Welcome to the University of Bristol Botanic Garden
The University Botanic Garden has been created within the grounds of The Holmes at Stoke Bishop, just off Durdham Down and major landscaping has now been completed. Planting commenced in 2005 and further planting is transforming the site. The 1.77 hectare garden, which opened in March 2006, focuses 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 together with generous donations from alumni and the friends of the garden provides a unique teaching resource for local schools and a new cultural attraction for the City of Bristol.
Courses
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.
There will be special Sunday openings on 7 February and 14 March 2010
On each of these special Sunday openings there will be a tour of the Garden at 11.00am. Tours are an excellent opportunity to hear updates of new development and learn about plants of seasonal interest. Tours will be free to Friends; non-Friends will be asked to make a donation.
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 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.
Public 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. Groups of 10 upwards welcome. For further details telephone the Tours Administrator on 0117 331 4906.