Bristol Botanical Gardens review

If you’re looking for something calm and peaceful to do whilst in Bristol then I recommend a visit to Bristol Botanical Gardens. Here are my photos from our recent trip and my review.

Our morning at Bristol Botanical Gardens

Find out more about the gardens on the University of Bristol Botanic Garden website.

Bristol Botanical Gardens review
Me and Bella recently had a weekend in Bristol, staying in an Airbnb with our friends. We had a really quirky flat in Clifton and whilst driving there, we passed a sign for a botanical garden and Bella said she’s like to visit. So the next day we headed to Bristol Botanical Gardens which is in Clifton and was a short walk from our Airbnb.

It’s around a 40-minute walk from Bristol city centre, which we walked afterwards as it was such a nice day. Or if you’re staying more central and don’t fancy the walk, there are plenty of buses and taxis that can take you from the city centre to Clifton. We got a taxi on the second day for around £10.
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
I’ve been to Bristol numerous times, but I never knew they had a botanical garden! We didn’t even get to see the whole thing as we spent a long time outside wandering around, then had a snack and drink at the cafe. Then we were leaving and realised we’d completely forgotten they have some large greenhouses where they grow more tropical plants. Doh!

So we didn’t go in the greenhouses, but that’s something for another trip to Bristol and a reason to go back!

I also didn’t take many photos, but there were so many beautiful flowers, especially a large selection of peonies. So taking more photos next time is something I must also do!
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
Luckily it was a really sunny day! This obviously made walking around outdoor gardens a lot more enjoyable 🙂
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
I just love the shape and pattern of these leaves at the end of the branch. They were super soft and velvet to touch.
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
Lots of bamboo and paths through the outdoor gardens for exploring. It was reasonably quiet, so lovely and calming.
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
This beautiful pink peony was as large as Bella’s head!
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
So stunning!
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
Pretty in white too.
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
Some sort of umbrella art installation? Or a clever way to shade the plants?!
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
There weren’t really any sculptures here, which is perhaps something they could add for more interest, but there was this dinosaur in amongst the monkey puzzle trees!

Fun fact: there are over 70 insects that ONLY live on a monkey puzzle tree. Always makes me wonder how they get to the tree if they don’t live anywhere else?! Where do they come from?
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
I loved the overgrown palm and monkey puzzle tree section with felled tree trunks. It almost felt like being somewhere else.
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
Rather tropical and even jungle like!
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
My favourite patch of the gardens.
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
There are a couple of large ponds to spot wildlife.
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
Perhaps a work in progress as we couldn’t go inside the hut. Or storage?!
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
Lovely blooms all around.
Bristol Botanical Gardens review
Bella had disappeared running through the garden paths, but I wanted to get a photo of her on this bench as it was ginormous! Like a picnic bench for a giant! Kind of how you get giant chairs, but this was a wooden picnic bench version.

Bristol Botanic Garden Greenhouses

As you can see, I didn’t get a great deal of photos and it was a shame we missed the greenhouses which I think would be quite a highlight from checking out their Instagram tags! Here’s a sneak peek at some amazing Instagram photos from the greenhouses:

Visitor information for Bristol Botanic Garden

Here’s some helpful visiting info from their website:

“Opening times and prices

Adults – £9 (or £9.90 with gift aid), except on WEDNESDAY, which will be DAISY day.
Children under 18 – Free
Members (Friends of the Garden) – Free

University of Bristol students and staff (including retired staff) – Free

Open seven days a week: 10 am to 4:30 pm (Glasshouses 10:30am to 4pm).

Dogs are not permitted in the Botanic Garden unless they are an assistance dog.”

Conclusion

Bristol Botanical Gardens offers a tranquil and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life in Bristol. The gardens are filled with an array of beautiful flowers and plants that are sure to delight any nature lover. Despite not getting to see the whole garden, the outdoor gardens are stunning, with paths for exploration and plenty of bamboo and palm trees to admire. The ponds add to the serene atmosphere, and the quirky touches, such as the dinosaur and giant picnic bench, add an element of fun to the experience. Additionally, the greenhouses offer a unique opportunity to see more tropical plants up close. Overall, Bristol Botanical Gardens is a must-visit attraction in Bristol.

The visit to Bristol Botanical Gardens inspired us to improve our own gardens with its bountiful wealth of plants and wildlife. We were particularly impressed with the variety of plants, including the stunning peonies, and the different environments created within the garden. It made us realize that we could also create different sections in our garden, such as a tropical or wildflower area. As a result, we’ve recently invested in some new wildflower seeds and will also buy grass seed to repair some patchy areas, which we hope will attract more wildlife and create a beautiful and inviting space.

The Bristol Botanical Gardens can be a great source of inspiration for visitors. Whether you’re a plant enthusiast, a conservationist or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, the gardens have something to offer. For instance, the variety of plants on display could inspire you to incorporate some of these species into your own garden, adding to its beauty and diversity. You might also learn about the importance of conservation and sustainability, and be inspired to adopt eco-friendly practices such as planting native species, composting or reducing water usage.

Moreover, simply enjoying the beauty and tranquillity of the gardens could inspire you to create a similar peaceful space in your own home. Whether it’s a small patio garden or a larger backyard, you could use the Bristol Botanical Gardens as a model to create a space that is both beautiful and relaxing.

Ultimately, the Bristol Botanical Gardens can be a reminder of the importance of nature and the need to preserve it. By visiting the gardens, you can appreciate the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and be inspired to do your part to protect it.

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Love visiting gardens? Check out my Glendurgan Garden review!

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