University of Bristol Botanic Garden
About
The University of Bristol Botanic Garden cultivates some 4,500 plant species from over 200 plant families within its five-acre site. This diversity of plants is unique and not found anywhere else in the Bristol area.
Special collections at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden include an Evolutionary Dell (with the dinosaurs’ favourite plants, ginkgos, cycads, tree ferns and the Wollemi Pine), rare South West native and threatened plants, Chinese and Western Medicinal Herb Gardens and The Mediterranean collection.
The Floral Diversity Collection reflects the extraordinary range of flower forms that have evolved to ensure that flowers are pollinated by insects, birds, mammals, wind or water.
The Angiosperm Phylogeny Collection demonstrates the use of DNA sequencing in plant classification and is the first planting representing this new understanding of plant classification in the UK. Here you will also enjoy an eye-level display of enchanting water lilies, when the weather is warm.
A trip to the glasshouses at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden will take you to the Amazon rainforest, the Highveld in South Africa, the cloud forests and a magical world of tropical food and medicinal plants. Star attractions here include the Giant Amazon Waterlily and the largest collection of the beautiful Sacred Lotus in the UK. Also on display is the cacao or chocolate tree, greatly prized by the Aztecs.
In addition to tours for visitors, the botanic garden holds a variety of events during the year including jazz, science picnics, art and sculpture exhibitions. There is also a full programme of courses offering a wide range of topics ranging from garden design, vegetable growing, gardening for wildlife to tree identification and botanical painting. Private day, evening and weekend guided tours can also be arranged for groups at £8.00 per person.
Admission
£9 per adult (including Gift Aid £9.50), children under 18 - free of charge, students free (on production of a Student Card)
£12 for a guided tour (includes adult ticket price, minimum of 10 people)
Note that entrance to the University of Bristol Botanic Garden is free to members of the Friends of the Botanic Garden Association during stipulated opening hours.
Accessibility
Parking is free for all visitors. Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance. Assistance dogs are welcome.
Accessible toilet facilities are available. There is ramp/level access to the glasshouse and the majority of paths around the gardens are wide enough for wheelchair users. The paths have loose wood chippings, tarmac, concrete and gravel surfaces.
Book Tickets
Opening Times
Please check website for opening times (1 Jan 2023 - 31 Dec 2023) |
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* Please check website for opening times throughout the year.
Further Information
Accessibility
- Assistance Dogs
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors
- Ramp/Level Access
- Toilets for Disabled Visitors
Establishment Features
- Free car parking
TripAdvisor

- Excellent76
- Very Good58
- Average15
- Poor3
- Terrible0
Recent Reviews:
- amypH7341GQNorwich, United KingdomTrip Type:Friends getawayDisappointing visitSunday, 12th June 2022After reading many reviews we went along today whilst on a weekend visit to Bristol. My rating is really based on the lack of value for money for the experience. Looking back at previous reviews it... Read full review
- G9469LIjanetbWells, United KingdomTrip Type:CouplesLovely peaceful morningMonday, 13th June 2022Lovely peaceful gardens, lots of interesting areas. Glasshouses have a great variety of cacti which we loved. I enjoyed more than the Eden Project ones! Read full review
- Vicki PCroydonTrip Type:FamilyVery enjoyable visitMonday, 18th July 2022Very much enjoyed our visit - amazing how much they've fitted into a relatively small space, and lots of interesting information available. A great deal to see at all times of the year, and I'd like... Read full review