Somerset Snowdrops
Snowdrops – St Michael’s Church, Blackford, South Somerset, UK. ID JB_7777
This is the time of year when the snowdrops begin to bloom and signal the slow departure of winter. Somerset is blessed with countless places to see these delicate flowers. I’ve visited some, have many more on my list, and no doubt there are hidden gems still waiting to be discovered.
Snowdrops – St Michael’s Church, Blackford, South Somerset, UK. ID JB_7835
Introduction
Snowdrops bring a spark of life to the winter countryside, marking the quiet shift from cold to warmth. These brave, pearl-like flowers emerge in the harshest conditions – frost, snow, and winter winds – and yet they thrive.
How do they manage to spread when it’s too cold for most pollinators? The answer lies underground. Most snowdrops propagate through bulb division, although the occasional bee or fly visits the flowers early in the season. Once their stems collapse, the seeds drop just inches from the parent plant.
As a result, many snowdrops across Somerset didn’t spread naturally but were planted – sometimes centuries ago. Over time, they’ve drifted down valleys and along field edges. Churchyards are particularly rich in snowdrops where they were traditionally associated with mourning and death.
Where to See Snowdrops in Somerset
From grand estates to quiet village corners, Somerset offers a rich variety of snowdrop spots. Personally, I find the simple beauty of village churchyards hard to beat.
Snowdrops – Mells, Somerset, UK. ID JB_8507
Snowdrop Season
The season typically begins in mid to late January and continues through February. True to their name, snowdrops sometimes push bravely through a covering of snow.
One of the first places to bloom is the churchyard at Blackford in South Somerset.
Snowdrops – St Michael’s Church, Blackford, South Somerset, UK. ID JB_7826
Wilder Places
Beyond formal gardens and estates, snowdrops can be found in more natural settings: wooded valleys, hedgerows, and the edges of ancient woods.
Mells Valley is a wonderful place for snowdrop photography. The flowers spread along the valley under the dappled shade of the trees.
Snowdrops – Mells, Somerset, UK. ID JB_8527
Snowdrop Valley at Wheddon Cross is perhaps the most famous snowdrop site in Somerset. This privately owned valley near Exmoor opens to the public from late January. Find out more:
Somerset Churches
Somerset is home to many historic churches, and countless of them host beautiful snowdrop displays each winter. Some of the best include:
- St Michael, Blackford
- St Peter and St Paul, Charlton Horethorne
- St John the Baptist, North Cheriton
- St Mary, Yarlington
- All Saints, Nunney
- St Nicholas, Bratton Seymour
- St Nicholas, Henstridge
- St John, Milborne Port
- St Cuthbert, Wells
- St Leonard, Pitcombe
- St Aldhelm, Doulting
- St Mary Magdalene, Chewton Mendip
- St Laurence, Priddy
- St Peter & St Paul, Shepton Mallet
- St Matthew, Wookey
- St Mary Magdalene, Keinton Mandeville
- St Peter, West Lydford
Bishop’s Palace, Wells
February is Snowdrop Month at the Bishop’s Palace in the city of Wells. It’s a highlight of the season and well worth a visit.
Snowdrop Weekends – Wells, Somerset, UK. ID IMG_7050
Glastonbury Abbey
These historic grounds also boast lovely snowdrop plantings – another fine mix of history and seasonal beauty.
Snowdrops – Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset, UK. ID JB_7931
Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival
This festival goes beyond blooms, offering competitions, workshops, walks, and open garden days. A town-wide celebration of spring’s first flower.
Yeo Valley Organic Garden
Located in Blagdon, this beautiful organic garden – created by the famous yogurt makers – has seen thousands of snowdrops planted in recent years.
Forde Abbey
Why not combine your Bishop’s Palace trip with a visit to Forde Abbey? The gardens here are rich with seasonal interest, snowdrops included.
East Lambrook Manor Gardens
These compact but charming gardens offer a fantastic snowdrop display, and the opportunity to buy some for your own garden too.
