snowdrops in Dorset between January and March, giving you the illusion of a blanket of snow across the ground.
Snowdrops signal that Spring is on the way. The flowers often bloom in large quantities making them very easy to spot if you’re looking for them. There are some lovely snowdrop walks in Dorset if you’re hoping to spot them.
Snowdrops are also known as Galanthus nivalis which roughly translates to milk flower of the snow. They date back to the 1500’s when the first reference of them became known.
Affpuddle
DT2 7HH
Affpuddle is a small village 9 miles east of Dorchester. The charming village becomes covered in snowdrops during the early months, so why not enjoy a walk as you admire the scenery.
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Compton Valence Snowdrops
DT2 9ER
Compton Valence is a small village just West of Dorchester. When the snowdrops are in bloom, you can walk or drive through the village and admire them along the banks.
Kingston Lacy Snowdrops
Wimborne BH21 4EA
If you’re hoping to see snowdrops at Kingston Lacy, then a visit between late January and the end of February is the best time to go. The snow drops wont be difficult to spot at all, covering the ground along Lime Avenue and Lady’s Walk.
You can also spot the pretty flowers along the banks of the Japanese Garden and between the trees in the fernery. Kingston Lacy is owned and managed by the National Trust. Entrance is free for members, but chargeable to non members.
Kingston Lacy also offer snowdrop walks on selected dates in February. Meet the gardener in the Fernery, who will discuss the different varieties of snowdrops at Kingston Lacy.
Use the snowdrop mirrors to get up close and discover this delicate white flower. Each walk lasts for 45 minutes and is £2 per person. Walks start in the rose garden at 11:30am and 12pm.
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Lawsbrook Garden
Shillingston, DT11 0TE
Lawsbrook Garden, part of the National Gardens Scheme is open by appointment only on varying days throughout the year. Why not combine a visit during January and February to see the snowdrops.
Check availability for open days
Mapperton House and Gardens
Beaminster DT8 3NR
There are 15 acres of gardens to discover at Mapperton House and Gardens. Many of the snowdrops can be found in the arboretum along side other Spring flowers that start to appear at the same time.
Entry is chargeable to Mapperton House and Gardens. 2023 Snowdrop Sundays will be held on 5th and 12th February between 11am and 4pm.
Minterne House and Gardens
Dorchester DT2 7AU
The gardens are Minterne are around a mile in length. They showcase a completely unique collection of Himalayan Rhododendrons and Azaleas, with Spring bulbs, Cherries, Maples and many fine and rare trees.
You can wander the trails and enjoy the small lakes, waterfalls and streams. With an abundance to see from the snowdrops in winter, to spring bluebells through to summer azaleas and hydrangeas.
There are plenty of benches nestled throughout the garden to sit and enjoy the amazing peace and quite the gardens have to offer. Dogs are welcome on leads at all times in the gardens. Advanced booking for the gardens is not required
Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival
Dates: 10th – 17th February 2024
Shaftesbury in Dorset is known as the first snowdrop town, and is a popular location choice for seeing the snowdrops. The snowdrops bloom from late January until mid March. The varieties include rare and unusual Galanthus species and cultivars.
You can enjoy plenty of the free snowdrop walks that are also very wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Pine walk, Trinity Centre, Swans Yard & Library Garden are popular places to spot the snowdrops in Shaftesbury.
The Shaftesbury snowdrop event will take place between 10th and 17th February 2024. There will be children’s morning and afternoon lantern making workshops held at the Trinity Centre Bimport. This is a ticketed event.
At 18.00 there will be lantern procession from the Trinity Centre around the town and Park Walk. There will be dances by Steps in Time accompanied by musicians.
Find out more about snowdrop events in Shaftesbury
Snowdrops At Springhead
Fontmell Magna, Shaftesbury, Dorset, SP7 0NU
Dates: Monday – Friday during February 2024 11am – 3pm
The gardens at Springhead will be open to admire the pretty snowdrops on Monday to Friday during February.
Entry to the gardens will be free but donations appreciated. Dogs are also welcome on leads.
Upton Country Park
Poole BH17 7BJ
During the early Spring months, the botanical gardens at Upton Country Park are covered in snowdrops.
Visiting Upton Country Park at any time of the year is worth while, but seeing the blanket of white is a very pretty site. Entrance is free but parking charges apply.
Tyneham Village
Wareham, BH20 5QF
Tyneham Village is open for visitors through the year, but check before you visit due to the firing ranges.
Visiting the village that stood still in the 1940’s, you can experience a step back into history as well as seeing the snowdrops in the church yard and surrounding green space areas.
When the snowdrops are over, it’s time to look forward to seeing bluebells.
