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.

It is currently hosting The Impossible Garden a unique set of new experimental sculptures, by artist Luke Jerram, inspired by visual phenomena. The exhibition aims to enhance our understanding of vision and is open to the public throughout the summer. As visitors explore the garden, they will discover 12 engaging art exhibits, designed to stimulate debate about how visual impairments can affect our perception of the world around us.

Other special displays 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 £7.00 per person.

Admission to the University of Bristol Botanic Garden is £5.50 per adult (including Gift Aid; £5 without), children under 18 - free of charge, students free (on production of a Student Card)

£7.00 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.