Frequently asked questions

Q. What are your opening times?
A. Visitors can arrive from 10am to 4pm (last entry). The Estate will be closed at 6pm.

 

Q. When is the best time to see Snowdrops in bloom?
A. Our Snowdrop season is very weather dependant. Snowdrops need a cold and bright winter to be at their best. Unfortunately rain and snow can delay the growth of the Snowdrops. If we experience heavy rain or snow this season is it likely that the flowers will bloom towards the end of February. Check our Facebook page and Twitter feeds for daily Snowdrop updates.

 

Q. Can the paths be accessed when muddy?
A. Some of our paths are stoney so can be accessed when it has been raining. Our woodland paths however are not barked or chipped so if we have experienced a downpour then our paths will be muddy and may be difficult to access with wheelchairs and pushchairs.  Check the local forecast and bring appropriate attire such as wellies, waterproofs and warm clothing.

 

A. We welcome around 400 wheelchair users each year to Snowdrops at Hodsock. The paths around the house and garden are accessible with electric and manual wheelchairs and pushchairs. However our woodland and garden paths are not barked or chipped so will be difficult to access especially in wet weather. A disabled access route is signed around the formal gardens and we recommend that wheelchair users stay on this path. Our gift shop, café bar and toilets are all accessible. Our staff are on hand to help any of our visitors. Disabled parking spaces are allocated near to the Gategehouse.

 

Q. What is the entry charge for disabled and young visitors
A. Our entry fees for 2012 are as follows:
Adults £5.00,
Groups of 25 or more £4.50,
Children 6-16 years £1.00, Under 5’s FREE,
Wheelchair users and disabled visitors FREE.

 

Q. Can I pay for tickets by credit or debit card?
A. Yes we accept credit and debit cards at our entry kiosk, gift shop and tea room. Advanced tickets can be purchased online and redeemed on arrival at www.snowdrops.co.uk

 

Q. Do you accept RHS membership cards?
A. No, unfortunately Hodsock does not participate in this scheme. Discounts are in place for groups, children and disabled visitors. Day passes and special offer vouchers are available including: FREE TEA TUESDAYS, SNOWDROPS DAY PASS, SNOWDROP SHORT BREAKS.

 

Q. Do you have any special offers available for entry to Snowdrops?
A. Download a FREE TEA TUESDAY voucher from our website www.snowdrops.co.uk and redeem it on any Tuesday in the Café-Bar to receive a complimentary hot drink. Our Snowdrop day passes can be purchased on line to include entry to the gardens and tea and cake in the Café-Bar and save £2.50 per couple.

 

Q. Are toilets indoor or outdoor?
A. We have excellent indoor facilities in the Priory house. They are refurbished to a very high standard and we have disabled facilities and baby change too.

 

Q. Can I purchase Snowdrops on site?
A. Yes our plant sales are open daily and we have additional souvenirs, local produce and children’s gifts available in our Snowdrops Gift Shop.

 

Q. What food and drink is available on site?
A. Our café-bar serves quality meals, snacks and drinks sourced from local producers. You can find tea and cake, pie and peas and a wide range of hot drinks and food. Choose from a selection of beers wines and spirits from our bar.

 

Q. Are dogs allowed?
A. We are a pet friendly site and dogs are welcome to run in The Park only. We do not allow dogs in the gardens or woodland (apart from assistance dogs). We have pet friendly rooms available for overnight stays at our five star Courtyard B&B.

 

Q. Can I cycle to Hodsock Priory? And are there bike storage facilities?
A. Hodsock is well serviced with bridle paths leading to Carlton-in-Lindrick, Langold and Blyth. We welcome cyclists and although we do not provide cycle lockers, we do have storage facilities on site that are suitable. All items are left at owners risk. Please ask at the kiosk for details.

 

Q. How do I enter the Snowdrop Photo Competition?
A. Our Snowdrop Photo competition will be run on line for 2012. You can enter by uploading your digital images to our Flickr account. Details will be published soon on our website - check back soon. Please do not send your entries by post.
 

Q. What is there to do for families?
A. Families can enjoy the Hodsock Treasure Trail. The Oddsock’s Treasure Hunt has been designed with Children in mind and is suitable for young people under the age of 10. Families can stroll the gardens and woodland, and children’s entertainment is being planned for half term week. See our website for details.
 

Q. Where can I find out more about the history of Hodsock?
A. Check out the rest of our website and particularly, browse the section on the house. You can collect a free Hodsock History sheet from the gift shop or purchase a Souvenir Programme for just £5.