University of Bristol Botanic Garden
The Holmes, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9
A modern university botanic garden in Stoke Bishop with around 4,500 plant species arranged to tell the story of plant evolution, plus Mediterranean, native and useful plant collections.
Visit information checked 22 October 2026
Garden UK guide
Why visit University of Bristol Botanic Garden?
The University of Bristol Botanic Garden is laid out to teach, but it never feels like a classroom. Its collections are grouped around four themes: plant evolution, Mediterranean climates, local and rare native plants, and useful plants. Together they hold around 4,500 species, so even a short visit covers a remarkable range.
The glasshouses, 640 square metres in all, are divided into cool, warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical zones and carry the evolution story forward. In the tropical zone a raised pool grows aquatic plants including the giant water lily Victoria cruziana. Outside, the Mediterranean displays bring together plants from the world's Mediterranean-type regions on several continents, which is useful if you are planning a dry, sunny bed. The useful plants area includes herb gardens of Western, Chinese and herbal medicine, with species used in Ayurvedic and Southern African traditions.
Do not skip the local flora and rare natives. These are the plants of the Avon Gorge, Mendip Hills and Somerset Levels, including the Bristol onion, Cheddar pink and several whitebeams, some found almost nowhere else. For anyone who gardens in the Bristol area, it is a good way to learn what grows naturally on local soils. Organised tours, talks and courses are offered, and the official site lists what is on. Comfortable shoes help, as the visit is mostly outdoors.
What to see
- Follow the plant evolution route through the glasshouses and garden.
- See the giant water lily Victoria cruziana in the tropical glasshouse pool.
- Explore the Mediterranean collections gathered from several continents.
- Find rare local natives such as the Bristol onion and Cheddar pink.
- Walk through the herb gardens of Western, Chinese and herbal medicine.
University of Bristol Botanic Garden through the year
- spring
- Spring is a good time for the local and rare native plants, many of which flower early on thin limestone soils.
- summer
- Summer brings the Mediterranean beds into full flower and the water lily in the tropical glasshouse.
- autumn
- Autumn is a quieter time to explore the evolution displays and the herb gardens.
- winter
- Winter visits centre on the glasshouses; check the official site for winter opening.
The story behind the garden
The garden began in 1882, when University College, Bristol set up a botanic garden next to the college on University Road, laid out by the botany lecturer Adolf Leipner. It later moved to Tyndall Avenue, and when that site was needed for Senate House in 1959 the collections went to Bracken Hill in Leigh Woods, near the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
In 2005 a new garden was created in the grounds of The Holmes, a house of 1879 in Stoke Bishop opposite Churchill Hall, which had been used by United States Army staff preparing for the Normandy landings. Designed by Land Use Consultants with advice from Peter Crane, it was the first university botanic garden built in the UK in the 21st century, and collections that fitted its new themes were moved across.
Plan your visit
- Best for
- Curious gardeners, students and families who want to learn how plants evolved, and Bristol gardeners keen to know their local flora.
- Getting there
- The garden is at The Holmes in Stoke Bishop, north-west Bristol, opposite the university's Churchill Hall.
- Before you go
- Organised tours, talks and courses run at times, so look at what is on before you choose a date. Check the official site for current opening times and tickets.
Questions about visiting University of Bristol Botanic Garden
Where is the University of Bristol Botanic Garden?
The garden is in the grounds of The Holmes in Stoke Bishop, north-west Bristol, opposite Churchill Hall. It moved there in 2005 from its previous site at Leigh Woods.
What can you see at the University of Bristol Botanic Garden?
Around 4,500 plant species arranged in four themes: plant evolution, Mediterranean climates, local and rare native plants, and useful plants such as medicinal herbs. Glasshouses cover tropical to cool zones.
How long do you need at the Bristol Botanic Garden?
The garden is compact, so one to two hours is enough for most visitors. Allow longer if you want to read the labels in the evolution displays or join a tour.
Does the Bristol Botanic Garden have rare plants?
Yes. The local flora collection includes rare species from the Avon Gorge, Mendip Hills and Somerset Levels, such as the Bristol onion, Cheddar pink and several whitebeams.
Garden features
Location
The Holmes, Stoke Bishop, Bristol, BS9
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