Winter is no time for hibernation at Hodsock Priory
Winter is generally the season when many of Britain’s visitor attractions close their gates for several months of hibernation, renovation and restoration.
For the majority of stately homes, estates and gardens it’s a time for reflecting on the past season – the successes and the failures - and for planning ahead to the next season. The vast grounds are now bereft of people other than those employed by the estates - and, in many cases, it will be Easter before the coaches and cars are once again trundling along the gravelly driveways.
For one historic Priory on the border of South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire, however, winter is its busiest season of the entire year. A time when it welcomes in excess of 25,000 visitors to witness its spectacular display of snowdrops in February and early March – an event which rightly positions Hodsock Priory as one of the top 10 winter gardens in the whole of the UK.
Open from 5th February to 6th March 2011, the 20th year of the annual Hodsock Snowdrop Spectacular is going to be bigger and better than ever before, and an occasion far too good to miss!
The beautiful gardens of the Priory spring to life in an exuberant display of colour with an estimated 4 million snowdrops, together with other seasonal specimens such as hellebores and cyclamen, scattered throughout the formal gardens and beautiful woodlands within the 800 acre Priory estate.
Ninth generation resident and general manager George Buchanan, together with his family and estate team, has worked hard to now position Hodsock Priory as not only one of the best winter gardens in the country but also as a premier wedding and event venue and most recently as a high quality short break and conference venue.
An exciting programme of events has been planned for 2011 including treasure and garden trails for all the family and a wonderful ‘Snowdrops by Starlight’ experience. Plus, for photography enthusiasts, the annual photo competition offers entrants the opportunity to win a complimentary pass to a future Snowdrops Spectacular and have their photo published and credited in the Priory’s marketing material.
“We are very much looking forward to making this year our most spectacular year ever, not only in terms of how many snowdrops we now have, but also in terms of what we have to offer our visitors,” commented George Buchanan. “Now that our wonderful new accommodation is open we are welcoming guests to stay over in style for a special snowdrop or romantic Valentine’s break. Prices are inclusive of tickets to the snowdrops and either a delicious hamper or equally wonderful breakfast and afternoon tea at the Priory.”
As the clock ticks ever closer to 25th December, you may find yourself searching for a unique Christmas present; and if you have a garden enthusiast in your family your problem could be solved in the form of a gift-wrapped day pass to visit the Snowdrops at Hodsock and enjoy a hot drink and scrumptious cake.
FREE TEA TUESDAYS AND SNOWDROPS BY STARLIGHT
There’s also a big surprise for anyone visiting the Snowdrop Spectacular on a Tuesday during the season, with a free cup of tea or coffee on offer in the Priory.
But perhaps the pinnacle of the 20th year of the wonderful Hodsock Snowdrops will be ‘Snowdrops by Starlight’, which offers the first ever opportunity to enjoy enchanted walks amidst dancing snowdrops through the illuminated woods.
‘’This night-time theatre is destined to be a real treat’’, says George, “We’re already very excited about it, and, in addition to the illuminated walk, visitors will also enjoy a bonfire in the heart of the Hodsock estate before returning to the priory for warming drinks and food. I’m sure that Snowdrops 2011 will go down in history as one of the best ever at Hodsock Priory.’’
There is no requirement to book to visit Hodsock snowdrops although ‘Snowdrops by Starlight’ will be a ticketed event. Visit snowdrops.co.uk or hodsockpriory.com to book tickets for this or accommodation at The Courtyard at Hodsock.
