Hodsock Snowdrops Celebrates 21 Years

Hodsock Priory celebrates its 21 Anniversary Snowdrops in 2012 with a whole host of special events. The priory opens its doors for just four weeks through February as the grounds are filled with a white bed of Snowdrops. This year the festival opens on Saturday 4 February, when visitors will be able to taste free cake and try a specially commissioned local ale called The Drop. On the 7 February, there will be a commemorative planting of the first tree of Hodsock Priory’s Diamond Jubilee Wood, one of a special set of woodland areas planted across the country in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Visitors to the annual event will also be able to access tours of the house and gardens every day at 11am and 2pm. Starting from the Panelled Hall within the priory, staff at the event will give you all the ins and outs of what happens behind the scenes at one of the country’s best loved Snowdrops gardens. From the 22-24 February, there’ll be a range of gardening presentations with RHS Chelsea Gold award winner Jamie Dunstan on hand on the first day to give talks at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Enhancing the celebrations further will be a local produce fair on 18-19 and 25-26 February which includes displays from local craftsmen and women. Hodsock Priory which has five star accommodation on site at the Courtyard, is offering short break packages from just £95. And anyone visiting on a Tuesday can also benefit from an online free tea voucher. Ninth generation resident and general manager at Hodsock, George Buchanan said  “We can’t quite believe that we have been welcoming visitors to our spectacular Snowdrops for twenty one years and we have ensured this year is particularly special in celebration of the anniversary,” “We have been working hard over recent months to put together some superb events and attractions, so that our visitors can enjoy what Hodsock has to offer. Hodsock Priory will come alive like never before this year and we are looking forward to welcoming visitors for a most enjoyable winter day out.” Refreshments will be available during the event with a cafe bar located within the Priory serving delicious homemade cakes, hot drinks and lunches.  At weekends, a hot drink and a bacon buttie can be enjoyed by the bonfire in Horsepasture Wood - the perfect way to warm up on a winter’s day. Hodsock Priory and its Snowdrop gardens are open each day from 4^th February until 4^th March 2012. Admission is £5 each for all adults, £1 for children aged 6 -16 and those under six go free. Dogs are not permitted in the gardens or house. Further details and advance booking for Snowdrops can be found at the Hodsock Priory website.