Shaftesbury Snowdrops
c/o Councillor Tim Cook
The Town Hall
High Street
Shaftesbury
Dorset
SP7 8LY
Shaftesbury Snowdrops
Come and enjoy hundreds of thousands of snowdrops planted in and around the historic hilltop town of Shaftesbury, Dorset. The snowdrops bloom from late January to mid-March and include examples of rare and unusual Galanthus species and cultivars.
Shaftesbury’s snowdrop season is one of the biggest events of its type in the country and the town’s free snowdrop walks, including wheelchair and pushchair accessible routes, can be enjoyed by all, including dogs. Activities on offer during the season include an open snowdrop art exhibition at Shaftesbury Arts Centre, snowdrop-themed craft classes and visits to local landmarks.
Shaftesbury Snowdrops 2022: artwork copyright Percy Lizzard; poster design Liz Martin
Shaftesbury Snowdrop Season 2022
Snowdrops are blooming and the town of Shaftesbury is welcoming visitors from far and wide to enjoy everything the High Point of Dorset has to offer.
Snowdrops planted as a tribute to her majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee are flourishing in the grounds of the Trinity Centre, which is just off the High Street. The grounds are fully accessible for all, even dogs on a lead are welcome. It’s the perfect place for a timely family photo in this Platinum Jubilee Year.
The Best In The West sale of rare and unusual snowdrops is on Saturday the 12th of February 2022. the Snowdrop sale is held in Shaftesbury Guildhall on the High Street, above our famous Gold Hill. The sale will open at 12 noon and closes by 4 pm. The entry fee is £5 payable either on the door or in advance from the Tourist Information Centre.
The Shaftesbury Arts Centre gallery on Bell Street (opposite the Tourist Information Centre) will have its display of Snowdrops in Art from friday the 4th of February until the end of the day on Saturday, the 19th of February. The Gallery is open from 10am until 4pm each day. This show is always worth visiting, there are wonderful exhibits every year, and you can help pick the public winner from the exhibition.
The winner in 2021 when the exhibition was held virtually was Gabrielle Bill. Her beautiful image is what you see here.
The Shaftesbury Heritage Collection of Snowdrops, formerly displayed in the grounds of Shaftesbury Abbey, is settled in its new home at the Springhead Trust in Fontmel Magna, which is about 6 miles south of Shaftesbury off the A350.
Information about the Snowdrops, walks and snowdrop souvenirs can be found at the Tourist Information Centre on Bell Street, Shaftesbury SP78AE.
Pam Cruickshank
Shaftesbury Snowdrops on BBC Countryfile
23 February 2020
We are very excited to confirm that BBC Countryfile came to Shaftesbury to film the activities of the Snowdrop Season, including some of the artisans and organisations who work with us. A huge thank you to the BBC and to all the volunteers who made the filming possible over two very busy days. Enjoy the programme https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000fs1q.
Come and visit us during Snowdrop Season 2021.
We are creating a 21st Century Legacy for the local community and our visitors to enjoy
“Just as the flowers provide pleasure and the promise of spring to come, the Season creates a sense of excitement and brings townspeople and visitors together in enjoying everything Shaftesbury has to offer.”
Founder, Pam Cruickshank
Timelapse photography is thanks to and copyright of Neil Bromhall
Background image is thanks to and copyright of Jane Shepherd