The Great Snowdrop Gardens Trail of Somerset has launched, bringing together Somerset's finest gardens under a new route led by Shepton Snowdrop Festival—and Wells is centre stage with the inclusion of the Bishop's Palace gardens.

Shepton Snowdrop Festival, known for attracting visitors from far and wide, has long been asked where to find the best snowdrop displays. The new trail answers that question with a curated selection of gardens across the county, including a highlight in Wells which promises to offer visitors one of the most spectacular settings in Somerset.

The Bishop's Palace in Wells will feature as a key stop on the Trail. Visitors will be welcomed by carpets of snowdrops in the palace gardens, with the Snowdrop Walk guiding them through the landscaped grounds, along the moat banks and into the Arboretum against the dramatic backdrop of the medieval palace walls.

Abigail Willis, author of Secret Gardens of Somerset, supports the Trail. "February is often such a bleak time of year so thank goodness for galanthus! How fabulous to be able to get out into some of Somerset's most iconic gardens and celebrate the magical charm of snowdrops."

Organisers hope people drawn to the Festival will plan longer stays in and around Wells to visit the Bishop's Palace and other gardens on the Trail. Partnerships with accommodation providers like Classic Cottages are helping make that possible.

Other featured gardens include Yeo Valley Organic Garden with thousands of bulbs and bold contemporary planting; Hestercombe Gardens where large drifts of snowdrops carpet Rook Wood; East Lambrook Manor boasting green‑marked and double snowdrops; Forde Abbey under lime trees with swathes of early spring bloom; Dunster Castle's river gardens; Snowdrop Valley in Exmoor near Weddon Cross; and Kilver Court in Shepton Mallet.

More local stories:

• Wells' Bishop's Palace wins national award for top‑class volunteer support
• Have your say on Wells' future as city council launches priorities plan for 2025‑28

Sign up to our free local newsletter here: https://wells.nub.news/newsletter-subscribe. Our top stories in your inbox every Friday.

advertisement