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 including RHS Horticulture, garden design, plant identification and botanical painting. Private day, evening and weekend guided tours can also be arranged for groups at £12.00 per person.

Admission
 

Monday to Friday are DAISY Days  - entry via voluntary donation with no fixed entrance price - choose an entry price - £0, £1, £3, £5, £7, £9 (please note, this includes Bank Holidays, but excludes Botanic Garden Events).

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.

Saturday and Sunday -  £9 per adult (including Gift Aid £9.90), 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)

Accessibility

We have a small amount of free parking on site. Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Accessible toilet and baby-changing 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. We have one bookable push wheelchair.

View the full accessibility guide on AccessAble

Gardening workshops

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. The Botanic Garden regularly hosts workshops: gardening workshops, family workshops, and photography workshops. Check the website for the upcoming classes.

Private tours

The Botanic Garden tours can be enjoyed throughout the year and outside normal opening times by prior appointment. Tours are hosted by the Garden’s team of trained volunteer guides who explain the history and work of the Garden and introduce the plant collections. Private tours can be booked for a group of 10+ people. The garden also hosts public tours once a month; check the website for the upcoming dates.