Welcome to the University of Bristol Botanic Garden
A new University Botanic Garden is being created within the grounds of The Holmes at Stoke Bishop, just off Durdham Down. Glasshouses have been erected and the major landscaping has now been completed. Planting commenced in 2005 and further planting during 2006 and 2007 is transforming the site into a new Botanic Garden. The new 1.77 hectare garden, which opened in March 2006, will focus on four themed plant collections: (i) Plant Evolution, (ii) Plants of Mediterranean Climate Regions, (iii) Useful Plants, and (iv) Local Flora and Rare Native Plants, carefully chosen to fulfil the teaching, research and conservation requirements of a small University Botanic Garden in the 21st Century. As well as enhancing the teaching of Plant Sciences within the University, this investment by the University of Bristol will also provide a unique teaching resource for local schools and a new cultural attraction for the City of Bristol.
Regular updates and news on developments within the new garden will appear on this website.
Latest news and events
The Gardens of Tyntesfield, by Paul Evans
Thursday 19 November 2009
The lecture takes place in the School of Biological Sciences, Woodland Road, Bristol. Lecture room B75 at 7.30pm
The lecture is free to Friends, non-Friends are asked to pay £3
New course for 2009!
A new professional garden design course has been launched at the University Botanic Garden with the Garden Design School. The one year course starts September 2009. For full details see the education page.
Courses, October 2009 - June 2010
The September 2009 - January 2010 list of courses, that are organised and held at the University Botanic Garden have now been added. Please visit our education section for further details.
Opening Times
- January, February, March, November and December
- Open Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
- From 10:00am until 4:00pm, or dusk if earlier
- The Welcome Lodge will be closed but informational leaflets will be available and a donation from non-Friends is requested.
- June, July and August
- Open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays
- From 10:00am until 4:30pm
- Admission charges apply.
- September, October
- Open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays
- From 10:00am until 4:30pm
- Admission charges apply.
Please note: Pre-booked Guided Tours of the Garden for groups of 10 upwards are available seven days a week: call 0117 3314906 for more information.
Events
Special Offer - How Did This Garden Grow?
In November 2002, the Friends published an historic account of the history of the University Botanic Garden titled 'How Did This Garden Grow?'. It provides a detailed account of the history of the Garden from its foundation in 1882 by Adolph Leipner (the first University Professor of Botany), to its development at Bracken Hill. Since publication, the new University Botanic Garden has been created at The Holmes, Stoke Bishop. An updated version of the history of the Botanic Garden is therefore planned to incorporate an account of the development of the new Garden. We are therefore making available our last remaining stocks of 'How Did This Garden Grow?' at a special price of £3.50 (including postage and packing). If you would like to purchase a copy, please send your cheque, payable to the ‘University of Bristol’, to The University of Bristol Botanic Garden, c/o Waltham Cottage Yard, Hollybush Lane, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9 1JB.
Tours
Please see our events section for the most up-to-date list of tours and events taking place.
Group Tours
Have you thought about arranging a guided tour of the Garden for your group or association? The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Good disabled access. Refreshments available between 11.00 and 4.00pm, April to October. Groups of 10 upwards welcome. For further details telephone the Tours Administrator on 0117 331 4906.

