The award-winning garden offers guided tours, workshops and events throughout the summer
Is this botanic garden one of Bristol’s best kept secrets ahead of the summer?(Image: Artur Lesniak Bristol News and Media)
Bristol is well-known for its greenery and dozens of hidden idyllic picnic settings scattered across the city – but there are plenty of overlooked treats hidden just off the beaten path. While this may not rank as a ‘hidden gem’ to many readers, it’s likely to be missing from many people’s lists when deciding on where to visit during a rare sunny day in Bristol.
The University of Bristol’s Botanic Gardens, which is celebrating 20 years in Stoke Bishop, tucked away at The Holmes, provides an action-packed day out for both family and friends. Although the gardens have been in Stoke Bishop for the past two decades, they have been a fixture in the city for more than 140 years, having been established in 1882.
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The site offers a dreamy day out for guests, as well as the chance to learn more about the hundreds of plants on the site, with plenty of events and workshops throughout the year. “Our plant collections provide a unique teaching, research and conservational resource. Each display is designed to be attractive and educational,” the site’s website explains.
Recently, more than 20 local artists displayed sculptures and artwork made from stone, ceramic, wood, metal, and wire during the gardens’ Easter Sculpture and Arts Festival. Elsewhere, you can find a range of plant displays at The Holmes, including five ‘evolution collections’ consisting of prehistoric plants dating back 200 million years, showcasing how plants have developed to survive. Several West Country habitats and more exotic, Mediterranean species are also on show.
There is also a huge, 640 m sq glasshouse divided into four climatic zones, filled with a wealth of plant diversity that can be seen flowering throughout the year. All displays are maintained by the site’s award-winning volunteers.
Opening times
The botanic gardens, including its greenhouse and refreshments, are open Monday to Sunday. The main garden is open from 10am until 4.30pm, the greenhouse is open from 10.30am until 4pm, and refreshments are available from 11am until 4pm.
Summer entry prices
- Adults – £9 (or £9.90 with Gift Aid), except on Wednesday, the site’s DAISY day;
- University of Bristol staff – £5 (or £5.50 with Gift Aid);
- University of Bristol alumni – £5 (or £5.50 with Gift Aid).
Members of the Friends of the Garden initiative, students, children under 18 and essential carers of disabled visitors are granted free entry into the gardens.